Getting ready

Jeff's first look at the map...oh boy, this is a LONG trip!

Ok. I've done it. I started our blog. I'm still not sure we'll be able to update it from the trail, but if not, we'll ask someone (Kei?) to maintain it for us.

It's been a long time preparing--about 8 months. Shopping, and studying and generally, for me anyway, putting off as much as I could until the last minute. Now the last minute is here and guess what...I'm NOT READY! The thought of hiking 10-12 hours/15-20 miles a day with a 40lb (in my case, 50# for Jeff) pack is a bit daunting. I'm going through all the "I can hardly wait" and "I think I'll die before it's over" roller coaster. It'll be a great trip...I think...

Stephen & Jeff take the lead on a short 12 mile practice hike.

So, enough for the first blog. Now I can say it's here and we're up and I'll start experimenting with the phone entries soon...We leave Monday, August 8 so I hope it's before that.