The photo is around mile 105 and is a short 6.5 miles alternate route from the PCT. It is called Eagle Rock and you can see why. This is on my list to visit whilst hiking the trail.
So this week I’ve learned that it’s ok to have a rest. You need to listen to your body and my body has been screaming at me to slow down. I picked up a stomach bug and had no energy, so I’ve had some slow days and not achieved my 8 miles a day. Call it a zero! (Trail talk for having a day off)
🐧 – I have now launched an official trail journal for the PCT (including these little preparation blogs). You can read the blog on Find Penguins and it will also be embedded in the new AG website automatically. I will be sending the links for the blogs to the Facebook Group as and when I get a signal on the trail. Find Penguins is really easy to use and I like the interface. I can upload videos and photos and then order a photo book at the end of my trip.
🏕️ Training: I completed an 11.5-mile hike, then camped in -2 degrees on Saturday to test some winter gear. The Tyvek bivvy worked well inside my tent to keep condensation off my sleeping bag/quilt (still not sure if I’m taking it though as it weighs over 300g) . But, my down balaclava was drenched. I also left my water filter in my rucksack so it froze. When a filter is frozen, it’s compromised, so I had to buy a new one (£34). It’s so important to test all this stuff before I go. I’m learning all the time.
💦 Also learned to put my filter in the hand luggage on the plane as it could freeze in the hold. I don’t want to buy another one!
🥤 I’ve purchased a titanium straw that weighs nothing. This is to help prevent spillage in my tent. I learned that the hard way as well.
🥵 Heat pads work much better than a hot water bottle/bag and they are lighter (but more expensive). I’ll add a bunch of these to my bounce box.
💰 Insurance. I spent ages looking at insurance for this hike. My current AG supplier quoted £1550 (ouch!). After speaking to Russ Hepton and Owen Davies (both did the PCT this year from the UK), it’s a toss-up between World Nomad £770 or Big Cat Travel Insurance £554. My hubby will check the policies for me as I’m not brilliant with detail before I purchase anything.
🏋️♀️ I joined the gym. They have a special deal for a Flexi Package where they are giving January at half price. It’s £42 a month, but then I can give notice at the end of February. This will help with my training and also my steps. I know it’s not the same as going outside and hiking but it’s better than doing nothing which is where I have been heading this week.
114 DAYS TO GO!
The photo is around mile 105 and is a short 6.5 miles alternate route from the PCT. It is called Eagle Rock and you can see why. This is on my list to visit whilst hiking the trail.
So this week I’ve learned that it’s ok to have a rest. You need to listen to your body and my body has been screaming at me to slow down. I picked up a stomach bug and had no energy, so I’ve had some slow days and not achieved my 8 miles a day. Call it a zero! (Trail talk for having a day off)
🐧 – I have now launched an official trail journal for the PCT (including these little preparation blogs). You can read the blog on Find Penguins and it will also be embedded in the new AG website automatically. I will be sending the links for the blogs to the Facebook Group as and when I get a signal on the trail. Find Penguins is really easy to use and I like the interface. I can upload videos and photos and then order a photo book at the end of my trip.
🏕️ Training: I completed an 11.5-mile hike, then camped in -2 degrees on Saturday to test some winter gear. The Tyvek bivvy worked well inside my tent to keep condensation off my sleeping bag/quilt (still not sure if I’m taking it though as it weighs over 300g) . But, my down balaclava was drenched. I also left my water filter in my rucksack so it froze. When a filter is frozen, it’s compromised, so I had to buy a new one (£34). It’s so important to test all this stuff before I go. I’m learning all the time.
💦 Also learned to put my filter in the hand luggage on the plane as it could freeze in the hold. I don’t want to buy another one!
🥤 I’ve purchased a titanium straw that weighs nothing. This is to help prevent spillage in my tent. I learned that the hard way as well.
🥵 Heat pads work much better than a hot water bottle/bag and they are lighter (but more expensive). I’ll add a bunch of these to my bounce box.
💰 Insurance. I spent ages looking at insurance for this hike. My current AG supplier quoted £1550 (ouch!). After speaking to Russ Hepton and Owen Davies (both did the PCT this year from the UK), it’s a toss-up between World Nomad £770 or Big Cat Travel Insurance £554. My hubby will check the policies for me as I’m not brilliant with detail before I purchase anything.
🏋️♀️ I joined the gym. They have a special deal for a Flexi Package where they are giving January at half price. It’s £42 a month, but then I can give notice at the end of February. This will help with my training and also my steps. I know it’s not the same as going outside and hiking but it’s better than doing nothing which is where I have been heading this week.
Thanks for listening to my ramblings.