Challenges

Hello reader. Someday, hopefully, readers.

Just an explanation. I am actually in Truckee California today about to get back on the trail. I had to skip about a 90 mile section due to fire closures. My blog, unfortunately, still has me in the middle of Oregon in July.

Why? Well, I have three devices that use energy. My smartphone, I believe it is a Samsung 1. This serves as a blog writing tool, camera, and map. I also have a satellite device over which I can transmit text without cell phone service, it tracks me, and, finally, has an SOS function if needed. Lastly, I have an MP3 player on which I have some audio books and which I can sometimes use to pick up random radio stations.

All require electricity, but my battery power has been limited. I can go four days easily. Five days and I have to be careful. Six days, and I have to shut off devices. In my view, the priority is the satellite device (SOS and ability to always text), next is the phone (map & route finding, but no photos), and I don’t use the MP3.

So, besides being wiped out when I reach camp at night, I have had to be parsimonious writing blog entries.

And don’t get me started on WordPress changing their application mid-trip! Now, I have to submit entries via email and can only attach photos at the end without a description.

The good news is that Helen sent me a much more powerful battery. Now, I plan to catch up on blog entries and try to stay current.

Also, I have enabled a link to my Instagram account. It should appear on the right hand side. You can click on the photos and hopefully see the banter I sometimes attach. That tends to be a fairly current snapshot.

I apologize for the gaps. I should catch up and make this feel like timely rather than an old man reminiscing about days gone by. I appreciate your patience.