Start of the Journey

THE PLAN

This will be an accounting of how I am preparing for my 11 day backpacking tripin  Patagonia.  I have 3 goals to achieve prior to leaving.

1) Hike 100 miles between December 28th and my departure date. Last 20 miles with fully loaded pack.

2) Test all equipment, combinations of clothing to minimize weight.

3) Loose 20 lbs.

All this will happen in an open space area displayed.  There is good terrane elevation to properly condition for a backpacking trip.

Wednesday, December 28, 2022

Today was our first hike. My son motivated me to get me started on this journey.  Unfortunately, I did not track with the GPS, but completed what I call the typical Pine Mountain loop.  This is CW, 2.3 miles with an elevation gain of 474 feet.

The Picture above is of my son taking in the view from the scenic overlook from the top of Pine Mountain.  Beautiful clear crisp date.

Along the trail, we ran into a baby possum that was "playing possum".  Yes he was alive, not frozen, but was doing a really good job.  He was gone the next day.

Weather - Clear

Temp - 42F

Pack - None

Pack Weight - 0 lbs

Time = ?

Cumm Mileage = 2.3  miles

Monday, January 9, 2023

Son is back in school, so first day out by myself. I did start tracking with my GPS but as you can see still learning.  I started summarizing key conditions on a daily baisis.

Weather -

Temp - 42F

Pack - None

Pack Weight - 0 lbs

Time 1:09:11

Cumm Mileage = 4.6 miles

Wednesday. January 11, 2023

Had to stop 3x on the loop today.

Weather -

Temp - 42F

Pack - None

Pack Weight - 0 lbs

Time 1:08:08

Cumm Mileage =6.9  miles

Thursday, January 12, 2023

Nothing special about today

Weather -

Temp - 42F

Pack - None

Pack Weight - 0 lbs

Time 1:17:47

Cumm Mileage = 9.15  miles

Saturday, January 14, 2023

Today, extend the hike to include trail along Bennet's pond. Wasn't clear about the trial turn off so ended up with a figure 8 route. Beautiful bridge build by BSA scout troop 116 as an Eagle Scout project.  This on really made to last.

Weather -

Temp - 42F

Pack - None

Pack Weight - 0 lbs

Time 1:39:44

Cumm Mileage = 12.64  miles