“All journeys have secret destinations of which the traveler is unaware.”
The final gear pile is waiting for one more sort through before getting stowed away in my pack.
UPDATE: Here is my 2019 gear list, after a rigorous and ruthless shakedown. The goal was to shuck off as much weight as I could. It made me a much happier camper in the end.
I've permethrined my clothes.
Printed my permit for the Smokies.
Figured out how to go stoveless and still have my coffee.
Figured out how to go stoveless without ever smelling the inside of a tuna packet or choking down a tortilla.
Filled up my travel palette with a selection of my favorite colors, because I'm treating this journey like an artist's residency.
Made a cheat sheet of the five foundational practices of Intentional Hiking so I can stay inspired on the trail.
Watched this bad ass video to GET PUMPED about getting out there, even if my out there doesn't involve slack lines over canyons or base jumping.
Still. Ready to be a wild thing again. It starts in two days. Maybe on the approach trail. Maybe not.