counting down.

I have been hesitant to write.. the lack of a final pack list, a substantial amount of nerves setting in, and the sheer lack of exciting news regarding the trip.. I have purchased most of the larger items from River sports outfitters in knoxville. upon reccomendation of the owner I spoke to Brian an employee who's knowledge has made this trip far easier to prepare for as far as getting the equipment I needed. A list of everything I bought is as follows

 Mountain Hardwear - lamina sleeping bag
 smartwool hiking socks x 2
The North Face - thermoball full zip jacket
 Black diamond spot headlight
 superfeet insoles
 exxoficio mens underwear x 2
 Columbia - silver ridge convertible pants
 Vasque - Breeze hiking boots
Marmot - minimalist

 The total bill is not worth going into.. I do however, feel that it was necessary to spend some money if I am to complete the challenge ahead of me. That being said, my room is a continuous mess of a completed pack or an explosion of said pack's contents all over my room.. I do this more for myself to practice having a rhythm of where everything will be. I had to buy a tent which will arrive in the mail in the next few days. the tent's arrival should spark a whole new wave of panic of packing/repacking.. In the last week since the purchase of my gear, a substantial amount of time has been put towards breaking in my new boots. Chunks of my days off have been set aside to hike a few miles. I have worn a backpack on all days with a 10lb plate in hopes to prepare my body for the upcoming load I will be carrying. I do not know what my final pack weight will be as of now. I know there are some equipment sleeves and things I can lose to cut down on my pack weight... For now I have some errands to run and a hike to complete so I will try and give a more finalized pack list this weekend or next week..

 happy trails,

p.s.   still looking for a trail name..