The Appalachian Trail- Checking In

Hey guys, Sorry we have been slacking on our updates, just trying to get the hang of things on the trail. We are actually sending this from my iphone on 3G on top of Levelland Mtn. We are about 3 days away from a library an then we will update you guys with our daily activities. Until then, I hope all is well with everyone! We are taking an easy day trying to relax the knees and ankles a wee bit. Update soon, Bert- "Abby Normal" Brooks- "Brasky" Ed- "Jax"

The Appalachian Trail- T-Minus 8 Days

Hey guys,
I hope all is well with everyone and that life is being just as curious as it is with me.  It has finally gotten within two hands away!  I am currently listening to Fleetwood Mac "Never Going Back Again".....love it.  So, I finally decided it was time to try out my sleep system and set it up at Johnson Road Park in G'town.  Let's just say the setup did not go as smoothly as planned.  I know that I will get better at it out of necessity, but still a wee bit discouraging taking 30 minutes to set up my shelter.  I did take some pictures for you guys, I only wish I would have taken pictures of the 10 or so odd balls that asked me, "what is all this?", "you know the park's about to close", "hey man, let me get in that."  To which I replied:  -It's a hammock for a trip I am about to take.  -I know, I imagined this going a little faster (frustrated).  -For sure, get in and tell me what you think?  The latter being a guy and his girlfriend......ha, they couldn't fit.  Here are some pics!

-Where the magic happens ha!

In other news, my employer Outdoors Inc. is hosting its 30th somethin' year Canoe and Kayak Race on the Mississippi River.  As you can imagine I handled all of the important preparations....

I can't begin to describe the temptation of seeing 30 cases of New Belgium Fat Tire/Shift Pale Lager on a 95 degree day and not being able to drink a single one.  I guess its for a better cause, all the folks that register to race get to drink these bad boys all day (productive race ha).  

Have a good one, every day is getting closer for me.

Bert.

The Appalachian Trail- HUAH

I'm ready to go!!!

The Appalachian Trail- T-Minus 14 Days

Hope all is well,

The month of June has brought about a sense of urgency.  I am super excited for both my departure and Hammy's wedding.  I am looking forward to sending Hammy off into monogamy with a bang and seeing some old friends with the opportunity to sit around and socialize.  This comes with a hint of bittersweet though because I know that after the wedding I will be leaving the people I love and be stranded with Ed and Alsobrook.  Ha, we are truly excited though and I was glad to learn that both of them are also working on preparations.  I finally had enough motivation after work to check up on some packing tips and load down the pack.  I weighed out at 31 lbs without water (+2lb).  I took the longer ride home from work but still had enough in me to take a loaded hike around my block.  I know the lack of elevation change and flat concrete is a luxury I will not have on the trail, however I still managed to feel decent enough afterwards. Now we just have to wait and see how that first 10 mile day goes, ha.  Super tired tonight, and have to pull an early morning so I will keep it short tonight.
-A cluttered before picture

-After Picture

-And finally some delectable Stuffed Bell Peppers prepared tonight by The Madre.  Needless to say, I won't be seeing much of these for a while.

Last but not least, I was happy to have received a call from Louis while on his trip to Vancouver and Back.    Our reception was a little bad so our conversation was shortened but everything seems to be going great.  Get back to ya soon.

Bert