This is a practice blog to get us used to the new blog and give our readers a chance to find their way here and decide if they want to be on our notification list.
Chris and I have been training 2 or 3 times a week, 8 to 10 miles a day, carrying about 10 pounds (Chris) and 15 pounds (River). But yesterday we went over our lists and repacked our backpacks only to discover that Chris's weighed in at almost 12 pounds and River's over 17. We haven't been training at those weights and they felt dauntingly heavy -- and we only have 4 or 5 more training opportunities before our departure April 20.
So...we started ruthlessly going through our packs. Chris gave up quite a few things that she really wanted to take (like nail scissors, nail clippers, and half of her suntan lotion) and River replaced her fleece pants and top with very lightweight merino wool long underwear. But that only gave us a few ounces. River reluctantly decided to leave her beloved 12 oz battery recharger for her iphone behind. Then we went to the internet. River ordered some sandals that are half the weight of her hefty (2 pounds+) Chacos. We ordered a much lighter pack (about 1 1/2 pounds compared to almost 3 1/2 pounds) that we think will work for Chris. River decided to swap her convertible pants for a second hiking skirt (stay tuned for more about wearing skirts "commando" style -- no undies -- for relatively discrete peeing when toilets are not available!) saving at least another 5 oz.
Today we hiked our first "flat" training hike (barely 1200 ft gained and lost in a 8 1/2 mile hike, unheard of in our Moran Park) with lightened packs based on our hoped for internet shopping outcomes, and had a great time.
We were almost ready to give up the whole walk, now we are full of hope again. The Camino may be flatter than the Pacific Crest Trail, but our moods go up and down just as dramatically.
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