Well my friends, I just looked at my last post. The post I posted at the very start of the year. The post in which I had several awesome ideas about how I would be getting prepared for my upcoming hikes. And here is an update – I’ve done virtually nothing that I mentioned. But that does not mean I have not been taking steps to get prepared.
First, I have submitted all the paperwork to start my pension. I did that, in fact, the very first week in January. I was a bit eager. So for now I’m just winding down the clock. I’m just shy of 4 months from being eligible to start.
Second, I have bought some gear. These are items that I may have mentioned before. I went with the Durston X-Mid pro 1 tent. It was between the Durston or the Hyperlite tent, and I think I went with Durston because it was a little less expensive. I have tried the tent during a couple nights of heavy rain, and I am pleased with how it handled. I also went with a Durston backpack – The Kakwa 55. Honestly there are so many options out there that I made the decision based on what I did not want in a backpack, and then based on the word of mouth recommendations from some bloggers using the backpack. I’ve not yet tested it on trail, but I should within the next few weeks. Finally, I bought the Garmin Inreach Mini 2, and I lucked out because REI was having a sale so I got it for $100 less than it had been priced. Those are the three main purchases I have made.
I have also booked a plane ticket to Denver in August – I am going to do a shakedown hike of sorts on the Colorado Trail. I will have a couple weeks off, so not enough time to do the entire trail. But it should be enough time to do the first 100 miles. Plus this will be my first experience hiking at altitude, so I am not planning to knock out major miles. A major thing I need to resolve before then, however, is updating my sleep system. When I tested out my new tent a couple weeks back I woke up both days with a really stiff back. It hurt. And I am not too sure it would be a good idea to put a backpack on when my back is sore like that. So I am going to toy around with things.
I have also visited a physical therapist. I explained the issues I have had in the past and he gave me a some exercises to do at home to help. Then the insurance company told me they would not pay for physical therapy, so I have not had a chance to go back for a follow up visit. Healthcare in America……. But I have had everything else checked out with the doctors and I am in good shape. Though as I am typing this I remembered that I need to have a new pair of shoe inserts made. Fun.
So that is a quick update on me, and my plans.
As always, follow along – And feel free to drop a dollar or two on my GoFundMe to support my adventures.
Will
#GenX #Retirement #RetirementPlanning #Adventure #GenerationX #Backpacking #SmallTown #SpartanburgSC #Spartanburg #RemoteWork #ReturnToOffice #ThruHike #ThruHikePlanning #hiking #travel #nature #gofundme #ColoradoTrail
Will's GenX Adventure 