T-Minus 31 Days
The final month begins.
Here it comes. The day where my packed bag does something other than sit in the corner of my apartment in the city longing for the great outdoors. It seems like just yesterday I was ready to go out on my hike, as I am now. Is it groundhogs day? Definitely not. What a year it has been.
My final logistical challenge to starting my south-to-north thru-hike of the CDT was the required quarantine in New Mexico. Which, I’m happy to report has now turned into a suggestion as of a few weeks ago. Regardless of what the state-mandates are, I’ve decided to go a step further with my safety and bring stand alone tests.
I’ve been able to get fully vaccinated, so I can help do my part to reduce any concern. And I’ll be sure to get tested wherever possible. While I will be out without many people around for most the time, it’s still good to maintain consciousness over the seriousness of the situation and attempt to be as safe as possible.
My pack contents have changed over the year as I’ve had more time to tinker. The main changes being with the pack, and tent. These are new z packs items I’ve picked up for the hike. Made outta dyneema composite (formerly known as Cuben Fiber), they are extremely light weight with high tensile strength for the thickness. While it’s weakness is abrasion resistance, the bottom of the tent and the pack material are such a thick grade, I don’t fore-see any issues there.
The tent is an ultralight weight (30.1 oz with stakes and poles) free standing tent. While best set up with at least two stakes to extend it to it’s fullest length (crucial for optimal ventilation as the are 3-4 inch vents between the bathtub floor and the top material). Lot’s of cool features and things to mention with that, but this isn’t a review post, so I’ll refrain from digressing too much into my gear obsession.
In addition to that and the new pack, I’ve also picked up a chest rig to hold my camera. It also balances the weight of my pack a little so I don’t have to lean as far forward to compensate for the weight on my back. It provides waterproof, unobstructed access to my camera (and drone which I’ve attached below) at all times, which best allows me to actually utilize the tools I’m bringing. Inside the pouch is an inflatable padding cube which is folded down to fit properly within the chest rig.
The plan is still to drive out. Avoid high traffic areas such as airports or bus stations. There’s also no shuttle service running this year to the start of the trail (due to covid), so planning on that vehicle bringing me out there to be capable enough to handle the off-road terrain to get to the start.
My final month of rent has been paid, things will slowly make their way into storage other than my pack and boots. Excited to make this happen, and to be out in nature once again. 10 years after the PCT, 12 after the AT. I’m excited. Nervous as to whats in store for me, for the time that has passed in between my last “big hike” and now, to say goodbye to everything for up to 6 months. But most of all, deeply excited for the journey to come.
