{"id":4071,"date":"2018-12-26T20:46:21","date_gmt":"2018-12-26T20:46:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/thethousandmiler.com\/?p=4071"},"modified":"2020-01-19T20:05:10","modified_gmt":"2020-01-19T20:05:10","slug":"the-preparations-begin","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/thethousandmiler.com\/the-preparations-begin\/","title":{"rendered":"The Preparations Begin"},"content":{"rendered":"

[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”3.22″ custom_margin=”0px|0px|0px|0px” custom_padding=”0px|0px|0px|0px”][et_pb_row use_custom_gutter=”on” make_equal=”on” disabled_on=”off|off|off” module_class=” et_pb_row_fullwidth” _builder_version=”3.25″ width=”89%” width_tablet=”80%” width_phone=”” width_last_edited=”on|desktop” max_width=”89%” max_width_tablet=”80%” max_width_phone=”” max_width_last_edited=”on|desktop” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”0px|0px|0px|0px” custom_padding=”0px|0px|0px|0px” make_fullwidth=”on” custom_width_px=”500px”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Content” _builder_version=”4.0.11″ hover_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n

\"ArizonaMy preparations begin! So, how long does it take to prepare for a thru-hike? A long time! I’ve actually been planning my Arizona Trail (AZT) trip for several months now, and it’s still two months away. I bought both the <\/span>guidebook<\/span><\/a> and the <\/span>guidebook app<\/span><\/a>, joined the <\/span>Arizona Trail Class of 2019<\/span><\/a> Facebook page, read the AZT trail journals of people like <\/span>Late Start<\/span><\/a> and <\/span>Hiking Dude<\/span><\/a> \u2013 friends I’ve made while hiking other trails \u2013 and am currently sketching out my itinerary. <\/span><\/p>\n

Itineraries, in particular, take a long time to draw up. I need to figure out about how many miles a day I’ll hike, and when I’ll be camping versus staying in motels<\/a>. Then, since I’m still employed, I have to figure out how to move my suitcase (with my laptop and other essentials) up the trail so I’ll have access to it on the days I’m in a motel. My husband and son will be joining me at different times, along with some friends; more details needed re: where and how they’ll meet up with me.<\/span><\/p>\n

Preparations Begin Part II<\/h2>\n

I’ve also started gathering “stuff.” I’ve been purchasing Pop Tarts (breakfast), coffee packets and freeze-dried meals. Energy bars, jerky and dried fruit. After trying out an Enlightened Equipment sleeping quilt this past summer (my husband’s), I’ve ordered one for myself. I bought a cholla key off the Arizona Trail website because it was only $2, and who doesn’t want a cholla key?! (It’s for removing cactus needles, so hopefully I’ll never need to use it.)<\/span><\/p>\n

I’m currently noodling over whether to purchase Crocs<\/a> to use as camp shoes<\/a> or Vivo Barefoots<\/a>, which hikers say are lighter than Crocs, but more expensive. In my past, very limited, camping excursions, I’ve used open-toed sandals from Wal-Mart. But those allow lots of dirt and grit to get in, which is probably not a good idea when you’ll be hiking in the sandy desert.<\/span><\/p>\n

So yeah, lots to think about. I hope I get it all done in time!<\/span><\/p>\n

Snowshoe<\/p>\n

Disclosure: This entry contains affiliate links. This means that, at no extra cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.<\/em><\/p>\n