Gear Prep

Well, I have a quiet Saturday so I decided to really jump into going thru my gear to get a grip on what I have and what I will need. I don't like the feeling of too many things to do hanging over my head. And a trip of this length requires a good bit of advance work. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy it, but it's nice to get a few things off my list. I'll be carrying more food and water during the first part of the beach walk, since most of it is rather barren, and what is there is often closed. Overall, I have received great advice from the people who have done the hike, or know the area. I don't know how I'm going to fit all this stuff in my pack. My little tent is going to have to be strapped on the outside, that's for sure. I had forgotten how small it is. My brother and I have spent plenty of nights together in that thing. Face to face, I guess. And I still need to gather clothes. I have lots of military Meals Ready to Eat. Traded ammo for them with my buddy Rob, and he threw in a few extra. They actually are very good. Lots of variety, good taste, and little heaters to warm up the main entree, so to speak. Lots of little things to open and eat. Years ago they came with smokes. No more, but you still get waterproof matches, with directions on the cover. Thanks Rob! I'll make up a couple of batches of my special trail mix, which I have always called GORP. Now a days that term gets funny looks. I'll share my secret if anybody asks. Plus lots of Ramen noodles. Hot, salty and delicious! I never tire of them on the trail. Plus I bought a mid line GPS unit, and have been spending a few days learning how to use it. It came with an 86 page owners manual. It can do a crazy amount of things, but it is no substitute for goood old fashioned map and compass skills. But it will be great to know exactly where I am, and how far I have traveled. Especially on the beach, with few landmarks. Plus I'm prone to think I have hiked 15 miles when I have gone 5. Ask anybody who has backpacked with me! That's all for now. Feel free to post you comments. Click on the rabbit( our dearly loved Buns, who has passed on to his great rewards) and send me an email, or you can click on the word 'comments' at the bottom, and post right into the blog if you have a Google account. So long for now, Harry O.

Post Script: Went for a 10 mile hike today, with a light pack. Went very well. I feel that I will become an expert on roadside trash and dead critters. Got one good blister on the ball of my left fott, but nothing hateful. I just cruised along at about 3 miles per hour. Felt good. I can do this!

It's a Start

Greeting friends! I have been reluctant to post a blog about my trip, because in my mind it means that you think others are interested in what you have to say. This to me seems like dangerous ground. But I'm doing it anyway! As I have told almost everbody, I have set in motion the plan to hike the Mountain to Sea Trail from one end of North Carolina to the other. I love to hike and walk, and this has plenty of that. Plus I know little about the Eastern part of this state, and this we be a great way to learn more. The first 80 miles is walking almost exclusivly on the beach on the Outer Banks. My plan is to hike in two week segments. Segment one in to start March 1st at Jockeys Ridge State Park on the Outer Banks. During this two weeks I plan to hike @170 miles, and end up in New Bern where my wife Marie will pick me up. I hope to do another section in the fall. At this rate it will take a few years to do the entire 1000 miles, but that's OK.

I'm looking forward to the time on the road and in the woods, and 14 nights sleeping on the ground in my little tent. Plus two weeks with no cell phones, emails, etc. I am ready for an escape from the modern word. Plus a chance to push and test myself. I did two 6 week hikes as a teenager, and I'll not let being over 40 keep me from doing the things I love. That's why God invented Advil! I'll post a couple of photos for now, and maybe another update before I leave. My little digital camera has a voice recorder, and I'll use it to keep an electronic journal. With limited access to the internet, I'll most likely post the entire first part in one big blog at the end. Thanks for all your help and support. Marie refers to this trip as my 'Spiritual Journey'. She may be right......