The Announcement

So, I'm going to do this.  I'm told that if you have a plan, you should make it public.

Only who the heck even checks this blog since I've been so silent for so long.

Should I start a new blog?  Perhaps so.  Yes, that's what I'll do.  

I'm giving up Facebook for Lent this year, so what I'll do is create a separate blog for by AT Thru Hike in 2014 to list gear and weights and plans and preparation plans and the physical limitations and how I must overcome them by April 3, 2014, my unofficial Start Date.

I've located a really nice sleeping bag at Eastern Mountain Sports  that is currently on sale.  It's light and about six inches longer than I need, but I've decided that IF there are no changes in the 'new improved' model [it's on sale], I will buy it and I MAY modify it by pushing the down up into the baffles and cutting off about 4 inches and sewing it up.  At 1 lb 8 oz, saving 2 ounces is only worth while if I can also save the zipper.  We'll see.

I'm researching for a headlamp that only uses two AA batteries.  Most use three.  I want it to have a red LED as well as run for many hours on high beam in case I want to do some night hiking ... ya never know. 

I'll be using my REI minimalist RED bivy at 15 oz and a 9.5 oz Equinox sil-nylon extended poncho as my tarp.  WHY?  I will be setting it up with one end on the ground and the other held up by my trekking pole.  I have these only they're last year's model: REI Trekking Poles 

I use an MSR Mini Works Water Filter and Nalgene Cantene to collect and filter water.  I have the smaller version than the one listed and may have to do some replacing as what I have is wearing out.

A good gear list is here and another is here with a the granddaddy here ...  I shall work to make my 5 day pack with food and two liters of water weigh 25 pounds. 
Wish me luck.

Some gear I'm also considering carrying is Stormproof Matches along with some dryer lint that I've put some candle was into to make 'lighter' ... just a few in my emergency kit.

That's it for today ... Ash Wednesday is February 13 and I'll be building my newest Blog and announcing my 2014 plans then.

BUT FIRST ....... a couple of good deep tissue massages to see if I can 'fix' my back ...... and maybe a trip to the medical doctor for some kind of referral for xrays to find out what the heck is wrong. 

I have a couple of books to read ... "Appalachian Trials: A Psychological and Emotional Guide To Thru-Hike the Appalachian Trail (Volume 1)" which should arrive in the mail this week and 

"Lighten Up!: A Complete Handbook for Light and Ultralight Backpacking (Falcon Guide)" which should arrive this week or next. So that's it for the 4th of February.  When my Dad died last July, his parting words to me were to Hike The Trail.  He didn't say a Thru Hike ... but it WAS my dream and I am going to pursue it. Hiking for Dad, Coosa