Saturday, January 16, 2016

30 days to a peripatetic life

It's hard to believe it has been nearly 10 weeks since my last blog entry.  Where did all that time go?

I stopped shaving shortly after my last blog entry and have retired my razor until I complete my hike.  I have consolidated my life's possessions down to what will fit in a Honda Civic, placed everything in storage, and found buyers on Craigslist for my Sea Kayak, Canoe, paddles, and Djembe drum.

Training and final preparations are in full swing and with less than 30 days until my start, I am feeling well and all is still a go.

I have been enjoying time with my father, brothers and other family and friends in Sarasota. 


Training has been mostly 'hiking' the Ringling Causeway Bridge or walks at the Celery Fields - the only 2 places in the area with ANY elevation gain.  I completed a little more than 100 miles on my bike over the past 5 days and I am feeling strong.

 I recently received my updated 2016 version of the AT Guide and a few final items of gear - an Anti-Gravity pot cozy, an AT passport for getting stamps marked along the way, an Anker 2nd Gen Astro E3 External battery, and a super light weight camping spoon.  I've tested my GPS Spot Gen 3 satellite tracking beacon and figured out the basics for hanging my Jacks 'R Better hammock under-quilt, that I pray will keep me warm during the cold winter weather in the mountains of North Carolina and Tennessee at 5,000+ ft.  I've packed up 6+ boxes of food for shipping to myself at general delivery locations along the trail.  I've tested my SteriPen, ultra-violet light water purification system.  I've prepared my first aid kit, and broken in one of three pairs of hiking boots.

I've left the dark ages and finally gotten a smartphone (iPhone 5) which I recently got service setup on and with which I am trying to learn how to use and more importantly how to manage the power consumption on it to maximize use on the trail.  I have continued to correspond with great Paleo food sponsors and welcome their support.  I will soon make arrangements for travel insurance and put my car and its insurance in 'storage'.

My journey is about to begin ... I hope you will share in it from the comfort of your home and stay connected as I soon begin to hike through Southern Appalachia searching for signs of Spring.

My next entry will be from somewhere north of Springer Mountain in Georgia along the AT.  You will find me at the Where's Kurt tab from the menu at the top of my blog.  Please do stay in touch.  I'd love to hear from you!

- The Other One ... aka Two Eggs

"Your journey is completely yours. It is unique. Others may try to steal part of it, tell it in their words or shape it to suit them. Reality is no one can live it or own it but you. Take charge of your journey, it's yours and yours alone!"  
- Kemi Sogunle