Another Page Turned...

I'm sure David will post his newest adventure soon, so I'll let him explain when he's settled in.

Dave's been a good friend...my best friend...for years. Our lives have taken some interesting paths since we met in the '90s, and we can laugh for hours about them. Especially about the last several years here in New Orleans. We both moved here to run from some self-created demons, not realizing how wonderful the future we were running to. We both have grown, matured and prospered with new loves, friends, and families.

I can't wait to see what happens next! Good luck and Salud, David...

Training?

Walking

I spend a fair amount of my day walking a job site where I inspect and document repairs and improvements to a street in uptown New Orleans. Generally there are three crews concentrating on their particular tasks, and I quietly observe. I get to spend most of my day inside my own head, while putting one foot in front of the other. It's occurred to me that physically walking across Spain may be the easiest part. Can I keep focused on the goal? Will it be enough to get me on the trail to hoof out another 5 to 6 hours in the heat of the summer? Will I be able to control the dialogue inside my head? I'm so anxious to start and learn more about me...

Backpack Adjustments

I extended my hiking distance today to 1 1/2 hours during another incredible sunrise. I'm still not anywhere near ready for Spain, but I can feel the progress my body's making.

I did notice a difference in the ease of carrying my pack after adjusting it yesterday. I had not anticipated such a change in comfort by making what seemed like minor adjustments. I found some good tips on YouTube, Fit A Pack Right

The pack has yet to become effortless, but it is noticeably better.

Daylight Savings Time

November 2nd...I'm not sure why we observe (nor interested enough to look it up) Daylight Savings Time. But I do know we "fall back" in a couple of weeks. The evenings get dark too soon now, so will be getting much too short then. The reason I mention it is because it is now dark at 6:00am when I start my training hikes. I was almost 30 minutes into my walk this morning before I could easily see what was around me. I love the bike trail along the lake, partly because there are no light poles every few hundred feet. I guess in two weeks I'll be disappointed to miss the sunrises...

Sorry guys...

I know I haven't posted in a while. I just came off a monster week where I decided to bite off more than I could chew and accept 13 different writing assignments, all due - you guessed it - Tuesday at midnight. Somehow I made it. Never again.

These were not lightweight pieces, either. I had to write about everything from the subtle differences between West Coast Rules and East Coast Rules as they relate to Beer Pong (dead serious) to the mechanics of investing in real estate within the framework of a 401(k) account. Good times.

Anyway... I'm back.

New Backpack

I recently purchased a Jansport Carson external frame backpack off of eBay. At 4,900 cu.in., its probably more room than I need, but I like the external frame aspect. Spending about $50, including shipping, makes it a very reasonable solution.

Today was the first morning to try it out on the trail. Packed with old clothes, she weighed in at 17 pounds. I took a 3-mile, one-hour hike on the bike trail near Lake Pontchartrain. It was a beautiful sunrise and the pack felt great. I've just got to keep training so I can do 5 times that distance every day for a month!



Thank goodness the pack came with a hip belt that expands to 52". Now I need to concentrate on the belly!