While we have been apart in our work days, I have been tirelessly working, fine tuning our pack list and preparations for our next adventure; a thru-hike of the PCT (Pacific Crest Trail) and AT (Appalachian Trail).  Totaling (2189.6+2650) roughly 4840 miles in about 10 months.  After long deliberation, not really, we will be saving the CDT (Continental Divide Trail) for last together.  Never in a million thoughts did I even imagine I would re-hike the AT, a section maybe, the whole thing, never.

In going back to Katahdin with Zen I found closure and so many emotions that escaped me on my first accent.  Katahdin for me, the mountain shrouded in clouds, forever hiding its beauty from view.  I am not sure how I feel or will feel when I get there for a third time.  It brings up so many questions for a later time.  For now the PCT and preparation has been the focus for me.  I have made some gear changes between the AT and Alaska, and even more between Alaska and now.

After many hours of research and cataloging I’ve put together a detailed spreadsheet of my gear and how it has changed from trail to trail.  When I first set foot on the AT my Base-weight, weight of all equipment minus food and water, was 25 lbs 14 oz.  Upon finishing the trail I managed to get it down to 19 lbs 5 oz.  After getting a new pack, keyboard for blogging,  sleeping quilt, and a different stove system.  I managed to get my base-weight down to 13 lbs 8 oz in Alaska.  Since getting serious here in Florida about our preparations, splitting gear and making a few new purchases, a new tent, sleeping pad, and many new items for Sierra; I’ve gotten my base-weight down to 11 lbs 10 oz and Sierra’s is now 11 lbs 9 oz down from 18 lbs 4 oz.

The best part and what I am most proud about, is the addition of two different sets of camera gear we will be taking with us on this most epic journey.  We will now have a GoPro Hero4 Silver and a Sony A6000 with two lenses and a lightweight tripod on this journey  Helping us to get some really good footage and pictures this time around.  Upping our level of detail and your experience with us from my candid cellphone shots to time-lapse photography, panoramic skies, night photos, and videos.  Not only that we have started our very own business as well.  It is currently a work in progress and there will be more to come on that.

When I take minute to think back, back to my first steps on the AT.  I will be returning to it not in the worst shape of my life but in my best with less than half the weight on my back.  I wonder how fast, how far I will go, and what it will be like to finish in Georgia.  From Mexico to Canada to Maine to Georgia and then what?  Questions for another day.