A piezo lighter for my pocket rocket stove that did not work, thank goodness I had matches as a backup. Former scout leaders are always prepared. A sleeping pad that is definitely misnamed, it did not lend itself to sleeping. My thoughts while trying to find some rest on this invention are unprintable. Sometimes just because something saves you a few ounces should be viewed as false economy. How do you test that new water filter when there is no water to filter? And that turkey energy bar? The turkeys gave their lives in vain for that piece of protein. Almost completely inedible, even when starving at 9,000 feet. Good to know, it will not be with me next month.
These were but a few of the lessons learned this last weekend as I embarked on a two day, 20 mile hike in the San Jacinto Mountains to test new gear, food combinations, and yes, my fitness for the upcoming journey on the JMT. Climbing about 5500' in elevation to the summit of San Jacinto (10,834') from Humber Park near Idyllwild was a challenge physically, but it was more than that.
Do I feel like I can do the JMT physically? Yes, although I was reminded of the pain that is part of the adventure and experience of high country backpacking. This is going to hurt at times, just accept it and be prepared. I escaped the weekend knowing that I can still do this, even at my age, which is invaluable. What does not kill you makes you stronger, or so my Marine friends tell me. I am stronger, mentally and physically, as I write these words tonight in the comfy confines of my favorite pub.
The positives far outweighed the negatives, which is, after all, why any of us do something which many people view as crazy. Put a 45 pound pack on your back and climb a mountain? If you have to ask why then you just do not understand.
The positives? Where do I begin? Beyond the incredible beauty and inner peace I feel in the woods, in the wilderness again, after too long away?
Well, first of all, this was my first backpacking trip solo. Much to my surprise I found that I liked it very much, not having to take others pace, desires and abilities into account imparted a freedom on the trail that I have never known. Stop when I want to. Eat when I want to. Push when I feel like I must. It probably sounds selfish, perhaps even a bit nihilistic, but it was wonderful. I understand my young friend Renee much better tonight as she works her way towards Maine on the AT, solo and loving it. God bless you Storybook, for now I understand.
From a practical standpoint, yes, I did learn about my new gear this weekend. The Osprey AG 65 backpack, which I have named "Rosie" did not disappoint. I have never carried weight on a trail with more ease, if one can say that about carrying a load of 45 pounds up a mountain. The small piece of folding foam that serves as a seat whenever I stopped was a winner, from a cost, weight and comfort viewpoint. My Big Agnes tent was easy to setup, spacious and comfortable. My small cookset will serve admirably. The Delorme satellite tracker and communication device will be a wonderful addition, for it truly allows me to communicate with those that I love and care for, and them with me. I may be alone, but I know that I can reach out at any time for a word of encouragement or to communicate about some wonderful scene I am privileged to view. The wonder of this technology at my fingertips amazes me. Thank goodness for salt and potassium pills - no cramps late at night in the sleeping bag. Speaking of which my new Sierra Designs bag is all I had hoped for, poor sleeping pad or not. My Lowa boots, a longtime favorite, did not disappoint, with no blisters or even hotspots. I could not help but think that all my research, physical training and planning started to pay off on this trial run this weekend.
But there was one more lesson, perhaps the most important lesson, which I knew, but was reminded of numerous times in the last two days.
Backpackers are folks who want to experience life fully. They want to push their limits, earn the view, not take the easy road to the top of the mountain.
People who put a pack on and enter the woods are different, and they are special, I feel privileged to walk among them. This weekend I carried cards with me that described my fundraising effort for WildLink and I handed almost all of them out to folks I encountered on the trail. There was a spirit, an esprit de corps that was palpable among those I met and conversed with, regardless of their age. It was as though we were all part of tribe or a culture, and it was an inspiring thing to experience. I can hardly wait to meet my fellow JMT travelers, I know I will meet some exceptional individuals during my trek.
When I finish my trek I know that there will be many more lessons learned, may I be open to all of them and fully grasp the incredible opportunity I have in front of me.