Bug Netting

Made some more progress on the bug netting today, and set the tarp up in the back yard to try it out.  Even though it's a cool, breezy day here (mid 50's), I almost fell asleep while I was testing it out--it was just so nice and warm under the tarp.  Will have to order some more noseeum netting to finish the last of the adjustments -- but Dr Bug is actually satisfied with the approach.  He's unfortunately highly opinionated on this particular piece of gear :)

Gearing Up

We continue to make progress on our PCT Project Plan. Our itinerary is nearly complete, and we've identified the locations where we will have food and gear shipped. We've even started dropping hints to family members about "adopting a food drop". So far, everyone's game.

Some new gear has been acquired including a new pack and altimeter watch for Dr Bug and ice axes for both of us. I've made myself a new fleece hat, and am modifying the bug netting for the inside of our tarp--since my current design looks better than it actually works. A lot of research is going into all new/revised gear to try to get the lightest, most effective gear possible--without breaking the bank. The ice axes we ended up ordering online (as you can imagine these are not readily found in the southeast) were the Camp XLA 210 -- on sale for $68 and weighing in at a mere 7.4 oz apiece! When they arrived in the mail, the box was so light I thought they'd included the packing material but forgotten to throw in the ice axes. Of course we have no idea how these are used--or even where they go on the pack. (We do know where the ice axe loops are located on our packs--and Dr Bug is modeling how we THINK it should be carried.) I know the general idea is that you're supposed to use them to keep you from sliding off the mountain (aka "self-arrest")--but thankfully most PCT hikers only seem to need their ice axes to cut steps and help slow them down when they're glissading (purposefully sliding downhill on your butt). We're hoping to get a few tips on this piece of gear at the PCT Kickoff (a hiker gathering that occurs near the southern end of the PCT in late April).

Launching our Blog

Today we launch our blog to share our Pacific Crest Trail thru-hike journal with interested friends and family. We are currently in the preparation stage for our hike including: putting together a proposed hiking schedule; researching, buying and making new gear; lining up friends and family to help with mail drops, transportation to the trail, journal maintenance while on the trail; etc, etc, etc. It seems like it should be easier since we're experienced long distance hikers--having hiked the Appalachian Trail in 2002. But, no -- we're in full scale "analysis paralysis"--trying to decide such all-important questions as: - Should we take our 30 degree sleeping bags, or buy (or make?) new 20 degree bags? - Should we maintain our journal on paper and mail to a volunteer transcriber for publishing--or take along a PDA or smart phone? - When we get to the southern end of the Sierra's, should we add crampons to our gear list, go the screw shoe route, or just make sure we have a good solid tread on our running shoes? Decisions, Decisions, Decisions! Well...we better get back to it! Check back in with us now and again to see what we're up to.