Hmmmm

So I just found out that 2012 is a leap year.  With this in mind, February will have a 29th day added to it.  I think  this shall be me departure date....technically same as leaving March 1st anyway, right?  Just sounds a lot cooler to have left on February 29th, leap year day.

On another note, I recieved my new boots for the latter half of the hike (Vasque Screes).  Turned out to be to narrow and I couldn't get them in a wide size.  I looked and reviewwed the Vasque Breeze.  These were on sale and I could get them in the needed wide size.  However, the construction of them didn't seem trust worthy for a long distance hike.  I also didn't care for the top lace hooks which were comprised of plastic as oppossed to the usualy metal.  This, along with some negative reviews left me seriously questioning the integrity of the boots.
REI allowd me to order some Asolos in place of them that looked and felt nice and were on sale $139.99 from $200.  I also tried on another pari of Asolo's that really liked but were $210.  I'll decide after the other ones arrive and I can try them boith on at the store.  I may end up paying out the difference for the more expensive ones.  They felt great and the constrcution looked solid.  Reviews for both had the same complaints and the expensive pair scored higher on all sites by all reviewers.  We shall see in about week or so.

I've also received recently some socks, rain pants and my new Columbia peak 2 peak rain jacket that I got on sale (thank god!).
Injinji Toe socks
Darn Tough Socks
Columbia Peak 2 Peak
Marmot PreCip Full Zip rain pants
Jetboil cooking system

Not a whole lot left other than some smart wool base layer for the iniital cold weather and some clothing items.  Only 3 months away, I can't WAIT!

So far....So Good :-)

Well, we're rounding out the end of October here and so far everything is working out well.  The car is paid off in two weeks and I've acquired a good bit of new gear and/or upgraded existing gear.
Currently in transit is my new rain cover for my pack, dry stuff sacs and a stuff sac for my new Thermarest Neoair sleeping pad.
At this point I also have acquired a winter sleeping bag (Marmot sawtooth 15°) and for the warmer weather (REI Lumen 45°).  I got both at REI's garage sale for a great price, I was VERY pleased to have been able to do so.
Other gear so far::
Thermarests NeoAir 
Big Agnes UL1 Fly Creek
Black Diamond Trekking Poles

I have a pair of Vasque Wasatch boots that I love.  I plan on using these during the initial trek since there will be the possibility of snow.  However, as things warm up I plan on switching over to the lighter Scree's .


The rest are just some clothing items and a few smaller things that I'll probably list as I acquire them.

As it stands, all systems are looking GO for the trip.  I've completed all paperwork (electronic and not) for the four grad schools I'm applying to.  All that is left is to write the letters of interest (will be completed in next couple weeks) and to take the GRE, so my scores can be sent off to the colleges.  It's all very exciting, I wonder where I'll end up??  The news will come to me while along the trail via my folks. 

So much to look forward to next year, I can't WAIT!

So it begins

After much thought and toying with other ideas to my immediate future I've finally to decide to take on the 2100 mile challenge of the Appalachian Trail next spring.  It's something I've always wanted to do and now both timing and finances have come together to allow such an adventure to transpire.

I'm applying for grad schools right now and don't see the need to land an environmental job only to take off again for school.  So, with things being fairly lucrative at my current place of employment, I'm busting ass to pay off my car and put money away while studying for the GRE and getting all my graduate applications in as early as possible for next Fall.

I'm creating this blog in hopes of accessing it at points along/off the trail to share my thoughts, feelings and experiences with friends and family....and anyone else interested in reading.

I'm planning on taking off no later than March 1st, maybe a week earlier if winter weather is permitting.  I'm so stoked about this upcoming venture as it will be fulfilling a dream of many years!

I have some financial obstacles as well as gear acquisition to take care of over the next couple months.  I'll keep poposting as these obstacles are overcome and any and all hang-ups along the way.

Cheers!