Yesterday (1-18-2018) I received my "PCT Long-Distance Permit" that allows me to travel and camp on the PCT corridor. I applied for the permit back on November 2, 2017. My start date was confirmed as March 19, 2018. So, this adventure is a GO!!!!
Over the past several months I have been doing gear prep and evaluation of things I have currently. This evaluation has lead to several changes in my equipment and thoughts about what is and what is not necessary. Some of you may remember my failed attempt in 2012, which lasted less than 200 miles. I started off with a backpack weighing over 45 pounds. I was grossly out of shape and over weight. I was not prepared for the grueling task ahead of me.
I have made some drastic changes in my equipment. I changed out my backpack, going from an Osprey Aether 70, that weighed a little over five (5) pounds, to a Granite Gear Crown 2 V60, that weighs two pounds, two ounces (2.2 lbs). I changed tents, saving nine (9) ounces. I changed my cook system, shaving another nine (9) ounces. I changed out my cold weather jacket, going from a one pound, five ounce synthetic jacket, to a seven (7) ounce, down jacket that has an attached hood, packs down smaller and should keep me warmer. I have eliminated a change of trail clothes; cutting two shirts, a pair of pants, pair of underwear, pair of socks and a synthetic vest. I also eliminated the Croc's I used for camp shoes. I carried a full sized iPad last time that has been replaced with an iPad mini 4, saving almost 8 ounces. I carried a solar charger that tipped the scales at one pound, seven ounces and did not really help much with keeping things charged. I have replaced the solar charger with an Anker battery that weighs fourteen (14) ounces and will provide enough battery power to re-charge my phone, Garmin inReach, GoPro batteries and iPad as needed during my hike between towns.
You get the picture. I have shrunk my pack and what is in it greatly. I have also been walking and hiking with weight on my back to get my legs and body ready for walking 15-20 miles EACH DAY. I have been slowly dropping weight as well and hope to have shed 20 pounds by March 19th. The items I will carry that some consider "Luxury" items; GoPro Hero 6, Canon EOS M3, iPad Mini 4 will add three pounds 6 ounces with three additional batteries for the Canon and GoPro. This is weight I am willing to add to better document and capture my adventure.
I am going to take photos along the trail as well as video. I am planning to upload the video to YouTube as often as I can. I will attempt to edit video daily and prepare a 5-7 minute "vlog" of the day. The videos once posted will be found on YouTube by searching for "Pondering Hiker". This part of my adventure will no doubt be one that taxes my energy and mind. I have been working on my photography and video taking as well as editing on my iPad. To say I still need some work is being kind. I have sixty-nine (69) days to figure it out. I am still undecided on which video editor I will be using (Luma Fusion or iMovie). Both work well on the iPad with iMovie being easier but also very basic and Luma Fusion taking more skill but offering advantages to make a higher quality video. We shall see.
I have also been writing some quick stories on my iPad and uploading them to this blog to figure out the formatting and how to best handle my writing also. I hope to also write to this blog as often as possible, attaching photos and stories of what goes on during my days and nights. I will also post photos to Instagram.
While hiking I will carry a Garmin inReach Explorer +. This device is a GPS/Locator device that will allow me to communicate in the back country as well as send an emergency signal to SAR (Search and Rescue) if the need arises. I can also use the GPS mapping to keep from getting lost or as some say, staying found. The inReach also offers the ability to follow my progress in real time via a map. Those wishing to follow along should comment below or send me a PM on Facebook with your e-mail address and I will add you to the list of those who can see the map. You will need permission to view the made and see my location.
I still have some things to get together before March 19th rolls around. I need to put together re-supply boxes so my support team can fill them with items I may need as I move north. I also need to get a whole boat load of personal tasks done so I don't have to worry about then while pondering life as I walk along the trail. So, until next time, be safe and enjoy life.
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