Take a Hike!
OK, It's July 1998
Take a Hike!
OK, It's July 1998
As I write this, there are now 251 days left before I start hiking. The folks at work are still not quite sure I mean it. Some are in denial, some are really supportive, some are asking me what my cellphone number is. They will do fine, and I'm starting to transition my support duties to other people now at a regular pace. As my start date gets closer, I'm sure there will be some trepidation, but the staff here is outstanding and they will have no real problems with me being gone (hmmm, maybe there is a down side to this trip after all :) )
My plan has evolved and I am now not taking my Newton or a cellphone. I decided I don't want to be tied to anything that closely. The weight is a small factor, but my pack weight is coming along just fine, so I'm not really concerned about that. I will be keeping a Journal using a pen and paper, and Wendy has agreed to transcribe it for the web page regularly. I am currently planning on taking along a digital camera, an Epson PhotoPC 600, so there will be photos at least.
I am still a bit-head and a geek, though some have said I am a bit abnormal for a geek. I coach Little League Baseball, Soccer, and am currently the Scoutmaster of Troop 350 in Old Orchard Beach. The boys in the Troop are really excited about my upcoming hike, and my son David is now planning on joining me in Maine when school lets out. I know this will reduce my daily miles, but what a great opportunity to spend some real quality time with my son. He will be 13 and is a big kid now at 12. I'm not overly concerned at the potential drop in mileage, but we'll plan accordingly. Young Thomas doesn't understand why he can't come too. He'll be 8 and he thinks he's 12 now. Jenny thinks 6 months is a long time for Daddy to be gone. I'll miss them all terribly.
Wendy's Mom has agreed to come stay with her next Spring to help her get through the initial weeks. Baseball lasts until July and all three kids play, so between school, Scouts and sports, spring is pretty busy around here. She was here this Spring for two weeks, after Jennifer fell and broke both her wrists. Life is never boring at the Hewitt house! Wendy is still committed to my hike and I may need to have her committed when I return. Last summer it was a long way off; now it's almost real; by Christmas, it will be all too real.
Current plans on starting have me leaving work on March 10th, and finishing any last minute details. We'll leave Maine for Atlanta on March 13th. Wendy and I will fly down and rent a car. We'll stay in the lodge at Amicalola Falls State Park for two nights. I'll starting hiking on the 15th.
I'll post a copy of my hiking plan, food drop locations, etc soon.
My Dad and brothers back in Washington State and Arizona think I'm crazy. My Father-in-law just rolls his eyes. My Mother-in-law is worried about her Daughter and has not told me she thinks I'm nuts - but I'm certain she does. Wendy says that if this is the worst thing that happens to me in my midlife crisis, that's cool. I don't think I'm in crisis at all, and am just planning on enjoying a nice respite from life. I don't want to think about what Wendy will do when I return, but I'm bracing myself for the worst - a long vacation in the Islands, trip to Paris, whatever...