Preparations

Going on a long backpacking trip is not something done on a whim. I prepare physically, work hard on logistics, and try to minimize the impact on my family.

Physical preparation

This time I have combined trail running with strength training. Unfortunately, where I live trail running in the winter is problematic. As a result I spent much of this winter and spring on a treadmill. I use the local gym where I do my other exercises.

Running on a treadmill is better than nothing. But it does not replicate outdoor motion such as uneven footing and variable steps. I also used the stair master.

I love my local gym. It is a smallish branch of a franchise. The owner and manager make an effort to provide a good facility. The other members are great. Almost everybody is there to stay healthy and enjoy themselves. Yes, we have the occasional visit from the stereotypes of gym royalty (Lord Gruntsabunch and Sir Dropsalot), but it is the kind of place where you feel good training and develop respect for those members who work out regularly even though you know it is not always easy.

I managed to participate in three races. I had done all of them previously. This year I was markedly slower in all, especially the 25ks. Hopefully this does not portend slow hiking.

As an aside, I kinda like trail running. I am definitely not a natural runner. It is hard and smoking for 27 years didn’t help. Yet running on trails makes it fun. First, there is the concentration of finding where I should take my next step. It is like a video game. Failure to do it right can (and, in my case, will always) lead to a fall. Second, running on a trail is relaxing, especially when the weather is perfect in autumn. Third, it really encourages exploration of outdoor spaces in your community.

Logistics

Planning takes some effort. I mail myself resupply packages to be picked up along the way. To be clear, I plan and prepare the packages, but am totally dependent upon my wife to send them timely.

So, I get topographical maps, a spreadsheet, and a guide book. I estimate how fast or slow I might go in an area and then estimate where I might add stop. Uphill, downhill, road walking, and bushwhacking are the main considerations.

Once I have a daily plan, then I develop a resupply plan. A traditional resupply plan would use Post Offices and the handy priority mail boxes. You ship a box to yourself General Delivery and pick it up when you come to town. When possible, I modify this approach by sending packages to motels along the way. This helps avoid the frustration of walking into a small town Friday evening and having to wait until Monday for the post office to open.

I prepare my own meals in advance. I go stoveless which means my meals are slowly rehydrated. I can’t afford freeze dried meals (financially or nutritionally). Conversely I cant stomach resupplying out of gas stations and living off top ramen. As a result, I spend some time dehydrating meals and packaging them.

Time Away

It is hard on a family when one member wants to wander around for months at a time. If you have kids, there is the weight of missing milestones or events. Household responsibilities that were shared get heaped on the one at home. Plus, there is that nagging fear that if my wife realizes she can live without me for three months, well, then maybe she can go a lot longer. I am assuming that when I stop receiving supply packages the gig is up.

It should be worth it

All of the above may sound a touch whiney, but I don’t intend that. I want to be starting a trip physically confident with a plan for travel and support. It takes time and effort. Yet it allows me to spend my hiking time enjoying the hike versus worrying about details.