It's been a long time

Doesn't look like I'll be doing the App hike with my dad this summer. Life has kind of gotten in the way for both of us, so we weren't able to work it out with our schedules. I still want to do the hike, and I am still training for it. Really, I just have started my serious training (see other blog: Fat Gym Rat). I have to get in better shape before I try to tackle The Trail. I can barely make it up stairs right now, so I am working hard to change that.

Also, found a Keltie external frame pack that looks like new at a thrift store for $20. And found one of those collapsible dog bowls at the dollar store. My dog isn't going on The Trail with me, but I can take her on training hikes. She's a good hiker.

The weather here lately has been brutal, so I am mostly sticking to the gym. I know it's not hiking, but I'm building my endurance, and trying to shed the extra weight so I don't have to lug that across The Trail with me. I have about 50 pounds to lose.

I did get a food dehydrator. I don't know if I mentioned that before- I haven't really tried to dry anything with it, so it's just taking up a great deal of space. I still plan to use it, and I have been experimenting with recipes a little. I really want to get a new mess kit. I have the standard boy scout one I got at Goodwill for $1.78. They were so cheap, I got all three of the ones they had- but I really want to get one of the ones where the lid to the pot is also a cup. It seems very efficient to me.

Maybe now that I am getting back into shape, and anticipating fall, I will get better about keeping up with this blog.