Something different…
A short conversation between Sycamore and myself. Aside from being an all around badass and triple crown hiker, just last year he completed the Eastern Continental Trail, which I’m about to embark on! So lately he’s been helping me with logistical questions regarding the trail, and in general hyping me up for the journey ahead.
I figure since most of my posts are extremely long and drawn out I’d share this as it kinda sums up what I’m up to right now, in the most informal way possible.
I fly to Canada in a month, so I’m reaching my final days here in Florida. Soon I’ll be very far north, making my way back home, slowly.
How’s your planning???
It is getting close!!! What do you have left to do??
Did you ever notice that if you go to the French page for the SIA/IAT and hit the translate button, you get a ton more information than compared to the English page…. Thought that was weird…
Got all of your food done? Who is managing it on the home end? So bad ass!!
What shoes are you using?
Is your pack a zpack or a mountain laurel?
Hope you are well!!!
Syc
Hey John! I am well and at work! 46 more days to go before I hit trail. I fly out june 29th, have my passport and everything. I’ve decided next week I’ll put in my two weeks here… cus I’m super burnt out!! Can’t continue on… death….
What do I still have left to do is a damn good question. I grapple with it everyday. I made a list and anytime I think of anything, no matter how stupid… I put on the list! The most important… call and get a reservation for gaspesie park or whatnot, and of course the dreaded passporte! But I’ll probably do that tomorrow. I’m sure they’ll walk me through it, but am I just telling them where I plan to camp for the 400 miles in quebec? My aim is 20 miles per day but we’ll see how I’m feeling, and truly how rough the terrain is, as from what I’ve heard, read, and seen…. it’s gnarly!
I guess I also have to decide if I wish to send a box to the discovery center or if I could manage some sort of resupply there. I’d prefer not hitching a ride, and I think that’s really the best place before entering the next section without some sort of ridiculous carry that I don’t want to do. I would have liked to avoid shipping to canada due to the extremely high cost, so it goes.
All of my food is done, and boxed, bagged, what have you. Still wish to add some extra goodies to each box so I can snack while I unpack! My mom will be the box manager, I’ve made it pretty easy for her, with everything labled, and an inventory list of extras I may want. She knows the routine.
I’m using the Altra Lone Peak 2.5s. They’re awesome!! I’ve been using Altra shoes exclusively for the past two years of hiking, and I’m super stoked on em still.
My pack is Mountain Laurel Designs, Burn, the smallest model. Just what I need and nothing more! Pretty great company. Still out there innovating for us hardcore folks who want to go lighter.
What else should I be doing??
Training.
Looking for a pocket french translation guide.
Getting permits for big cypress, eglin, and great smokey mountains ready.
I’m pretty much done, but feel like I’m missing small things.
Nice to hear from ya!
Jup
Yo yo yo!
Passport-make a quick spreadsheet and just put down 20 mile days (approx) and figure a town/camp/refuge. I added dates and that was about all that my itinerary was to get my permit.
I definitely think you will be surprised and will do 20’s off the bat. Maybe not and no need to rush, but….
Speaking of that, did you ever look up what the speed record for the ECT is? I think you may be set to beat the fastest time.
Send a box to Discovery Center. If you really don’t want to, it is an easy hitch up to a town on the coast, but too far to walk (like you wanted to). Or you could pack a box at Gaspe and send it to the Discovery Center. That would save a ton in shipping. Yeah, load up there because it’ll be a ways to get through Matane.
Quit that job, Stretch those muscles, and get the party started!!!
Syc
(Check out Sycamore’s ECT thru hike on youtube here: Part 1 / Part 2, and his trail journal)