And just like that, here we go. I’m catching a red-eye to Boston tonight, and with any luck, I’ll be on trail tomorrow afternoon. I’ve been excited and impatient the last few weeks. Now I’m excited and just a little nervous. I’ve spent so much time thinking about this trip, but now that it’s here, I can’t help but wonder what I’m getting myself into. Life has thrown a lot of curveballs at me lately, and I’m looking forward to a simpler way of living for a while.
I’m cautiously optimistic that I’m up to the physical challenge. My prep has included some box, band and kettlebell work, but mostly it’s been a lot of hiking, because that seems pretty good for, you know, hiking. I’m in the best shape I’ve been in for a very long time, but it’s still going to be really hard. And that’s kind of the point.
Mentally, who knows? I’ve done plenty of solo backpacking in my life, but 10 days is a long time to be alone with my thoughts. It’s a little different when I don’t have dogs to talk to. I’m hoping I’ll find some peace and calm in the green tunnel, and maybe even some clarity. But I’m already looking forward to Liz joining me 100 miles in.
I’m all packed up. I’d like my bag to be lighter, but I want to be warm on the Canadian border in October, and I’m still lighter than my typical weekend backpack weight. It’s an extra challenge squeezing everything into the interior of my bag for the plane ride, and I’ll have to pick up some supplies in Williamstown.
Speaking of extra challenges, my ride from Boston to the trailhead fell through due to a case of painful sciatica, but my brother has amazingly volunteered to pick me up in Springfield and deliver me. I’ll need to catch a couple buses to get there. I’m sure it’ll work out fine.
The forecast is rainy. Looks like I get to see what Ver-mud has to offer.
Wish me luck!
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