Well last year's UK travels are but a memory.  It is time now to start the process of planning this year's adventure.  Since I alternate my hikes every other year, international odd years, state side even years, it is a USA hike this year.  I had planned to hike the Colorado Trail with a friend back in 2003 but for various reasons that trip did not come about.  Now seemed like the perfect year to pull back out the trail guide and plan it for this summer, so the Colorado Trail it is.
While I am very comfortable hiking alone I did put out some feelers to see if I could secure a hiking partner.  A number of my friends no longer hike for any real distance, down to weekend warriors and sections.  Others, had already made grand plans of their own.  My JMT partner, Garnet Turtle, is doing an AT hike this year and I wish her much fun and luck.  Although I wish she had been available for the CT hike.  She was an excellent hiking partner.

I got a nibble from Bear Bag Hanger, a gentleman I have hiked with many miles  on various trails.  He let me know that he had an AT adventure planned for this summer but would consider taking a break from the AT to join me on the CT. Afterwards, he would return to the AT.  Unfortunately very shortly after starting his hike he was forced to quit due to leg and knee issues.  I can sympathize with anyone trying to hike with bad knees.  Been there, done that! (My double knee replacements were the best thing I have ever done for myself.)  He has let me know that he is not totally out but I have to wonder.

So, at this point in time it looks like a solo hike.  I am not overly concerned as I enjoy hiking my own hike. Starting and finishing the day whenever I feel like it. Doing whatever miles my body feels comfortable with. Taking whatever zero days I want, etc. There is no democracy in a party of one.  That all said, it is a rugged and remote trail and would probably be safer to have a partner. Well, at least I have my Spot I have paid for the service that will send out a search team if I press the SOS button.  There is also the button that gives me the option to send an email to my husband (or anyone else on the list) letting them know I have reached my planned destination for the evening. When they click on the link in the email it will show then a map of my location.  While this device is not  infallible it is something to help my husband breathe easier. 

I have not gotten very far in the planning as of today. I have chosen around July 15th to start.  I have conversed with a number of friends that have already completed the trek and gotten some tips. This blog gets me started on the documentation.  In the next few weeks I will be getting the mail-drops set up, ordering up-to-date maps and data guidebook.

Having been pretty sedentary since I returned from the UK hikes, I am a bit out of shape (so what is new!)  I have a 75 mile hike on the Foothills Trail with a friend in May.  I will be attending the  Trail Dames Summit in June, hope to get in some hiking either before or after the summit. Perhaps go and find Garnet Turtle on the AT.  Other then that I will do what I always do...  I just start slow and easy and work into it.  Seems to work well for me.

I'll document a few things between now and my start date but this blog will not be up and running daily until the hike is in progress.  Hope you will follow along again with me on this year's walk.  Post comments to encourage me and give me virtual company.