I need to sit down and start planning. The logistics of this
trip are beyond overwhelming to me right now. Things like food and maps and clothing
choices swirl through my head every day. I have to constantly apologize to all of my
friends and family who I continually bother with the most mundane questions. I
realize that you don’t probably care whether or not my jacket has a hood or what
socks I am going to try in yet another desperate attempt at finding the perfect
sock shoe combo, but it’s something I can’t seem to get past. I’ve become that
annoying person who asks the same question over and over in the hopes that an
answer will change, even though I don’t know what answer I am looking for. 
What’s even more ridiculous is that I thought I loved
planning. I can spend absurd amounts of time and energy researching things, and
I have enjoyed making lists and learning about gear. Only I’m not a great
decision maker which seems to be a key trait needed for planning.
However I am a great procrastinator. So what have I been
doing on my days off? Wandering the parks of the east bay, I actually need to get
out and hike as part of my training for this trip but I know that eventually
all of those decisions are going to have to be made. Until then will just keep
stalling.
I've branched out from my usual 3-4 mile dog walk in Tilden
looking for more miles and a change in scenery. 8-12 miles seems to be my average right now.
Briones, Marin County Open Space, Samuel P. Taylor Park and Pt Reyes are full
of great trails and surprisingly full of wildlife. There have been the usual cows
and deer but also great blue herons, bobcats, foxes and coyotes. So much more
exciting than spreadsheets…
I know that habit of procrastination well! At first I was really excited to be planning everything, but as Kick-Off gets closer I start feeling more overwhelmed and a little nervous - there's still so much to do! So of course I procrastinate to make that feeling go away...which is not so helpful :)
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to meeting you on the trail!
--Amanda
As you apparently know, walking some serious miles, is very important right now, but carrying that weight you'll be hefting is just as important, too. Weaknesses in your feet, mainly, will be revealed and strengthened. As for gear, 'Go safe, but go light' as the saying goes. Going light is all important but compactness is, too. Fitting only those essentials into your backpack, not on the outside of your pack, is just as important. You'll do fine, I'm certain. With your experience and knowledge, you have a great base for decision making. // Just as a side bar, have you seen the new JanSport Katahdin 50L ? (Yes, JanSport). It's 3055 cu.in.,(50 liters), and should be all the pack you need. At 2.1 lbs, it's a dream come true at about $90. I bought one and it carries beautifully with my long hike gear in it. Beats cottage industry packs by $100 or more. High quality, too. Pack, sleeping bag, shelter should all be about 2 lbs or less if you don't want to carry more weight than need be. But, it may be too late for that kind of shopping, yes? By the way, I use a three season, 45 degree sleeping bag with Thermolite 25 degree liner, (about $65). It's there when I need it for cold nights. I think you're on the right track. Best to ya.
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