Rollllll out

Welp, here we are. My last day before rolling out of town.

I have been successful at keeping a low profile at church and most people had no idea it was my last sunday. In fact, I imagine Beau and my parents will get a lot of questions as to why I've suddenly become inactive. It's not that I don't like telling people - I just feel kind of awkward getting unneccesary attention.  Beau has probably talked to more people about it than I have.

Work is work. Hopefully they will find a spot for me when I get back. I'm not too worried about it.  I generally do a good job and people like me, so I'm sure everything will work out fine. If not, I'm up for looking for a new job!

Anyway, now that I've gotten my one maildrop together, visited the dentist, and made my final gear adjustments, I (think) I'm ready.  As ready as I will be, anway.  I don't think one could ever be completely ready before leaving on a thru hike.  There are plenty of towns with stores and outfitters to make changes in your gear or apparel.  I don't pretend that I will stick with all the decisions I've made about gear. Getting a system to keep my stuff dry will be an ongoing battle. Chafing will be an ongoing battle. A million other things I don't know about will be ongoing battles.

Obligatory pack photo:

Is this really everything? It doesn't seem like very much stuff.

It looks like it's about to give birth.

I found myself majorly procrastinating packing up everything in my backpack.  I had everything in a pile and had no idea how it would all fit.  Last night, I cajoled my dad into helping me pack.  Surprisingly, once EVERYTHING is in, my total pack weight is 29 lbs.  I don't have water in yet, but I did have a full 5 days worth of food. And food weighs a lot- I got my 5 days worth of food to get us to Unicoi Gap and put it in my food bag. Hello 10 pounds! 10 pounds, for food? I'm probably bringing too much. Oh well.

Oh goodness, I'm getting rambly.

I look forward to posting random updates and photos when I'm in town.  Beau, my official thru hike coordinator, has full license to blog as he wishes.  He is currently under the weather- check out what an awesome wife I am: I'm leaving for the AT on his birthday when he's sick. The key to this scenario is that Beau is the most supportive and patient person you will ever meet. I'm lucky.

Off to bed. Happy General Conference weekend!