What does January mean? For Dale it means bidding off days for the year, signing up for vacations and planning “the hike” for the year. Can you believe that planning the hike is what drives bidding off days and vacations for the year?
Hike planning is fluid, taking on a life of its own and growing over time. It’s the equivalent of home remodeling . . . it’s just never far from your mind and there is always one more thing to do. This is serious business, in fact so serious both guys sometimes move out of their comfort zones. Here’s the proof: Ben sends Dale a text about hiking and Dale responds. Those of you who know Dale well can attest to the fact that Dale only uses his cell phone out of necessity! Texting is an extreme sport for him!
After much ado, the decision was made to go all the way. What? Yes, they are planning to hike all the way to Katahdin this year. Sputter, sputter . . . wait, after the perils of last year they think they can hike more than 500 miles over mountains to summit in six weeks?!?!?! What are they thinking? As support crew I have intimate knowledge of the toll that hiking takes on them . . . so I threw down the gauntlet. No support from home unless they: (1) got in shape, (2) planned a reasonable schedule and (3) followed the Boy Scout motto, Be Prepared.
Dale and Ben took the challenge seriously starting with planning what seems to be a reasonable schedule for six weeks. Dale started working with a trainer to get in shape. Ben is making an effort to get to the gym on his own. Last but not least they have spent considerable time searching for new equipment, boots and food.
This is going to be a monumental year. The adventure that started in 2004 is set to end in 2010! Stayed tuned for updates!
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