Colorado Trail 2016

Beyond thrilled to start my prep to tackle the Colorado Trail!
July is when I will head out and along the way I plan to meet my dear friends Anna and Dianne. The trail is nearly 500 miles from Denver to Durango!!!
How beautiful! The things I'm worried about mostly - is the altitude. I think I'm going to head to Denver a few days in advance and just hang out- pack my food and get situated.



It will take about 30 days -- I'm not sure if I will go the entire way - I just know that my friends want to meet up from about Silverton on to Durango. I will have to figure out how I can best board my dogs that won't be super expensive so I can go have fun.
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I'm not holding my breath that Dave can get leave to do part of this with me - but I know he really wants to go too.

I'll keep you posted!
<3

Life After - Life Again

   All of my grand efforts to blog about the Pacific Crest Trail hike - crashed to the earth as I was blown over by the sheer wildness of hiking and sleeping outside for months. I was simply just too exhausted to form coherent thoughts. I would make it to a town and just sit quietly in a chair for several hours because that chair was predictable. -- Nothing unexpected was going to happen. I just had to sit there and soak it all in.
I'm not sure what I was expecting by attempting a super long national scenic trail to hike- as someone who has never hiked before -- - but it wasn't as extremely extreme in my imagination as what actually happened. My whole life and mind was blown wide open and now I just can't ever be the old me.
I especially can't be what other people want me to be now either.

Being away from hiking in 2015 has turned me back into a snooty bitch. I need to just relax and start planning.

I never feel better than I do-- than when it is time to get organized. -- I'm such a specific planner - that I plan to also break the plan and instead be loosely planned within a plan. - I plan so much that when it comes time to execute my plan - I've already rehearsed the entire scenario in my mind a million times- that my body just goes through the motions.

 --- So here I am -- planning.
I'm planning to make my next move.
I'm going to work and save money to get new shoes and extra side items for hiking.
I'm going to Hike on the Colorado Trail.

I'm going to change my mind again - I've been away from that ultimate joy for a year now. I feel dead inside again- and I need to be out there.
I don't know why I'm so broken this way. -- I don't know why this great sadness has overtaken my spirit for the last 6 months. I can't just blame it on being in South Texas.

I feel better now saying that I'm going to hike the Colorado Trail. -- It feels less like someone who wants to leave her life- and more like someone who is creating one.
- I'm just not happy with the material things I think I want. There are things that people keep pushing on me as being the right way of things. They find such definition in their careers - and I only see dead zombies who do the same thing every day for decades. . ..  And they call that a happy and successful life?  -- I seem to only find joy now in experiences. I just want to feel it all. I want to be in motion and not stop.
The draw to to get back out there again is powerful. -- Life After the excitement of 2014 has been a strange and foggy journey to find the new normal. -- I'm ready to find Life Again and I know it is here beckoning me to wake up and take those first thrilling steps onto this next trail.

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!