Gaiters in MN? Yeah, you betcha!

Surprise, surprise, it's not quite Spring in MN yet. This past weekend (and all the rest of this week) our high temps were in the mostly 30s, and our low temps have been 20s and teens...with more snow on the way. Oiy. I attempted to stay in the tent on Sat night, but when I came inside after a couple hours to put on more layers, I found my bed to be too much of a temptation. I know, I know, there won't be any soft, warm beds on the trail, but it seemed ridiculous to pass it up now. The weather has also taken a bite out of my training schedule, unfortunately. My daily mini hikes have turned into extra mini hikes and gym treadmills. How quickly we turn into wimps!

But this isn't to say that I haven't been productive! I've made more meal packets, some awesome granola bars, and fruit jerky. Plus, I was able to go over my gear and separate it into Mandatory and Slightly Less Mandatory. It was helpful to see other hikers' gear lists on their blogs to compare, so I'm including mine for the same reasons, plus the weight for each item, because it is ALL about the weight, gosh darn it! But before I post all the nitty gritty, my latest gear item arrived, and I'm geeking out about them. My Leva trail gaiters!

I know. They scream Sexy, but I'm telling you, these are where it's at. They are super lightweight (+), quick drying (+), were cheaper than most other trail gaiters (++), don't require insole straps (+), and will keep the dirt and rocks out of my shoes (++).  Bonus, just for you guys: check out my shockingly white legs! Don't look too long, or you could go blind...

Tentastic

Hey chickadees!

The tent has been shaken out, set up and seam sealed! Woot woot!
This weekend will be more practice days--ten miles with full pack and then backyard tent camping. I need to get more miles in with my shoes, but walking around the streets has proved to be incredibly boring. I'm hoping that a trail along the river will help lessen the monotony of sidewalk walking!

Commiserate: I have been so good about putting on my Hike Goo before every walk, so that I don't get blisters, and then I went dancing and got a HUGE blister on the bottom of my foot. I'm telling myself now is the perfect time for a longer walk, because I'm sure blisters will be the least of my pains on the trail, but it's still frustrating how something so little can be such a bother. :/

Celebrate: my tent feels awesomely roomy, and getting it all ready is making me insanely excited! I also got in touch with a fellow 'Bree' who hiked the PCT last summer, and was able to ask her some of my pressing questions (namely, the snake and bear situation), and I feel somewhat more reassured about what I can probably expect. Btw, her blog is awesome (google Bree hikes the pct)--and the way she tackled the trail is way beyond my current abilities, but something to aspire to!

That's it for tonight. Next post will include my gear list and backyard camping updates!

Spring Training!

Today Ellie and I went on our first mini hike of the season, because it was FINALLY warm enough spend some time outside! We criss-crossed the river for about 5 miles--just enough to help break in my second pair of hiking shoes, and for me to feel assured in my decision not to take Ellie on the trail! While I love her to pieces, my dog is not meant for significant trail walking--the concept of covering any distance in a reasonable amount of time, by walking in a semi straight line, and forgoing other distractions, is way beyond her. Alas.

In other news, I'm hoping to do some backyard camping this weekend to get a feel for my equipment--it's supposed to be in the 60s later this week, which is basically summer in Minnesota!

DTT (Days till trail): -55

Things I learned last week: If you decide to go to Costco and get a bunch of food items to make some huge meals, it probably means your dehydrator is about to break. Good news, though! You can finish dehydrating your meals in the oven! Set the oven to 170, crack the door, and dry away. It's not recommended, nor is it economical, but in a pinch, it'll get you through. Hopefully.

Things to do this week: 
-seam seal the tent
-make awesome granola bars
-try out powdered milk to see what it's like
-dehydrate all the fruit I just bought
-get denatured alcohol and try out my homemade cat food can stove
-spend the weekend in the tent, trying out my gear!
-buy bear spray
-try not to have any more dreams about getting chased by bears