Appalachain Trail pre-update

I've promised some updates on my progress on the A.T. so here we go! Um, I start next week and I'm going stir crazy.

The plan was always to land here in North Carolina and await for a good time to head for Georgia given the weather, and available transportation. Well, it's been freakin' cold. We are finally biting the bullet and just going next Thursday Apr. 2.

We have done two small training hikes, and have been testing gear and reducing pack weight in new and innovative ways. I ditched the tent and am going solely with a hammock and tarp... I might live to regret that, but I can't see 3-5 lbs for comfort when I can stay just as dry under a tarp. We'll see.

I have been keeping careful track of my pack list and will publish it shortly after leaving Springer Mtn., as until then it will be in flux. Suffice to say that my 'dry' (no water or food) pack weight is hovering between 15 and 20 lbs. We've decided on minimal maildrops as even parcel post can get fairly expensive.

In the meantime, I've been hanging out by the woodstove, digesting several novels, and trying to wrap up loose ends that just don't seem to want to die. Nothing too exciting I'm afraid.

I'll post more as soon as anything develops, the expected schedule is to drive down next Thursday and start the approach trail next Friday. meanwhile, we wait.

Cheers.