I'm Ready! (except for the walking part)

I spent yesterday getting all my stuff for the Hadrian’s Wall trip laid out, placed in its appropriate packing cube and then strategically loaded into the backpack. I came in right at 17 pounds and the pack should be able to carry on to the flights just like it was for Spain. I then unpacked and reassessed all items. Once I decided I did in fact need everything in the pack I repacked. Then I didn’t like the way it was top heavy so I repacked it again. I’ve officially put more thought and effort into packing this pack then I did my entire college career. To be fair, people have put more effort into tubing a river then I put into my college career.

Once I finished all of the packing I realized that I forgot to take the obligatory picture of all of the items spread out on the bed. The chances of me unpacking everything and repacking for a fourth time were right up there with the chances of me winning a Fabio look alike pageant (although I believe my soul stirring rendition of Bonnie Tyler’s Total Eclipse Of The Heart would win me the talent portion) so I’m just posting the picture below.

Are those velcro straps that you’ve added to keep all of the straps from flying around when you’re transporting the pack in the airport. Yes, yes they are.

So as far as equipment and clothing goes, I think I’m prepared. As far as actually hiking this distance, I’m a little less prepared. I have managed some training walks the last couple of weeks. I worked out a roughly 6 mile loop up Thurman Street and into Forest Park. Then on the Wildwood, Wild Cherry and Aspen trails and back to Thurman. Not quite the distance I’ll be walking but it’s all hills. That means something, right?

I obviously skipped my beard trimming appointment to go on this hike

This house on Thurman reads the blog and put out this flag in support of my endeavors. At least that’s what I’m telling myself and you can’t prove I’m wrong.

This seems like a good Omen.

So I’m off to the UK on Monday. I land Tuesday in Newcastle and then my first walk is Wednesday. I’m really curious what this one is going to be like. It’s shorter and flatter and that’s a good thing. It’s also more remote and much less travelled according to what I’ve read. I’m not sure if that’s good or bad but I guess I’m going to find out. I plan to post throughout if I’m able (the only thing dodgier than the internet connections in some of these places is my work ethic) so if you’re really bored feel free to follow along.

See ya,

Glenn