It’s only 14 days until my shuttle pick-up that will take me to Springer Mountain for the start of my section hike. I’ve gone through my gear many times over the last several months, although I continue to test and revise it. Yesterday, I tried cooking pasta in my 650 ml Toaks pot. I suspected that it wouldn’t work well and I was right; It was an unmitigated disaster! The pasta burned onto the bottom of the pot and I spent the better part of the next hour cleaning the coagulated mess welded to the bottom of the pot. I’ll be sticking (LOL) to cooking Knorr Rice Sides in quart bags in a cozy. See my YouTube video on the “Thru Hiking Chef.”

Speaking of YouTube videos, I’m continuing to post weekly hiking videos and starting to follow many of my fellow hikers who are doing likewise. Surprisingly, I’ve come to realize why I’m doing the blog and vlog; to document my journey for myself. Life is about creating memories and the photos, videos, and written down thoughts help create those memories.

Not to mention thoughts, but there are so many emotions running through my head it’s crazy. I’ve had successes and failures in my 8 previous section hikes. This will be my longest section; previous was 300 miles, and I want this one to be a success. There is so much that can take someone off trail: injury, weather, gear problems, etc. I must have determination and resolve to make it through pain, inconvenience, cold, loneliness and “the suck.”

Remember to follow my blog (here) for up-to-date information and to follow my hike. YouTube videos on my channel will be delayed one week, but should document my journey with more detail.

Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.

Ralph Waldo Emerson