It is not from lack of will, or want, or preparation that will keep me from thru-hiking the PCT at the end of March of '16; rather finances. My student loans stay asleep for six months after my Dec. graduation from Oklahoma State. I am applying for a Master's program to begin either after the walk or fall semester of 2016. At 54 I don't have any time to waste either in attaining the stamina and healthiness necessary for the walk, let alone life; nor do I have any time to waste in attaining my master's degree. History in case you're wondering; it's always been my favorite subject; although I've been working on Beal's Conjecture for a while also.
Okay I'm off trail lol.
Back to the point.
I will be as physically ready and mentally conditioned as possible by trail-time; which is now right after Easter (27 March '16), with me arriving San Diego a couple of days afterwards or so. Plans change during real life on the trail as they do so in real life as well.
Flexibility is strength. I am strengthening myself by using the stairs at work whenever I am not pushing my dolly. (google dolly as in two-wheeled device ha-ha) Walks with twenty pounds averaging 3 mph is still usual, and I've doubled my miles walked. That's beginning to add fun to twenty hours at work, twelve hours of class, and 25+ hours of study a week. I have to maintain my 3.72 G.P.A.
So I muscle on. I Cannot quit. Anyway I look at it I am coming out ahead in life. Positive forward is always awesome.
Couple of things I've learned while being in college full-time since January 2011 and that's to never give up. And one of the most enthralling speaches I've ever heard; "Never surrender. Never.", underscores this. Another thing is always be over prepared for whatever you may encounter; as that there will always be changes and surprises. Most importantly, to accept what you cannot change and change what you can. It is after all the positive attitude which gets you the positive altitude.
I am currently using my 1976 Kelty D-something or other as my training pack with 20 pounds of water bottles; not ideal long-term however, for training purposes it suits just fine. I will definitely want "S" straps on my PCT pack pick which is ULA either Catalyst or Circuit. My JanSport book-bag which I carry throughout the day always weighs over 20 pounds, and the "S" curved straps are a definite plus.
Thank you for keeping up with my blog. I'll keep you posted soon on my training progress.
C.U. Nobo.
This video is wonky so please click in the middle of it to view, and message me if it doesn't work. I am practicing everything including links for the upcoming journey. Thank you. C.U. Nobo.
