It's finally the new year, and things are starting to get more real. I just set up this PCT specific blog on my website. I think I'll start writing about my planning process, and we'll see how much energy/time I will have in actually blogging throughout the hike. My plan is definitely to have photos, most likely all iPhone, but the content will range from my final gear list, resupply strategy, what I'll be doing with all my belongings, leaving Seattle, and the start of my thru-hike. I've heard it's pretty hard to blog while on trail, and the best way to update people on your whereabouts is probably through Instagram, so I'm not setting any expectations for this blog. Merely for my own memory, or if any of this information is useful to others.
As of Jan. 9th, 2016, this is my what my apartment is looking like; living authentic. There is gear exploded everywhere tonight as I scramble to mail out my last remaining calendars while I am packing for a snow camping trip tomorrow. I pretty much just keep all of my gear in the corner underneath my cloud until I need it. So far, it's been working well for a little storage place. I have more stuff right now because I was collecting a bunch of snow gear, but my house should hopefully go back to normal in a few weeks.
I officially told my nanny families that I was going on a long hike this spring, and that was probably the biggest weight lifted off my shoulder. Everyone was SO supportive and excited for me. I think if you're debating on when to tell your employers (which is what I was doing and so anxious about it), it's best to tell them WAY sooner than later if you have a good relationship with them. I felt like once I told them, I was able to get the ball rolling on my final preparation for this thing. And now that it's finally 2016....it's starting to sink in more.
Next month is permit applications. For right now, I'm not really sure what I'm doing nor do I have a plan yet, but I did generate a schedule via Craig's PCT Planner. I just wanted a small idea of what it was going to look like, but honestly, all this shit makes my head hurt to look at. So I'm just taking baby steps and not freaking out last minute. I also ordered Yogi's PCT Handbook. I've heard mixed reviews on whether or not it's helpful; I think it should be good. All of the small detail things can get really overwhelming at times, so it'll be nice to have some type of guide to tell me what to do.
Gear wise, I'm just nailing down my last things. A few small things here and there and figuring out consumables/hygiene stuff is what's really left.
Food wise, I've decided to on mailing myself boxes only to the more remote towns without good groceries and smaller boxes of hard to find items. I've also decided I want to eat as healthy as possible while actually ON the trail. So this means, whole ingredients as much as I can. We'll see what really happens though. I also want to start making a google docs of how many calories are in certain things because I have no clue right now. I'm also starting to pick out which foods have more calories/oz and those are the things I should be buying. Generally, you want to choose foods that are at LEAST 100 calories/oz and ideal is around 120 if you're lucky.
Training wise, I'm starting to get back in the game on an exercise schedule. Not exactly my ideal routine, but just getting consistent again. Then when I start really training, I plan on hiking 20's every weekend, running/cycling, core strengthening, and lifting throughout the week and incorporating intervals in all the areas. Last summer, I also trained on the stairs with a weighted pack, so that was kind of intense but maybe I'll try that again. The weather's been SO cold lately though. It's been really hard for me to run outside. I normally love running in the cold, but I've been wanting to be warm and cozy all the time now...not sure what's happening to me.
I think that is all for what I've been trying to do lately to prep. Nothing too crazy yet. I'll update next time I do something more interesting, it'll probably be my finalized gear list or something. I'm getting close!
P.S. I'm reading Carrot Quinn's book, Thru-Hiking Will Break Your Heart. I love how Carrot writes so honestly, and it's very entertaining thus far. She's been giving me great ideas about food too! If you haven't heard of her yet, go take a look at her blog, I think you'll enjoy it.