Waiting – The walk

Some hikers set out in early February. Most started in March and April. I’ve been sitting watching them with envy, awaiting our start date at the end of June. The pleasure of being a SOBO hiker.

When we first got our PCT permits, I consumed my time with YouTube videos (of PCT SOBO hikes) and the Hart’s Pass SNOTEL website. I looked at resupply plans, did some high-level planning, and looked at airline ticket prices. Mostly, though, I studied the SNOTEL Hart’s Pass moving quickly in the wrong direction.

My YouTube channel was full of new AT hikers heading north. Then the first NOBOs left the PCT. I was losing track of myself and wished I could be there too.

The AT literally passes through the parking lot of one of my clients. I was very happy when the first hikers appeared. I bought them ice cream at Dairy Queen and took them to the trailhead, Food Lion, and Angels Rest. If you can’t be a hiker, you might as well support one.

Two weeks before I flew to Seattle, I started getting pre-hike dreadlocks. This happens before every backpacking trip I’ve ever taken. One night, five nights, 136 nights, a little before the scheduled departure, I start to wonder why I am doing this. The feelings always disappear a few minutes after starting the journey, I know this is normal.

Fortunately, I had a lot of work to do for my clients and also to prepare for the road. We bought enough food for the state of Washington and part of Oregon and sent it to Warner and Abbie in Seattle. Warner is my youngest son and Abbie is his wife. My other daughter-in-law, Cassie, wanted to know when she, Abbie, Warner and Sam would appear on my blog. Well, there you have it.

We have a wonderful house for a young couple with their very young son, a large dog and an equally small cat. At the last minute we decided it would be nice for our elderly dog ​​to stay in his own house so Cherry and Keebler could take care of Griffin too. The overlap between our departure and their entrance was a nice distraction.

Our next door neighbor offered to take us to the airport at 4:30 am on the morning of our flight. At 4:00 am my phone had several messages about our flight being rescheduled. It felt weird texting our neighbor asking if we could wait until 5:30 to go to the airport. She immediately responded saying it would be fine.

Lots of confusion at our small airport. Gate changes, no plane, flight cancelled, flight not canceled but delayed again. I’m glad I packed a bunch of peanut butter and honey sandwiches, there’s no way we’ll have time to grab a snack in Chicago.

I reached my 10,000 steps in Chicago. I know, in a week I’ll be close to 50,000 steps each day, but 10 km on a flying day is pretty good. ORD was having trouble getting the right planes (or any plane) to the right gate. We walked quickly between H16 and K16 several times in response to all the gate change announcements. At the Roanoke Airport it is easy to walk in a straight line at a fairly constant pace. We weren’t so lucky in Chicago, we dodged it and made our way through the crowd.

I have too much free time, mentally devastated, I can’t even count 6 bags of oats in a box. Waiting sucks. I have always believed that sitting around doing nothing is not good for the mind. Too many social networks make it worse.

We had a lot to do. 40 days of food repackaged and divided into 6 resupply boxes with enough for our first week of travel. During a count there were only three breakfasts in a box that should have had six. I’m losing my mind. Abbie convinced me.

My watch, however, says I’m cool as a cucumber. My stress level has decreased each day, my sleep score is excellent, and my body battery is at its highest level since JMT last summer. My body’s battery at bedtime most nights has been higher than it usually is when I get up in the morning.

All packages are mailed one day in advance. We are ready for a train ride and 5 buses to get to Mazama.

Happy trails! Wait any longer and I might go crazy.

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