I have a pair of icebreaker 260 leggings coming, which I got on sale for $78. Thanks for the Good Badger for the recommendation. I also splurged on Montbell UL down inner pants. (I have the down jacket already) I have been watching, but haven't ever caught these on sale, so I hope they are as valuable as I have heard for night. I still cant believe that I just spent $150 on pants that are going to, by design, make me look really fat! hahaha Now THAT is devotion!
I also got a pair of capilene 2 bottoms that were on a good sale, and an icebreaker tech T light top, which was also on a great sale. This is the first time I have purchased from www.campsaver.com and they have a 100% satisfaction return policy, so if any of my items do not make me happy, I can return them and they even pay return shipping. They are based out of Utah, too! (where I was born and raised)
As if the amount of money I have spent on gear in the last year isn't enough...I am also thinking of my food choices.
I found a great retailer of backpacking food. packlightfoods.com
I have tried several of the meals, and they are fantastic. They also come in 1 large serving, rather than two, so they are just the right amount, and are light weight. Another benefit for me is that they are 100% vegetarian. I know that it might be difficult for me to get great nutrition on the trail as a vegetarian, so I need to do more drop boxes than most people might care to do.
Drop boxes are packages that I have sent to me along the trail. There are multiple hostels, stores, and PO offices where I can have a box shipped to me. I will have a couple friends at home with all my premade boxes. I will let them know my next location and when to send which box. This is how I will resupply any medications I will be carrying, food, replacement shoes, etc.
This brings me to my next aha" moment. [Buying food for my thru hike] The gear is expensive, but It will get used, no matter how much of the trail I complete. Buying almost 6 months worth of food makes me feel like, oh darn, I guess I better be committed to making it all the way! Well, I am already committed...but somehow buying 6 months worth of trail food makes me feel that much MORE pressure.
Less than 5 months to go! So much planning and preparation done, and so much still to do!!
Baby steps...just quicker baby steps, from this point on!
Aww! I already miss my baby Maggie! We both wish she could come with me!
