On and Off

I have had a fantastic time hiking this year. I learned so much and made some friends I will adore for life! I made it about 600 miles on the Pacific Crest Trail and I can say it was worth it. I have plans of going to crater lake and hiking in Oregon - though I'm feeling sluggish about getting back out there. The elevation sickness I experienced in the sierras was so unpleasant. The other blogs I'm reading about the suffering heat and Mosquitos are just turning me off. I have a desire to hike but I've lost a lot of steam-- I think mostly because I don't have a hiking team. I started this venture off alone - not sure of what I will discover. I've discovered that I want company. I know many people enjoy the solitude of being one with nature, but I don't. I want the team. After Guzzler Mirage Tumbleweed and Tripper all came and went- and I came and went-- I feel like I'm dragging myself to head out there alone. I have this overwhelming realization that it all really means nothing to me unless I can share the experience with someone. Earlier on I was seeing people leave left and right stating that they missed their loved ones and wanted to come back with them to experience it together. I didn't understand it really until the people I was experiencing it with all had to go. Being out there with Tripper, and before that the 8 o'clocks is so much better than being alone.

As you can see from my photo above-- life on and off trail is a jarring difference for me to experience. It is like I am literally ripping myself open out there and using a completely different set of living tools. It takes me about 3 days of being in the wilderness to get back into the swing of the trail. That initial first day switch from perfume and eyeshadow loving Minda - into one outfit wearing hobo Levity is rough. It's not that I'm not me--- it's just that both existences are extremely different. There are things I like and dislike greatly about both lives.

When I am out on the trail- I feel an acceptance. I do what needs to be done and I do my best to stay positive and enjoy my surroundings. But everything - every little thing is a major pain in the ass. 

Just taking care of basic needs is a big song and dance. It takes time to ration and filter water and food. Just having to go to the bathroom is annoying- especially when it's 3 am and very cold to leave my sleeping bag and tent! Any kind of sickness is multiplied in horrific side effects. Meticulous unrelenting footcare is a must to lessen chances of blisters. --- These are all negatives to me. What are the positives? 

I feel so alive. The song in my heart is for real. I feel healthy and vibrant. I love the world. I love trees. I love sparkling blue lakes and I love all the love that I'm emanating. I feel true daily joy. Everything is novel. I have no idea what each day will bring. There is nothing stable or for sure other than the fact I will be walking and I will be wanting to filter water. I had mega plans to blog each day- but I fail boated that big time! The reality is I was so overwhelmed and so in shock. I was so exhausted - I just couldn't form the words to put down everything I was experiencing. Hiking this trail has awakened a part of me I didn't know existed fully. I think I knew I could handle it- but I didn't know in what capacity. What I do know now is that I can do anything I set my mind to. I can live in the world with bare necessities and there is no need to surround myself with so much craziness. I don't need it. -- that's another thing. Need. Need and Want. I understand these things. Specifically. 

I don't feel ready to say goodbye to the trail just yet but I feel exhausted. It takes a lot of inner powering and ramping of my spirit to will myself back out into the wilderness. It might be the lifeblood for other people but I think I have gotten what I came for. I have been considering heading back east to Florida. The only thing that stops me is the fact I feel I haven't truly finished. I really want to see Oregon and Washington. I've made plans to continue- I just need to build the strength to go alone. It feels empty and overly exhausting to be alone. - as if the wind is stolen from my sails. I don't know. But whatever happens will be happening in a week from now. I have a couple more months - I think I would be very upset if I went home now. I think I just need to stick to my plan of cherry picking sections that appeal to me and enjoying what time I have left before finding a job that keeps me in a cubicle for the next 30 years.

Day -1 April 2

The day before the day. I'm all set here in David's flat pacing and pacing while he is at work. My flight arrives in San Diego from Seatac at 9:05 pm. Trail Angels Scout and Frodo are supposed to be picking me up- keep me for a night then take me to the Southern Terminus in the morning. I'm nervous about everything. I know nothing. I am filled with questions- mostly.... OMG is this really here? - and WHY didn't I try harder to find a dedicated hiking friend to experience this with me? I'm sure everything will fall into place as I get going- though I leave Washington with many settled and unsettled feelings. I'm truly grateful to have had some uphill challenges with David but it really only showed me that ----- I AM NOT PREPARED! (WOW reference sorry couldn't help myself!) I would be a liar if I said I wasn't afraid. But more than anything it is blind noob excitement. Who knows what will happen? I've basically planned to handle this adventure but didn't plan the nitty gritty of each day because- I know things always change. I don't want to be bound by a schedule other than--- make it to Canada before you get snowed out. More later xox

Facebook

Hello! I've decided to add a Facebook Page for quick updates and fun photos.
Most people seem to find it easier to have something show up in their newsfeed than actually go to a different website.
- Though I am adding this page called: Lady Levity
I will of course still update here - more in depth thoughts than the quick fb updates.
Here is the FB link to my page please feel free to follow along if you are on Facebook!
Thanks =)

Lady Levity

ReSupply Strategy

When taking on a massive trip like this, it is quite difficult to wrap my mind around certain things like . . . what exactly does 9 days of food look like?!  - As well as the thought of having to carry that much for so many days.

9 Days will actually be the longest in the Sierras. All others will be 2 or 3 days . . . maybe 6 before I reach the next town to resupply. Many people have strategies that sound unthinkably energetic such as dehydrating every bit of food boxing and mailing the boxes to themselves along all the different available post offices for the next 5 months. This is good because you have stuff waiting for you - but bad cause what if it goes bad by then? What if you just don't want to stop in that town? What if you can't STAND ONE MORE BITE OF THAT AMAZINGLY POWERFUL GRANOLA BAR OF WONDER?!
- I plan on having mostly a town to town resupply. Just pick it up as I go - along with carrying my heavy 3 lb bag of Shakeology. I know me. . . and if I can just have this shake in the morning. . . I can make it through anything. There are probably some Ultra Light Die Hard Hikers rolling in their cuben fiber right now at the thought of my 3 lb baby.. . . But I need it. At least I think I do right now.
- I hear about pack shake downs that more experienced hikers do for NUBTARTS like me - and its pretty helpful . . but I have a bad feeling someone will try to convince me out of my Shakeology. . . and I must not allow that to happen! lol.

There will be a requirement that I carry a bear canister throughout the Sierras - so I will ask my Map Master Dave to please mail it to Kennedy Meadows along with other things I might think I need by then. - I also heard town resupply was kind of slim to nil in Washington so I'm still trying to figure out what I will do for that State.
Eitherway -
I met this super nice Army guy named Armando who happened to have an extra Bearvault 400.
After checking to make sure it is on the APPROVED Bear Canister list -- I said ok! HOW much?! He said just pay for shipping and its yours- just pay it forward sometime down the line.
- I was really shocked and amazed at how generous an offer it was. So I'm eagerly looking forward to seeing how heavy it will feel and deciding where I will try to strap this down to my pack.

It looks so big and heavy and tedious and annoying . . . much like all the feelings I have about carrying my pack. . . but the law is the law and I don't want to attract any scary beasts. I'm already somewhat disturbed by the fact there is no snow and the bears aren't happily sleeping in hibernation but instead wide awake and foraging!
-
As you can see there will be quite a bit of HANDS ON TRAINING during this ADVENTURE - of which I have more than once stopped my crazed planning to ask myself. . . WHY am I going on this way out trip? Why am I wanting to put myself through it?
The answer is still:
I DON'T KNOW.
I MUST.
- ok shut up and keep planning.

So there it is . . . my amazing resupply strategy.
I have a list of all the towns along the way and how big or small the pickin's are.
I'm thinking I need to mail Dave a couple more bags of Shakeology but I've been holding off to see how this first 30 day supply goes for me.

EDIT - UPDATE:

IT ARRIVED. . .  it is every bit as heavy and clunky as I expected it would be LOL

Compass Camera and Clarabell

Something that has been hammered into me - has been learning the usefulness of orienteering. At first Dave completely flew over my head with all his talk of declinations and big numbers. . . yes I know how much of an airhead I sound right now. . . but seriously it can be challenging!
I eventually got the handle of it and do indeed feel good about having a compass as well as a GPS machine I've named CLARABELL with me.

Why have I named this GPS CLARABELL? - Well . . . that is what my Mom calls hers in her car, so naturally it just seemed right.

I want to play with both of these more. I've destroyed some nat geo maps drawing little lines all over them and learning how to get lost going north!  I do hope to print my set of maps for the trail soon! There are SO MANY SECTIONS. It is pretty overwhelming. But thanks to a gentleman named Halfmile. - Everything is laid out and thankfully has notes.

Brunton Compass

CLARABELL - the Garmin Etrex20 Super cool thing about CLARABELL - is that I can get a little SD card to snap in with the PCT maps to load! SPECIFICALLY PCT! WHEE!

CoolPIX Camera S570 - This is my current camera which I have decided I need to replace. I like Nikon. . .looking into it.

Blogger phone app

Checking out the blogger phone app! It is pretty easy to navigate ! Score!

Easily loading a photo- looks blurry but it could just be a really bad pic LOL. 

Permits Plan Changes and Dave

My Permit to Enter Canada Arrived YAY!

My Backcountry Permit is also electronically filled out -and the physical copy signed and in the mail off to the PCTA. On the website it asks if you plan to enter the MT. Whitney zone at any time . . . naturally I said YES. . . I was then prompted to pay 15 $ for the zone entry. I thought . . . okay I suppose I pay! So in goes the card number and then I find out I didn't have to pay the 15$ because I am entering from a different way- or my backcountry pass covers it . .. some thing UGH.
SO - if you are considering this hike in the future - or about to fill out this PCT LONG DISTANCE PERMIT REQUEST - please remember my folly!
Oh well- there is an added donation I guess- no problem.

I've been in a lot of turmoil over the fact that I do not have a dedicated friend to hike this adventure with me. The only friend I have who is even remotely interested in this is my old friend David.

Here is Dave and I in Washington last year when I went to the Pacific Northwest and was just gobsmacked with the beautiful heavy green trees!!! - and RAIN. . . It was this trip to the world of rain that made me hungry to see more of this lush forested place. The seeds of my Pacific Crest Trail hike were planted here - but cemented later last summer when I road tripped Oregon.

Dave is my MAP MASTER and person I have been completely freaking out on with every nerdy detail about planning my trip. If he wasn't such an anal . . .I mean meticulous dude- I'm sure he would have somehow strangled me through the phone by now! =)
Talking to Dave throughout the entire planning process has been wonderful. He is an exceptional Marine Navigator and has taught me how to use my map and compass properly. Also he has explained several things about my Garmin GPS that is helpful. Dave is the kind of friend I can totally be myself with. - This is a big deal because most people get a specific version of my personality that is quite watered down and palatable. Dave however can handle me at my best and worst. . . and he hasn't killed me yet- so I view him to be a true friend. lol poor Dave - I know I'm a handful. Sorry!!

I am currently putting together a box full of stuff I will and might need along the way, as well as random junk. He lives in Washington and is happy to mail me my stuff along the way. IE Bear Canister and sections of maps, clothes, food. -etc. thank you thank you thank you! - Also he will be the one to collect me at the end of the trail as well as be my west coast emergency contact.
Even though he can't hike the trail with me this year, just knowing I have a good friend who isn't TOOOO far away is a great peace of mind.
~::~::~::~
Speaking of friends, I have been having a lot of fun chatting with the PCT Class of 2014 Facebook page. Everyone is getting ramped up and asking all of the usual gear questions . . though I noticed the big shift to REAL planning questions now with regards to resupply strategies and water availability.

I've had this thought in my mind that I will just FLY to San Diego and Check in at the Hilton. Enjoy a gorgeous bridge view as I privately freak out about the upcoming trek -- sleep for a couple days then go grocery shopping and hit the trail.
Though I am terrified about hiking alone - and would much rather work out my kinks and silly jitters alone than burden others with it. . .
- I also want to experience the social aspect and really . . . just not be alone in the desert LOL.
LO and BEHOLD - Laura appears! She kindly invited me to join her group who is starting out April 3rd, 2014. I had been super set in my brain - I'll start the 4th - the 4th - the 4th . . .this starts the 4th . . .HA. But now I'm realizing that this is my opportunity to enjoy the trail and start this adventure off with shining clean gear and other sparkly fun people - WITH the hope of cheering and posing for photos with them again at the northern terminus many months from now!

- I stayed up all last night tossing and turning - deciding what I will do. . . and at 5:30 am I chose to go with this friendly group of people . Nothing is set in stone to stay with people but - it is very comforting to at least start out with them. I expressed my concern that I might be too slow to keep up with them - and she assured me that there are all speeds! So far about 6 of us.

I fly in April 2nd to San Diego where I will be picked up by people named Scout and Frodo! I have already gotten a very detailed and friendly email that answers all my questions! My flight lands early evening. I have time to go grocery shopping . . maybe take one last shower? and then BLAM! They take us at 6 am to the trail head to begin!

Sleeping Bag Love and Tent EZPZ!

I really adore my sleeping bag - upon receiving it I had to jump right in to test it out! I am going to try my absolute best to not get this wet!!
Its kind of challenging to stuff this sucker back into its stuff sack - but surprisingly it packs down nice and small for all the PUFF!

My tent - MSR HUBBA - solo backpacking tent is super easy to set up with plenty room to sit up -change and hang out in. I also enjoy the mesh to keep bugs out but still check out the stars!- my only concern is somehow breaking poles. . .but then I was advised to just duct tape that shit!

RAAAR!! Anticipation!

Anticipation is rising.
This room is my sanctuary. 

I lay on my back staring at the four posters of my bed. I inspect the deep glossy shine of the mahogany wood and the beautiful curve of each post against the deep purple walls I painted. I can smell the faint lemon oil polish I applied last week as well as the bright scent of grapefruit and roses which happen to be my current blend of favorite perfumes and lotions. I pull the rich ruby red comforter up under my chin and listen to the gentle tick tick tick of the ceiling fan.
I wonder what propelled me to begin planning an extended trip that would take me away from my favorite safe place.
It has been 6 months of non stop planning. Everything has been considered, researched, questioned, tried on for size, broken, junked, replanned, coveted, and returned.
I believe only someone truly passionate about backpacking -- OR someone completely obsessive - can take on this sort of endeavor!

~::~~::~~::~~

So --I've been intensely working out for the last month. Yes ONE WHOLE MONTH. I definitely FEEL stronger and better . . .though honestly the closer the time gets to leaving for my trip - the more anxious I become. I have completed all of my gear collecting and I feel very confident with my choices.

The flight is booked to San Diego and I am excited to spend a couple days there checking out the Gas Lamp area and the San Diego Zoo. .. . I'm dying to see a panda. If you know anything about me I'm bonkers for pandas!!!

Though all the planning is settling -  I'm trying to rein in my crazy energy. I know it must be spilling out of me - a mixture of fear and excitement - longing - question marks! I don't even want to be around people because I know my craziness is filling the air and someone will suspect how truly unhinged I really am. LOL.

The only thing that seems to keep this nervousness all in check is the constant daily grind of going to my workout at Agility as well as loading up my pack with literally EVERYTHING I plan to carry including food and water. I'm at 27lbs now which feels alright.  . . I noticed carrying 4 liters of water was breaking my back - but 3 liters is good. ALSO I traded out my MSR 4 liter Dromedary bag that just kind of sloshed around like a heavy unanchored ocean- for one of these 3 liter Osprey bags that has a firm backing and structure. . .it just seems to sit nicer and placed perfectly.

My first hike out with the pack loaded was actually pretty brutal. My arms were screaming. I totally loaded my pack wrong. It was as if a giant HAND FROM ABOVE was pressing down heavily upon my shoulders as I trudged on in the relentless flat nowhere of sw Florida. . . ok ya that was dramatic. . but STILLLLLLLL - Thats how it felt!

As the weeks pour on - I've gotten pretty good at organizing my pack to be JUST SO. And now I'm thinking about details that normally would escape my attention . . .

For example I woke up this morning thinking about my 3 lbs of nutritional shake powder I'm carrying and how RANK it smells if you don't clean it out pronto.

If you drink protein shakes you know exactly what I'm talking about!! -  I'm wondering if I will have enough water to sufficiently keep this cup from smelling horrible - and if I really have enough food to bring along.  It is one thing to hike for several miles then go home shower and be tucked in bed each night - and another to hike and then sleep out there- somewhere.

I'm wondering how the hell I'm going to make this happen since I pretty much conk out each day after 90 mins strength training and 6 mile weighted pack hike.

- My crazy fears about bears checking out my tent are getting drowned out by pure energy. - which is a good thing. I kind of freak out a little thinking about bears. 

There are 2 months between me and the trail now. That is 8 more weeks of workouts and sticking to my diet. I've lost 10 lbs. Which should help my joints out. . . . Hoping to lose as much as I can before making it to California so I can travel quickly and efficiently. 

I will keep you posted. . . <3 xoxox

Planning Food

Hey ALL!
I'm planning out what food to bring. I'm the kind of person who doesn't mind being very blah and boring while on the trail - as long as I'm getting the fuel I need.
I won't lie --- I'm totally hoping to drop a few pounds while attempting to make 20ish miles a day for 5 months!. . . I want to be on the move and not carrying a lot of crap that has many small parts. I just can't stand it. I'm kind of a set it and forget it kinda gal! LOL.
-I am planning on going cold for at least the beginning of the adventure.

Carrying:
Shakeology
Peanutbutter
Meal Replacement Bars
Nuts 
Dried blueberies
Oatmeal
Chunk Chicken Breast Packets

I hope to hit up towns for nice hot meals when I can as well as get my fruit fix in!!
-I'm really very happy with just water but I suppose I will miss that nice hot cup of coffee I usually have in the morning. . . . I thought about those Starbucks VIA things. . .still considering. .  .maybe drop a packet into a water bottle with a carnation instant breakfast.
I'm very flexible with bringing stuff and finding out what works for the long haul. I realize things will change and I'm down. I just really need to get my vitamins. Vitamins are a requirement for me.

The point is I don't want to be carrying a whole lot of crazy food garbage I need to be packing in and out of the trail. I am someone who likes to eat a bit then return and finish the meal later- I have a hard time loading in one shot.  So going cold seems to be the most appealing to me for that reason as well as others.

I have quite a few friends who will be meeting up to spend a few days or even a few weeks with me on the trail. -And friends I can stop in and visit to rest up - do laundry and take a nice hot shower! I'm so excited to see these people along the way and very grateful for their hospitality! Being from Florida - I know I will feel pretty displaced- so having several friends who drop in along the way will be magic!

Back from the COLD!!!

Hello Everyone and Happy New Year!! Now that I've graduated from USF - YAY!!!!!!

- I'm hitting up all my dreams big time! The above photo is the frozen icicles of Box Canyon Falls!

I just enjoyed a fantastic holiday with family and friends for Christmas in Durango, Colorado. It was so fun to be out of sweltering Florida and playing in the snow!
I also reconnected with a very dear friend I haven't seen in nearly 9 years- DIANNE!!!!!

The elevation of Colorado had me winded for sure- but I got to test out some of the winter gear I plan on bringing with me to the PCT. Everything worked just as I hoped it would and I couldn't be more excited. 19 degree weather NO PROBLEM!!!! . . . .though. . . .it wasn't windy. I know that wind makes ALL THE DIFFERENCE hahahah!

Shoes held up in snow without getting my feet wet. - Also the capiline 3 half zip top I have is magic. As I hiked further into the cold - of course I got super warm and that top kept me breathing but regulated. I have a feeling it will be my fav on the trail!

Now that 2014 has HIT - the realization that April will be upon us soon is really hitting home! I'm planning my ticket now and happy to be in touch with some friends who live out west as well as a couple folks from the Class of 2014 PCT FB page.