Ready to go!

My bag is packed (starting weight is 34.5 pounds), my pre-trip checklist is almost complete, and I
finished up what I could with work. In less than 24 hours I will be
sitting on the train on the way to Georgia. After months of planning
and years of dreaming I can't believe it is finally here.

Thanks to everyone who came last night. You all (as well as everyone
else who couldn't make it) will be missed. But, I am sure the time
will fly by. Keep me posted on anything that is going on so I am not
completely shocked when I get back ;)

"Remember what Bilbo used to say: It's a dangerous business, Frodo,
going out your door. You step onto the road, and if you don't keep
your feet, there's no knowing where you might be swept off to." -
J.R.R. Tolkien

Calendar

I will try to update a calendar as I progress:

Calendar

If you want to send me a package, either check with my Mom or e-mail me to get the Post Office or mailing address that I should next arrive at (and how to send it). I will be happy to receive packages, but remember that I need to carry anything that you send ;)

Updated Gear List

I have updated my gear list and put it into a publicly accessible spreadsheet:

Gear List

It will be interesting to see the changes from the start of the trip to the end.

4 Weeks to go...

I depart for Springer 4 weeks from today. It is kinda scary that it is so close but I am ready.

I didn't get to do both of the warm-up hikes that I had planned between New Year's and today, but I was able to get out for a snowshoeing overnighter on the AT in VT. It was a quick trip from Rt 11 to Spruce Peak Shelter and back. Although I camped by the relatively warm shelter, I stayed in my hammock as I was testing out the gear. Other than the snowshoes, I had everything that I am planning on bringing with me to Springer. About 10 degrees F, 2-4 feet of snow, and everything was working out. I decided to add short gaiters though given the possibility of deep snow. So, yes, I think I am set on my gear list (although a few minor things changed in the past couple months from the list below, like adding a NeoAir).

So, the biggest 2 questions I have been receiving from people are: (1) "Are you going alone?" and (2) "Are you bringing a cell phone?". For the first one, yes, I am going alone. It is quite typical for thruhikers to start out alone. The AT is a fairly populated trail, especially during the time that I will be starting. For the second question, yes, I will have a cell phone, but it will be off 99% of the time. It is a mistake to go into the woods relying on phones, GPSs, or other similar technology. Electronic devices tend to fail at inopportune times. Besides that, cell reception is iffy in places and part of the reason for a thru-hike is to get away from the busyness of everyday life. So, I will have the cell phone, primarily to update this blog when I can and coordinate resupplies, but it will be used very sparingly.

Now I play the waiting game as I get ready to depart...