ONE MONTH OUT

It’s less than four weeks until I knock the Pacific Crest Trail off the top spot of the ‘greatest things I’ve done’ list.

That, or its four weeks until I melt myself and die in a barren New Mexican wasteland. Or get eaten by something, washed away in an avalanche or raging torrent….. All probably more likely than the former.

Wow, I can’t wait.

We’ve pretty much been ready to go since October, we busy ourselves by convincing each other that we do need anti chafe cream and spend hours researching the very best kind. I spent way too long looking into the most effective type of poop towel; and have pretty much watched all the good vlogs that I’ve now moved on to the really boring ones.

Needless to say I’m excited. Though one hour into day one, I’m confident I’ll be a sweaty mess, regretting all my decisions up until that point .

I’ve been on a few walks, they’re not very long as I need to allow time to attend a public house on route. I have been carrying a bit of weight, but not lots, because, obviously I want to enjoy myself and, we all know a heavy pack is the worst thing about hiking.

I’m sure we’re ready.

*This is pretty much exactly what the CDT will look like.*

I’ve spent a while putting off buying service for our SPOT tracker. This is the device for when all the poo hits the fans and we need HELP, (in an emergency) but have no signal.

The price of this ‘service’ has doubled in 5 years, which I suppose is fair enough. It’s pretty much a non-negotiable essential item, as potential search and rescue, and or medical fees could end up costing more than my entire life has so far. This service pays out for that.

It has a big SOS button which, when pushed, calls on superheroes to come and save us when we run into trouble. Like when my feet hurt and I need to lay down.

It also has an ‘OK’ button, which sends a message to pre-installed contacts to let them know we’re still alive, while sending them our exact GPS location. It’s pretty much for our Mum’s. It’s relatively heavy, so be grateful Mum’s!

*SPOT Gen 1, AKA the batphone, AKA the Mother Placater*

I have work still, right up until a week before we leave, but that’s mighty fine by me as I’m currently ‘working’ here:

This will be my first post from my phone, which is the device I’ll be using to post while on the trail. I’m interested to see how easy it is, how time consuming and how many more (than usual) spelling mistakes there are. No doubt you’ll be kind enough to let me know about the latter?

All that’s left to do are the really fun things like moving out and saying goodbye to loved ones. AKA all the things I hate.