Less than a week until I start the PCT, and I'm on an emotional roller-coaster. First the happy excitement and I can't believe this is really happening. Then fear and anxiety-- I didn't expect to feel this, given how much I prepared. But I keep freaking myself out and second guessing my gear decisions. I'm scared about water, about heat, about cold. I'm scared about what I will learn about myself. Already, I see myself more clearly and a few times I've broken down in tears. But I also know this is all part of the process, and I'm more excited then ever to be experiencing all of this.
Right now I am in my hammock out on the Pine Mountain Trail in Georgia on the last shakedown trip. Renee and I came out a day earlier than planned, and that was such a good call because I'm finally relaxed here in my hammock. Not to say I haven't been enjoying these last few weeks of couch surfing- I've had a blast- but it feels like I'm "home" being out on the trail.
One of the things I've been worrying about is my ground setup. I'm hoping I'll be able to hang most nights, but I want to know I'll be ok if I can't. So today I practiced pitching my tarp on the ground for the first time.
I also tried out a 6 oz klymit inflatable pad to see if it might be worth carrying- this was something JJ gave me and it was also recommended by SlowBro, who is also hiking the PCT this year in a hammock. I'm reluctant to bring anything I'm not going to be using everyday, but it sure did make lying on the ground tolerable. I know I'm thinking more about it now that I actually tried my Zlite alone on the ground- I can't imagine I'd get any sleep on it.
I am still undecided whether I will carry the klymit or put it in the bounce box. Carrying it would seem like choosing to "pack my fears." But there is so much uncertainty. Guess it'll depend on how often I can't find a hang site.
Despite all the ups and downs, the thing that reassures me is that I know I'm challenging myself and already learning so much. And the best is still yet to come!
PS This is the first blog post I've written on my iPhone!
Pretty jealous! Whatever you don't have someone can send you. I absolutely need a cushy pad...can't imagine not having one. Sleep is everything. You could get it mailed to you easily I would think.
ReplyDeleteYes, I keep forgetting I don't need to make final decisions right now, that I can change things up as I go along. To that end, I just finished labeling a box of spare gear and clothes for the friend who is doing my resupply. And I decided I'll do a bounce box too, and just put the klymit in there. Phew!
DeleteI was reliving my AT hike in my head the other night, thinking of how much of a different person I was the first half versus the second half, or broken down further, pre-Pearisburg and post-Pearisburg to Harpers Ferry. I'll have to write a bit about it sometime....but the trail does change people. I can't wait to read about your hike. The other two couples I know hiking are leavings soon, though one is heading southbound. The northbounders are Moonshine and Sideways D if you run into them.
ReplyDeleteWould be great to hear about the transformation- that's one thing I that draws me to long-distance hiking, and it's so insightful to hear stories about that.
DeleteI'll keep an eye out for Moonshine and Sideways D!
I know you will do well. You are definitely prepared and have thought through all that may be thrown your way. Once you are on the trail all your fears will disappear, you'll be relaxed and have a great journey.
ReplyDeleteI can hardly wait to be on the trail. I know in the back of my head that everything will be fine once I get out there. I definitely relax once I step away from my gear list and get outside.
DeleteI've enjoyed watching your prep and you've done a great job! Hated to see the tarp on the ground but it's bound to happen and you're well prepared in any event.I wish you the best of luck in your adventure and look forward to reading about your journey.
ReplyDeleteGreat to hear from you, Tracy! Hope all is going well! I'm glad you understand about putting the tarp on the ground-- it just looked so wrong down there. But sure was good to know that I'm all set "just in case."
Delete