ET's Info-Stew

19:00: We went through our packs for the last time today. I didn't do a detailed gear check, probably because I've been working on my gear over the months. I have a new pack, with an upper and lower section. The upper converts into a daypack. I have my sleeping quilt, which was tried and tested at McKerricker. I have my new stove and water bottle/filter. I've cut out some stuff like water shoes. Instead, I got waterproof socks and hiking shoes instead of Gortex boots. I weighed my pack today. It was 24 lbs. for 7.5 days. All I need is water and pita bread. Dad's was 48 lbs. He still needs pita bread, jerky, and his sleeping bag. So his will be about 53 lbs. That's good for him. This year, I weigh 200 lbs. I have gained some fat, but I also gained a lot of muscle. Also, I just started going to the gym in the morning. I get 9 more days to work out. This time I'm going to be more independent. I want to be more comfortable in the wild, especially at night. I'll put my tent far from Dad's when possible, and during the day, I will hike ahead or behind him if possible. On day hikes I will go my own way. [I want to be alone to enjoy the sights and sounds of nature, which are sometimes hard to find when other people are around. I'm sure Dad will want some time alone as well, since this is his vacation too.] The other day I heard some bird at Sandia. I was nostalgic for to woods. Only 12 days!