Little Steps: Day 4 – How Heavy is Too Heavy?

Day 4: 0.0 miles / Total Miles: 2.41 / Days Left: 175

I had already planned on this being a “rest” day. We are going camping this weekend so today was packing day! We had to get everything…everything packed and in the husbands truck because the plan is for the girls and I meet him after work and head straight on down the coast tomorrow.

With that being said, I changed how I pack for our tent camping expeditions.

I am known to pretty much pack everything including the kitchen sink.

For a 3 day trip, I pack 16 pairs of pants, 12 shirts, 6 undies and probably 2 pairs of socks.

I always forget socks.

But I do have the girls pack about 3 different shoes. Tennis shoes. Flip flops, hiking boots, rain boots. Ok 4 pairs.

What is wrong with me?

Anyways, now that I am training for this solo* backpacking trip, I have decided to change it up and try to pack as light as possible.

This time, I was determined to take everything BUT the kitchen sink.

Oh oh oh and….I decided to fit all of my stuff in my backpacking backpack.

My lovely husband was sitting on couch, watching TV. And I was sitting on the living room floor.

I was struggling. Do you know how many straps and buckles and clips are on a backpacking backpack?

Like 500 for those not in the know.

I easily attached my sleeping bag. But attaching the tent???

My dear husband started laughing at me.

I started to sweat. And maybe say a few choice curse words.

He said he would help me, but he wasnt going to.

Thanks hun. Love you to.

No but honestly. He is right. I didnt want him to help. I needed to struggle thru this. I needed to figure this out on my own.

That is why I am doing this. Being self reliant and problem solving using my own abilities, is the main reason I am doing a 53 mile hike, by myself.

If I let him help me, I am not learning anything.

I have to get frustrated. I have to curse. I have to take a deep breath. And then I have to move forward.

I finally got the tent attached by the way.

The next part was putting the backpack on and walking to the truck.

I almost fell over backwards.

The husband laughed again.

I am glad I am practicing this now. I am going to learn what I absolutely do and do not need.

But I had my husband take this picture. And I saw it. And I gotta say….I feel pretty badass.