AT: Progress

My schedule is pretty much ironed out – even made my flight, Harper Ferry’s Town’s Inn and shuttle reservations. Mark/Strings, who gave me a ride to Dulles last year, was available for a return trip! Checked out my Big 3 and all look in good enough shape for another long hike. I did clean and lubricate the little zippers. Might be needed to keep the bugs out of the tent in early summer. Bought two pairs of Brooks Cascadia shoes that have served me well for most of my thru-hikes. Replaced my worn and holey sun gloves and possum gloves and settled on another Smartwool Merino 1/4 zip base layer.

In a moment of weakness, I also bought a Flextail Zero Pump for inflating/deflating my sleeping pad. I met an AT hiker last year that was using a slightly larger, heavier model. But recently noticed a new 1.2 oz model on the market. I have never really enjoyed blowing up my pad after walking 20+ miles and now only need a few ounces to shave of elsewhere!

I started my light weight/core workouts and stepped up daily mileage. The dog even had to lay down for a few minutes this morning. I went to a doctor about my neck pain and loss of cartilage this week. The first course of treatment will be a medial branch nerve block. If this provides temporary relief, an ablation procedure that could provide longer term relief, 6 months to 2 years. I’m hoping to get all this done before mid-April.