The fact that i can basically lay out my life in 5 separate decades with definitive themes. When you think about life that way, it’s kind of crazy.This thinking almost always leads me to question why I do the things i do, and what is the point really?- leading to a mild existential crisis( if there is such a thing).And this bedevilment of my psyche has been emphasized by my latest “project”- preparing for a possible thru hike.
I’ll try to explain, and maybe someone will get it.
I’ve only been blogging here since 2019. But i have had another blog since 2008. Once, it was public, but about 3 years ago i made it private and now use it as a sort of personal diary. Whenever i get a wild hair , i go back and read through random posts over the years. What usually comes to mind is “I. am. a. crazy. person.” After all, not counting the first decade of my life ( i was a child), i have been a different person completely every single decade…kinda like Madonna:)
Lately this has led me to question the madness of it all. Specifically, all of the time, energy and money i have spent pursuing various dreams and goals. Even on this platform, it’s easy to see i’ve gone from recovering alcoholic, to home owner, to bodybuilder, to a cabin project, to hiker. In all of that, i’ve remained an artist, nurse, dedicated (or distant) friend and family member, as well as lived a million other roles.
I think what has hit me the most is that once i accomplish something, i get a momentary feeling of accomplishment.But i am soon off to the races again with another “project”. As i said, it’s madness…and i doubt it will ever end.
Now, if you’ve stayed with me so far, i am getting to the point.
I tend to dive into things and dedicate myself in a fervor. I spend lots of time researching, analyzing, and lots of money ( sometimes) to achieve these goals, but i must assert the following…I am not , and never have been a “pipe dreamer”. Nor have i started things only to give up after a month or two to move onto some other “idea”. I’m one of those stick to it kind of people. i give something my all until i achieve the goal, or know with absolute certainty that i have gotten what i needed out of it, or realize that it’s pointless- then and ONLY then will i move on.
Often these goals overlap. For instance, putting a cabin up in my woods and bodybuilding also benefitted and led to the hiking goal. So even though i’ve invested heavily in each one and moved on, each one contributed to the next in some way, or many ways. I am changeable, but in a measured, growth oriented way. These things are the building blocks of life.
To this end i will state that even if i never get to do my planned thru hike, everything i am doing to build towards it will not go to waste. The learning, the physical benefits, even the financial investment- will go to good use. I have no idea what the totality of that use will be. But one thing it will benefit is my goal to buy a nice size piece of land in the woods in a few years, and that will enable me to live a much simpler life- more ‘off the grid’ and peaceful in my last years on earth. This is no grand experiment. This is and always has been a purpose i have strived for. And in my mind, that is what “destiny” is all about. The “everything happens for a reason” thing.
I hope you all are reaching for your own destiny ….
Hopefully i havent soured anyone’s interest yet with my latest obsession. But let me be clear- just like any other topic I cover, the information will remain out there for others who might seek it in the future. Additionally, this blog has always been more for myself- a record of my life, interests, and something i can always refer back to down the road. Just like hiking, it’s about the journey and not the destination.
So in this ‘episode’ i will continue on about the rest of what can or should go into your pack if you are planning a hike. Of course all hikes can be very different. My personal standard for differentiating between a walk and a hike( without considering technical difficulty) is that anything under 4 miles is a “walk”. As i have mentioned however, even 5 miles can take 3 hours or more if you are on a rugged trail. If you also add in adverse weather elements like heavy rain or extreme heat, those 5 miles can feel like 15.
Of course the first thing anyone will want to consider is SAFETY.
If you hike mostly solo as I do, a fully charged cell phone with a gps trail app is an absolute necessity. I have been using the AllTrails app and after spending time learning to use it , i would not ever want to be without it. There are a ton of other similar apps, but this one was most recommended by other hikers on blogs, youtube channels , and social media groups. I love it. For one thing it allowed me to get more comfortable in areas i wasn’t familiar with. It shows you exactly where you are and notifies you if you go off trail, making it easy to get back on track or be brave enough to to explore off trail. The small yearly cost is more than reasonable.
Another item that i finally acquired is a satellite based SOS device for emergencies. This device does not require cell service and adds an extra layer of protection in the event of injury, medical issues, getting totally lost ( it works without cell service or a dead phone battery).Make sure it is always charged up before you leave. It gives you the comfort of knowing that you can instantly access help, even a search and rescue if needed. After reading so many horror stories about situations like this, my anxiety level dropped immensely when my little Garmin Inreach Mini arrived today. It will take a bit of time to learn how to use it for many things but the SOS button is very clear and that’s the most important feature. THE COST OF THE DEVICE, plus a satellite service plan is pretty pricey..but totally worth the peace of mind. I wouldnt necessarily carry this on short walks in public places, but i have read that it can be helpful for many things outside of hiking misadventures, like car breaking down, being lost in an unfamiliar place in general. One commenter stated they used it when a suspicious character was following her . Another used it after being assaulted while on vacation on a private beach.Her call resulted in the police being notified and her attacker was found nearby hiding somewhere. You never know.
A battery power pack, fully charged.I got the lightest weight, most recommended one out there- a Nitecore NB 10000.Can charge both of the above devices ( and more).
With all of these devices, be sure to keep them dry as well. A ziplock bag is better than nothing but they do sell waterproof bags and boxes as well.Place them in a location where they will be unlikely to fall out or off of your person , or become damaged ( as in going over rocks or boulders.)And of course- learn how to use it well before you actually HAVE to- it’s worth a few test runs sending messages to friends or family to be sure.
Next, consider that even day hikers sometimes find themselves in a situation they hadn’t anticipated. No cell service, a lost device, a dead battery, or any inability to reach or use a device. A sudden thunderstorm, flash flood, snow storm, or other weather event. A sprained ankle, a bad fall , cut or other injury. A snake or spider bite. An encounter with a wild animal. You never know when you may have to spend hours or even days waiting for help. This is my mind set every time i set out. So let’s get into the smaller items.
A reflective emergency blanket is your 2nd best freind after the SOS device. I carry 2 because one barely covers a medium size person. It isn’t a nice comfy warm item but it can save you from frostbite or hypothermia.At a cost of around 10 bucks for 2, you can’t beat it.
A cheap, disposable rain poncho – same as above. Staying dry is key in preventing illness and /or hypothermia. I paid less than $7 for 3 of these. They are lightweight, compact and worth every penny.
Water and possibly a water filtration system. As we all know, a body cannot survive long without hydration. Even on short trips, i always carry at least a liter. If i am going to an unknown or long trail, i carry my Sawyer Mini device which screws right onto a Smart Water bottle. It is small, light weight, inexpensive and easy to use. It can be used with the included straw and filter right from the bottle or you can chose to carry the light weight pouch and squeeze the filtered water into your bottle.. This means that even if all you can find is a stream or puddle you will have a consumable water supply.
Your ID , a very small amount of cash ( maybe $5) and a credit or bank card. I usually place these in a small ziplock in the most secure pocket of my clothing or zippered pouch/fanny pack. Alternatively, i have also made copies of my ID and sealed them in a vac seal pouch for times when i am POSITIVE i wont need cash or a card- like driving a few miles to a park and walking less than 4 miles very close to the general public . This also eliminates the chance of losing my permanent cards, as well as the possibility of theft from my vehicle ( yeah, sadly this happens frequently in parking lots with unattended cars).In addition ( and i hate to sound morbid) carrying Id would enable a rescuer to identify you if you had passed out, or(worse case scenario) – your body .
Miscellaneous-
mace, pepper spray, a small knife ( i have a neck knife) OR if you have nothing else, a travel size can of hairspray or other household cleaner like bleach or even vinegar( these are also very irritating when sprayed in an attackers eyes).Be creative.
some recommend a rescue whistle. I personally don’t feel confident that anyone would pay much attention to it, but wanted to at least mention it.
a small snack or two- I carry a pack of crackers or granola/energy bar and a few hard candies. If you are diabetic, small tubes of cake frosting are a quick sugar, can be squeezed under the tongue of an unconscious person, and have a long shelf life.
benedryl ( one dose)- essential for those allergic to stuff like bees, but also helpful for insect bites or poison foliage
Handkerchief- multiple uses including tourniquet, bandage, sling, cleaning wounds, etc. Taking a bright colored one has the dual benefit of something easier to see by a rescuer.
very important info that many do not know: when it comes to snake bites–
FIRST AND FOREMOST, DO NOT MAKE IT WORSE!DO NOT MAKE A TOURNIQUET, DO NOT CUT AND SUCK, DO NOT APPLY THE SAWYER EXTRACTOR OR OTHER COMMERCIAL “SNAKEBITE KITS”, DO NOT ELECTROCUTE YOURSELF WITH A STUN GUN, AND DO NOT FOLLOW ANY STRANGE RECOMMENDATIONS YOU RECEIVE FROM OTHER HIKERS ON THE TRAIL. NO FIRST AID IS OFTEN LESS HARMFUL THAN BAD FIRST AID WHEN IT COMES TO SNAKEBITES!1) Carefully walk backwards and find a safe space to sit down nearby before the venom drops your blood pressure and you pass out and hit your head. Many snake venoms disrupt blood clotting and the last thing you want is to cause internal bleeding on top of your snakebite. 2) Remove any rings, watches, bracelets, and anything else that could become a tourniquet if your limb swells up like a balloon. These items can be very difficult to remove once swelling has occurred, so exercise some foresight and remove them right away. 3) Circle the site of the bite with sharpie and write the time next to it. Mark the edge of the swelling and pain, make a list of your symptoms, and repeat every 30 minutes or so. Always record the time next to each mark. The vast majority of snakebites can be diagnosed and treated by your symptoms and severity of the envenomation without requiring a positive identification of the species responsible. That’s why this is so important! 4a) If you begin to experience signs of anaphylaxis (swelling of face, mouth, or throat; hives; difficulty breathing, etc) use an epinephrine autoinjector (EpiPen or generic) if you have one.5) If you have cell phone reception call 911*, tell them where you are, when you were bitten, and the list of current symptoms you just wrote down.*If you aren’t in the United States, look up the local emergency services number (whatever the equivalent of 911 is) and add it to your phone before you head out.6) If you don’t have reception, plot the safest and most expedient path to find it or reach a vehicle (whatever is safer/faster) and then start hiking out.Time is (crucial to the) tissue and it may be better to walk yourself out in an hour than to sit on your butt for 5 hours until a helicopter can show up. I think the idea that one should do everything possible to avoid speeding up circulation of venom is bad advice. You are already terrified from being bitten by a snake so your heart rate and blood pressure are already sky high. I’ve treated lots of bites in remote places and pretty much all of them had to hike out to reach the hospital. Figure out the fastest, safest route to find help and then make it happen.
( courtesy of the Snakebite Foundation.org)
and last but not least, if you have forgotten or didnt bring almost everything above:
Find a sharp rock, and or a decent size stick..carry it ready to use. Always scan your environment. Make note of landmarks, or suspicious looking individuals. Don’t wear ear buds or listen to music- if you MUST do so, use only one. Stay aware of your surroundings. Make noise if you need to ( mostly if you see a bear-lol) .Dont hide under a tree if theres lightning, get off of high ridges. Stay put after dark if you are lost.
And most of all , do your best to remain calm. More mistakes are made from panic than all others combined.
So, let’s talk turkey. I always find that “information” is the first thing i want to start with whenever i am considering any new venture no matter what it may be. I am an information sponge! (Disclaimer: again, i am not a professional. This post is very, VERY basic info. based on my own personal experience and knowledge gained through research.)
But first, a brief background for anyone new to my blog..and just because i am starting this new (ongoing) topic…
A few of you who have been followers since the onset ,or close to it, have read about my many projects, goals and plans-re: My sober journey, buying a home, getting/keeping handle on debt/expenses, weightlifting/losing weight, putting a cabin( shed) on my property , and so many other things! Just for the record, i am happy with all that i have accomplished and do not regret spending time on them. They were all worthwhile endeavors that have paid off in spades, especially for my health and peace of mind.
Although I “technically” started preparing for a thru hike several years ago, it really breaks down into various “intense” periods of hoarding information, starting to train and buying gear. In late 2019 , i began watching online videos, reading articles, and doing a whole lot of walking locally. I bought a few items ( water filter, warm clothing, decent trail runners, 2 trail apps)- nothing major or very expensive. I was more focused on walking regularly and accumulating mileage as well as learning about equipment, costs, and watching others do their hikes( usually via Youtube). I wasn’t carrying any weight or pack on these walks. After a few months, I got bored with walking in circles around local parks( mostly on paved surfaces) and since i had an extensive history with lifting weights, i figured maybe it was the spark i needed to renew my spirit while gaining some fitness benefits. Plus, having more strength would ultimately be useful for hiking, so it was a win-win. I did that for about 2 years. Eventually, I got really sick of having to dress for the gym and spend hours of time training indoors with a room full of sweaty people along with preparing food constantly, counting all my macros and fighting the dreaded effects of menopause on muscle gain. I think though i could probably have continued on that way except i started tallying up the “expenses”( a huge amount a month on top of my regular bills), i was pretty much defeated. So, i took a few months break and worked on the cabin project( which is ongoing and still awesome). That naturally led me back into the woods and hiking, and here we are.
Now, any hiker will tell you that gear these days ain’t cheap. Even if you just plan on doing day hikes, there are certain essentials you don’t want to be without. It all depends on the situation- like the distance and difficulty, whether you know the trail very well, or if you are going alone or not. Then there’s the weather to consider.
So let’s start with something simple: proper clothing. When i first started walking, it was mid to late fall. The air was crisp, but not yet bitter. So i was good with just about any street clothes i had on hand. Once it started to get colder, i had to invest in gloves, hats, warm socks and some various coats ( for rain, wind or light snow). I am not one to carry an umbrella, but some do. At one point i was layering up with a base , middle and outer layer. When summer came back, i again had to go shopping for stuff- shorts, tank tops, and cooler footwear.Oh and adding a handkerchief for wiping sweat off.On a thru hike, weather can change abruptly- so you need to plan for that, while also considering how much weight it will cost you. If you will be hiking in snow or ice, for instance, plan on having “micro spikes” ( you can google this fantastic invention.)
Then there’s hydration. On winter walks i barely drank any water because i was just too cold to keep getting my water bottle out. Thank goodness i wasn’t going more than 3-5 miles usually. I sucked on hard candies to keep my mouth moist or chewed gum. Not smart though if you are going long distances. Hydration is super important. In hotter months, i downed at least 8 ounces even on short walks.Now i carry at least a liter. P.s .- know where you are gonna go pee in advance!!In addition to the amount you will carry, once you start hiking longer distances you will want to have the option to filter water from resources along the trail too. Nutrition wasn’t an issue early on either with the short distances, but now i know that i go more than 6 or 7 miles, on more steep inclines, with a variety of terrain and technical difficulties,I have to eat a good meal before i leave plus take some snacks.Depending on terrain- even a 5 or 6 mile hike can take 4 hrs or more as well as drain energy if you are scarmbling over rocks or making steep climbs. On a thru hike, several meals a day plus snacks must be well planned out. Weight balanced by calories for energy is the main factor to consider, along with how you will be preparing said food and considering electrolyte replenishment ( more on those options later).
I can’t repeat this enough-Weight is a huge factor.
Basically, on any hike lasting more than a day, you will be carrying your ‘home’ on your back the entire time, save when you are at camp. This could mean 6-8 hour stretches or more. Back, hip, foot and neck strain can break you. Hint: do not pack a couple of steaks, baked potatoes, or whole pumpkin pie on a thru hike. Do not pack a heavy parka and full body snow suit or thick lined winter boots( ok, … if you are going to an actual arctic zone, maybe).Do not take heavy books or unnecessary bric-a-brac.You can get away with a little extra weight if you are only going for a few days…obviously.But as a rule, the lighter the better..which brings me to…
The Big Three: Backpack, Shelter, Sleep system.
For myself, i plan to be what is referred to as an Ultralite Hiker. This basically means my base weight will be 10 lbs.or less. That base weight does not include anything that is worn while hiking( clothes, shoes) or anything consumable ( food, propane fuel).In addition to the big three you will also have other items such as electronics, a cook system, a water filtering system, plus hygiene and first aid items at the very least. This sounds pretty easy, right?
Not as easy as you would think.
When i first made a commitment to start actually investing in gear, i really had to think things through. Ultralite gear is super expensive, so you want to try your very best to get it right before you spend gobs of cash on things that ultimately wont work. Like a 2 burner camp stove, or large chairs, heavy blankets and pillows or a 3 room tent. Yes, you will be ‘camping’, but this is not driving to a site, setting up, then packing it all back into the car.
My first purchase was a pack i had coveted from the beginning.It is usually recommended to buy your pack last in order to be sure you can fit all the gear into it adjust the straps as you need to and attach things. But i decided to go in reverse. My logic was that i would have a definite weight capacity(40L) and not allow myself to go over it. Period. I did a ton of research on all kinds of packs and found the right one for me.My hesitation was the cost -the basic pack plus a few add ons totaled a little over $500. Nothing to sneeze at. But I was ecstatic when that pack arrived. I love it. It weighs only 1.26 lbs.
Next, i saved for a tent. There were two i was considering. After 2 years of research later, i finally decided. I chose a trekking pole tent which means that it uses trek poles instead of regular tent poles to set up in order to save the extra weight. Plus it’s made of dyneema fabric- the highest rated standard for weather and durability. The total was $380.00 with a total weight of about 2 lbs.
Next, my sleep system. I considered hammocks, cots, regular and mummy style sleeping bags, sleep quilts, foam pads and air mattresses. I decided on an air mattress/sleep quilt combination for weight and comfort. I purchased the air mattress for $139. I still haven’t gotten a sleep quilt because the average cost is $3-400. What i did get is a sleep sack ( $29) as the weather is still warm enough here that i can use it for a bit till i save up.I also carry a few emergency reflector blankets ( about 2/$7) and plan to sleep in base layer clothing if need be.For the air mattress i also purchased mini electric air pump( $47). Total weight of the system so far is 1.15 lbs. this will go up by about 1.5 lbs when i add a sleep quilt.
So as you can see, there’s a reason it has taken me over 3 years so far. I haven’t included any other items here as i will make a separate post for that. It’s expensive.But for the big three with the sleep quilt it will be around 6 lbs. Had i not spent the extra money for Ultralite items my weight could have easily topped over 15 lbs before any other necessities .
I hope this has been informative and useful. To be continued…
So here’s the follow up post. While there are certainly dozens of reasons one might consider at thru hike, here are my top 10. (p.s.- i chose to use the word “consider” over “attempt” because i wouldn’t want to encourage anyone to do it without any forethought..as in “hey, i think i try to start a thru hike today!”)
You love being outdoors for extended periods of time.If you love camping , watching the birds and bees, being immersed in the fresh air, and exploring various landscapes while exercising most of the day, a thru hike might fill the bill. A day in the woods beats a day in the office anytime.
You really enjoy walking.I mean REALLY enjoy it.You enjoy it so much you refuse to sit down until your calf/quad muscles are burning and you are basically walking with trek poles instead of legs.
It’s a Bucket list item.It’s been an addition to mine since the end of 2019.
Adventure– what can I say?A thru-hike is my definition of a grand adventure. From rock scrambles to stream crossings, to encounters with wild creatures..it just doesn’t get any better to me!
5.You need a break from your normal “life”. Work, eat, sleep, repeat. Ever get sick of it? If you add in the bills, the housework, the family obligations..doesn’t few months alone in the wild sound good?lol
6.You hate housework.The most clean up you are gonna have to do is rinse out your cooking cup and occasionally launder your few items of clothes- probably in a stream…without soap detergent/ hang to dry on the outside of your pack to dry as you hike. UNLESS you prefer to only wash in machines which in that case you will have to hike to a trail town , pay for the privilege and hike back to the trail. Mostly, people do this when they take a zero day and go into town for a hot meal, laundry and possibly a night in a warm bed somewhere. But honestly, no mopping floors or cleaning out bathtubs or toilets rates pretty high in my book.
7. Mountains, waterfalls, boulders, and cool views…lots of scenic photos and videos. A lifetime of memories.
8. Challenges are your “jam”– i LOVE challenges, especially ones that make me feel “tough”…. think Indiana Jones or Lara Croft. I mean, once you’ve faced down a bear or rattlesnake, how scary is your next job interview gonna be?Endurance, thinking on your feet ( literally), navigating thousands of miles with an app whilst carrying your home on your back…def an accomplishment.
9. You love solitude. Granted, some trails are more populated than others. But even so (as I understand it) there are also long periods where you may not interact or even pass another hiker. This of course depends on the chosen trail , time of year you go and just preference.
10.You don’t like to drive places. Outside of your transportation to the start and end of the trail, as well as a few times you might “catch a ride ” into town, you wont have to deal with traffic or sitting in a car. Hell, you don’t even have to own a car for 5 or 6 months.
Here in the U.S. , a thru-hike is generally several months at a time. The most famous are the AT ( Appalachian Trail) , the PCT ( Pacific Crest Trail) and the CDT ( Continental Divide Trail).Doing all 3 is considered the “Triple Crown”. There are hundreds of others. Each one has it’s own level of difficulty as well as other considerations. Shorter trails are still just as much fun, without as much commitment though. I will probably do quite a few of those before even thinking about committing to the AT.
I hope ya’ll don’t get sick of reading about my hiking stuff. It’s bound to be foremost in my thoughts for awhile. Next few posts i want to give some more specific information just in case anyone is interested.
Full disclosure first: I have not personally attempted a thru hike.A thru hike is “the act of hiking an established long distance trail end-to-end continuously”. What i have done is started preparing for one 3 years ago. You read that correctly.I started out simply walking on pavement in parks, then moved to other parks with unpaved trails. Recently, started using the AllTrails App to go to lots of new places!. I have been at it, slowly chipping away at things. In this regard, my hope is to start in 2 years if all goes accordingly. There are thousands upon thousands of youtube videos and articles written by much more qualified and experienced hikers. This post is simply coming from the perspective of what i’ve learned so far…..
That being said, none of these are ‘deal breakers’ for everyone. Some of these arent even deal breakers for me, they are just things i need to overcome , accept or adjust to. So without further adieu….
Do not attempt a thru- hike if:
You are not a “planner” or able to organize yourself. It is a given that preparing to do an outdoor activity that requires some basic skills, mental tenacity, many months of your time and at least some acquired physical fitness will obviously require planning.Aside from knowing about the route itself, it will take some serious buckling down to learn a lot about yourself and your individual needs and tolerance levels before undertaking such an adventure. Statistically speaking only 1 of 4 who start out on the Appalachian Trail, for instance, will complete the hike. The reasons vary but in approximate order are lack of planning, injuries, financial, and/or (unexpected) mental/physical stress.
2. You hate bugs. On most thru hikes in the U.S., bugs( mosquitoes, gnats, ticks) are just part of the package…along with spiders, snakes, bees, and other creepy annoying little things. If you truly have deep phobias about any or all of these things, either you will have to work very hard to overcome them , find ways around them ( repellants, mosquito netting, finding best locations etc.) , or decide to do something else with your time. Perhaps shorter hikes or trying another outdoor activity would be better options for you.
3. You hate weather changes. On any thru hike, the terrain as well as the climate will inevitably change…for better or worse. One of the things the AT is famous for is long periods of rain, sometimes days or weeks. The PCT boasts hot hot desert terrain as well as snow and ice.The CDT is known for all kinds of rapidly changing weather. A lot of this depends on the time of year you chose to hike, and where you will be going. Again, planning ahead is not optional. You will need to bring , buy along the way ( which can be quite sketchy), or have sent to you what you need for these possibilities.I follow many blogs and you-tubers, for instance, from other countries that have had no issues until they come to the U.S. and attempt the AT. Aside from the mosquitoes and rocky terrain, many give up simply due to the ‘green tunnel’ experience and frequent rain.
4. You are loathe to give up your creature comforts. This is one i struggle with. I will not have my heating pads after long days and sore muscles. I will not be able to slip into a hot bathtub to get clean and refreshed everyday. I will not have ice for my drinks. And so so many other things. It seems like everyday i think of a few more that i will have to do without or work around somehow. One thing i have started to do is practice, practice, practice- things like sleeping on firm surfaces, going a few days without washing my hair, weaning myself off of heat pads for pain relief, cooking my food some days exactly as i would have to on the trail, setting up and repacking my backpack and tent. But MOST OF ALL- hiking unknown trails, alone, going further distances, and hiking more often ( as in several days in a row) while increasing the amount of weight i carry each time. This affords me “re-con” missions to explore what i can tolerate, and what i will have to adjust to accommodate ( noticing “hot spots” where blisters can form, proper backpack weight distribution, types of clothing i wear, which shoes work the best..and on and on.)
5. You have no free time. Obviously. Any thru-hike is going to require many many weeks, sometimes months of your time. If you have no free time, or cannot realistically plan any, this is a 100% deal breaker. Time not just for the hike, but for all of the aforementioned.
6. You care about what other people think of you– literally. I am talking vanity here for the most part. First, you will look pretty goofy compared to your normal – especially us females( see photo below). This is my latest get up and it’s likely to get even goofier as i upgrade for safety, comfort and practicality. You will also stink…all the time. Deodorant is useless. You will probably want to eschew the weight as well as hassle of make up, hair styling, having pretty nails, and cute, frivolous, matching outfits/ensembles such as lacy dresses, heels, etc. None of these things are practical on such an adventure. Trust me, you will not want the extra weight either. You will probably make lots of “newbie” mistakes…and feel stupid. This can wind up deciding your trail name and I won’t even get into some of the trail names I’ve heard people can give you… lol
This is my usual choice- hair up in a hairband, no make up
7. You are a very picky eater. If you are accustomed to a lifestyle of leisure including hot, fresh, fast-as-lightning gourmet meals , without any effort other than placing a phone call for delivery or a short drive to a restaurant, and not able to give that up- you will probably not fair well on a thru hike. Weight, ability to cook, as well as cost are all factors. The usual fair is prepackaged snack bars and dehydrated stuff that you make yourself on a tiny burner in a metal cup…because it’s lighter and easiest after a long day.
8. You have chronic, insurmountable body pain. This can be back, neck, hip, feet or just about any other type of physical pain that is ongoing and chronic. While it’s not necessarily a deal breaker ( i have plenty of chronic pain) , if you are unable to manage it now, it will become a serious issue real quick on the trail..not to mention increase your risk for injury.I will also include here that if you have serious chronic medical issues, this may not be for you unless you are prepared to spend time and research to prepare fully.Be sure you understand to the best of your ability what you are getting into. This is no walk in the park.I have purchased a hanging scale that i use sometimes daily to adjust my pack weight. The less weight, the less pain. The goal is less than 10 lbs. base weight, not including consumables like food, water, cooking fuel… or worn weight like clothes, shoes, etc . Adding those the average is around 15- 20 lbs of weight to carry everyday… and that’s if you are going for Ultralite. This is very difficult to achieve, and even 5 extra pounds can be tough on the body-depending on a bunch of factors.
9. You have no extra money. Budgeting for a thru-hike is a given. The average cost of hiking the AT is around 10 grand.That includes your gear, food, subscriptions to satellite/cell service, occasional meals in town and a few stays somewhere other than your tent.This does NOT include the additional loss of income for the time you will be off work.There are plenty of you tube videos regarding ways to make this work, but it’s just not always possible for everybody.
10. You tend to deeply miss your family, partner, pets or friendsif you don’t see them every day. This is one that i hear about pretty often. The trail can be lonely even though some are more populated than others. Sure, you can and will meet new people, maybe even make some life long friends. But chances are, you won’t have the people you know and love along with you. Some people do indeed bring their pets. That’s a whole other can of worms and not something I would ever attempt, but again- lots of videos out there about it.
Phew….ok..Just wanted to add here that a great deal of my preparation in addition to the above includes testing products, watching dozens and dozens of videos every week, taking notes and seriously considering what i can and cannot deal with( and what to do about it). I have a small notebook to write stuff down as i watch, then go back later to review and transfer what i def want to look into and or try into a larger more permanent notebook. Additionally one of the sites i finally started is a lighterpack.com list. This enables me to constantly tweak and re-tweak my weight and gear status as i go along- upgrading, getting rid of, or adding items along the way.
And now that i’ve covered this side, i’ll post next on all my reasons why you SHOULD attempt a thru hike:)
A while back, someone said to me that i don’t seem like a “very empathetic person “. It was a casual statement and they didn’t mean it as an insult, just an observation related to a conversation we were having. I am always open to constructive criticism and I believe part of the statement was based on some of my posts here and on social media- understandably. However, I maintain that while i am always willing to extend a helping hand or listening ear, I am not one to suffer fools for very long. I will explain what i mean in a bit. At the time -i agreed, because i do consider myself rather stoic. But as time went by i found myself turning the statement over in my mind. Despite holding no grudges (they honestly didn’t say it to be mean) it did encourage me to take a closer look at myself. So I spent some time sitting in it, analyzing my feelings thoroughly, and I have decided to address what i discovered about myself and how i handle certain situations. Full disclosure: additionally, at least several times a week i see posts on social media that relate to this. While i refrain from commenting on that platform, it seemed like a good time to address it here.
What it all boiled down to was understanding the difference between empathy, empowerment and enablement.
Now, most of us heard the phrase “You made your bed, now you gotta sleep in it” at least once growing up. My grandparents said it all the time. My parents repeated the phrase ,sometimes with a twist– “Suck it up, Buttercup”.So, I grew up believing to my core that I alone was responsible for the consequences of my choices and actions. And for what it’s worth, while i also learned that it’s ok to ask for help occasionally, taking responsibility for yourself and your own life is the real key to freedom. Admittedly, I in turn have reinforced the sentiment with my own children, and occasionally with my grandchildren.
Let me start with the definitions (as it applies to behavior):
Empathy:the action of understanding, being aware of, being sensitive to, and vicariously experiencing the feelings, thoughts, and experience of another.
Enabling:to allow or make it possible for someone to act or continue in a way that encourages specific behaviors/patterns ( constructive or destructive) by providing the means.
Empowerment: providing tools, opportunities, education or information and support to help someone help themselves.
When we break it down into these 3 definitions, it’s easy to see the differences. Yet, many do not understand the fine lines between the 3 in their daily lives, and can suffer an underlying cycle of guilt and resentment ( even if not expressed aloud).
The easiest way to drive the point home is by a few examples laid out in such a way that it’s fairly obvious. Let’s start with some typical scenarios :
A. a young child goes to the store with a parent and decides they want a toy or candy. The child whines, nags and eventually throws a loud embarrassing tantrum. The parent relents out of embarrassment, or maybe due to a lack of energy or simply to keep the peace.If the parent continues to relent more times than not, the child learns that they will get their way with this behavior and continues to do so .
B. A teenager gets home past their given curfew on a regular basis despite established rules . Their parents threaten to take action but do not follow up with stated consequences. The teenager learns that the parent will not enforce rules, and they continue to extend this into other areas such as late school work, not doing expected chores, and other responsibilities.
C. A young adult gets their first credit card. They overspend and overextend themselves to the point that they have no way to repay their debt. They cannot make car or rent payments on time or at all. They take out loans they cannot repay. If they have their own place, they may have utilities shut off due to late or non- payment. They may get a bad credit rating which impacts them in other areas. Eventually they may need financial help from friends or family. In extreme cases, some may even have to file bankruptcy or enlist the help of a debt settlement agency.
D. {Note: this one does NOT apply to those who are legitimately disabled, moderately to severely mentally ill, part of a disenfranchised group such as in a Native American reservation or in a third world country, the elderly, or the terminally ill. I am sure there are other exceptions.} An adult individual( any age really) has struggled with maintaining a steady job for most of their lives , relying on temporary work, unemployment , borrowing money, and the good will of others to get by. Very often, they ask for ‘donations’ in the form of money, services, food, material goods and/or lodgings. They may or may not receive government assistance .They tend to quit jobs often or have difficulty keeping jobs. They tend to bounce from one living arrangement to another . Because they have been unable to establish a good credit rating they are unable to acquire an apartment on their own. They are constantly in need of a ride to one place or another due to lack of transportation. They are frequently in financial crisis and their stability is fragile. Often, this leads to depression, anxiety, and poor health in general. About half of these people will engage in some form of self medicating as a result. Despite numerous individuals offering to help or helping them out regularly, they can’t seem to maintain financial stability.
Also, before anyone gets in a huff-these are very generalized, hypothetical scenarios. There are many variations. Some things apply and some don’t in any given situation.Additionally, I am not saying in any way that sh*t can’t and doesn’t happen at any given time in life that no one can be expected to foresee. I am not here to judge or place blame. I’ve been both at fault for my own mistakes, as well as been on the receiving end of circumstances i could not have predicted( more than once!).
That being said, here we aren’t talking here about the individuals in the above scenarios but about those who respond to these and similar situations/ persons in an effort to “help”. So let’s take the first one( the young child) and break it down into possible responses. It can be applied in various ways across the board though to the others:
empathy: A parent address the child’s desire to obtain the toy or candy by stating their understanding-“i know you want the toy/candy. I really like toys/candy too. Sometimes i want them so much it’s hard to control my emotions. If you like, we can talk about this more when we get home.”
enabling: A parent gives in on a regular( not just occasionally)basis and buys the desired item , justifying it for various reasons-“okay fine..now just stop whining!” usually followed by some vague promises that this is the last time.
empowerment: a parent uses the occasion as a teaching tool. “This toy/candy costs money. Let’s talk about an allowance for you when we get home.” The parent may choose to buy the item at the time and have the child earn the reward later through chores, or not buy the item but reinforce that they are willing help with a plan to save up for it.
I wont get into the other completely unacceptable responses of some parents i’ve seen.
While it is certainly important and appropriate to give empathy, the goal should be to empower , not enable negative behavior.It is possible to be supportive as well as establish boundaries to encourage management of the situation, future behavior and outcomes. However,- a warning- it’s way more obvious in applying this to children as opposed to adults.
The biggest problem some have in placing boundaries with other adults is that we don’t want to be seen as “not nice”. When our adult child, friend, colleague, partner or family member asks for our help, most people want to help. And that’s ok..But some people regularly go above and beyond the normal expectations to a point where it is more harmful to all involved than beneficial. So, how does someone know when this point has been reached? Here are some clues:
-When it starts to affect you financially or impact your emotional well being
-when a pattern begins to surface repeatedly and the individual shows no signs of trying to fix their issues or change their circumstances
-when you are realistically unable to help due to your own personal struggles or without sacrificing your own basic needs and/or the needs of your family
Further, when/if someone does realize there’s a problem, what can they do about it? I can only suggest the following. What anyone decides is a matter of choice, tolerance and willingness to set boundaries that promote positive outcomes for everyone.
First, be sure to clearly express the limits of your ability and willingness to help. This may include a time frame, an amount of money, or extent of energy. Second- stick to your guns. While making a few exceptions from time to time is ok and necessary, over extending yourself or being miserable shouldn’t be part of your generosity.Third- be prepared for backlash with some individuals. This can come in the form of passive aggressiveness, outright aggressiveness, or even verbal assault( such as threats or insults). Sometimes, this is expected. But even if the individual surprises you, do not give in. Just calmly repeat what your initial offer was, how you followed through/ will follow through and if they insist on continuing to attack you..stop responding/walk away. That’s exactly how i’ve learned to handle most situations like the above( after many years of suffering). It’s not a lack of empathy, but a lack of desire to enable. I am happy to empower when i can and as the situation dictates, but enabling destructive or defeating behavior helps no one.I don’t feel bad anymore when i have to make a decision between feeling resentful and taken advantage of vs. peace of mind.
Maybe someone needed to hear this today, even if it seems like common sense. At any rate, i hope you are all doing well and as always…
Business man pushing large stone up to hill with numbers 2018 , Business heavy tasks and problems concept.
I’m gonna start here with a few disclaimers (because i can already see the eyes rolling on a few people out there..lol…)1. I am in NO way an professional or qualified life coach or anything remotely related to a licensed expert on life. Just because i am alive at the moment doesn’t mean i couldn’t die in the next few seconds.Nor does it mean disaster isn’t just around the corner. 2. Everyones views and life experiences are different, take what you can use here, and leave what you can’t. 3. I am always open to suggestions, opposition or civil debate ..however, if your main goal is to entertain yourself by annoying or frustrating myself/ other commenters, or to just be a butthole- please excuse yourself.
I chose this topic because as a human, age 56, and being alive i feel i am somewhat qualified to speak on it. Not everyone will agree with everything. I am simply presenting what is true for me. Additionally, it’s a topic i am always interested in reading more about. Science, spiritual information and life hacks are always evolving. It is great to keep up on ‘new’ studies and available upgrades in the field of life, no matter how you slice it. I do contend , however, that many of the “old ways” are still valid, sometimes more so than the new ones.
1. Live life as a marathon, not a sprint. This is something that i have had to learn over and over. I am always more like a chipmunk by nature than a sloth, and have trouble sitting still. But over the years i have learned that somewhere in the middle is usually the best option. For one thing, trying to do things too fast puts you at a greater risk for injury. Secondly, going faster usually=not doing them as well . My new daily practice is to slow down.
2. Over multitasking is very bad habit . You may get more done if you are able to multitask. I am a huge advocate of that. But overdoing it produces less results and lower quality results, not to mention the stress it can produce. For me, i now practice finishing up 4-5 tasks at a time before i start any new ones. This may sound like a lot to some, but trust me, i used to try and do 15 or more things at once! Totally not worth it.
3. Compare and contrast- to a point! For example, it’s fine to compare prices of fresh fruit , available services, and philosophies. But comparing yourself to other humans is just plain stupid. If the universe wanted to make 2 or more of an exact you, it would have done so. Even if you find your Doppleganger, they aren’t going to have your same life experiences, skill sets, or way of thinking. It’s truly comparing apples to oranges. If you aren’t sure ‘who you are’ without identifying with everyone else all of the time, start an actual list and ask others for their list. They will probably look at you like you’re from another planet.But many of us do this in our heads all of the time. This type of comparison has a high risk of creating mental health issues.
4. Try new things, but practice what you love. Too often in this day and age( and not just the younger crowd anymore) people are racing around trying to fit as many things on their bucket list as possible. They jump from project to project, job to job, idea to idea, pipe dream to pipe dream- and rarely EVER stick it out long enough to find satisfaction. The internet and the excessive amount of choices out there have created a world of the chronically bored . It’s no wonder people feel overwhelmedand anxious. While getting trying out exciting new things is good , getting very good at a few things you love is better.
5. Take extensive breaks from social media. It is unbelievable how your perceptionschange, which can change your life in ways you never expected. Here’s where it gets a little controversial.By extensive, i am talking 3-6 months ( or more!). This may be extremely hard for some, but the harder it is, the more you need it.You can still have contact with friends and family, just without all the drama and influence. Leaving for only a week or 30 days is going to make very little difference. At 3 months you will probably feel less stressed, at 6 you will have evolved -from a person who is easily triggered, myopic, and addicted to toxicity to a less stressed, unencumbered , free- minded “individual”. I promise you.
6.Start thinking about the aging process as early in your life as possible. Don’t wait until you are in your 50’s or 60’s to begin an exercise program, eating better, going to the dentist and medical check ups, and/or looking for a solid career.Your body is not meant to last forever without maintenance. Your financial options will become limited. Your ability to start new things, travel the world or get fit will decrease. Spend time practicing, researching, and understanding healthy habits . Start young and keep at it. Yes, there are exceptions.There are older folk who have amazing stories and turn arounds at advanced ages. But these are just that- exceptions to the rule.
7.If you are already older, and haven’t done anything to protect yourself- don’t despair! Many people fall prey to depression, isolation and bitterness when they wake up one day and realize all that they have lost, not done, or how little “time they have left”. This mindset will manifest exactly that. Giving up, procrastinating or starting new bad habits ( i.e. drinking more alcohol or eating more junk food) to cover up those feelings is worse than staying where you are at. BEST option: begin where you are. Take baby steps, and commit to small but solid goals. Do a bit more each day. If you are having trouble with motivation, find a library or search online for resources ( self help books, community activities, organizations, etc) designed to inspire, support, and open up possibilities .
Well, that’s my solid 7. Hope you are all doing well, and please..feel free to add in the comments!
Have you ever tasted something for the first time, and then years later recalled the feeling of its newness on your tongue ? Or been sitting immersed in your thoughts, mulling over the stresses of the day when suddenly, out of nowhere, a cherished moment in time surfaces . Your first kiss. The day you graduated. Your first home. The birth of a child .Your daughter as a beautiful bride…..and you find yourself allowing it to unfold again , savoring it?
Since the passing of my brother, there have been so many stressful situations. The initial processing of my own grief was short- more like a ‘pink cloud’ than anything. It had only been 2 weeks but I sure “recovery” was just around the corner if i worked hard enough.
(This sticker actually showed up on a piece of furniture i was moving today. Talk about irony.)
Then, proverbial sh*t hit the fan. I’ve been angry, resentful and full of anxiety ever since.
Today was one more day of it. I had gotten 4 hours of sleep, and had to deal with yet more collateral damage.Then go right back into work. But i knew it was also one more step toward closure and healing. These last few issues are almost taken care of (FINALLY), and there is a hopeful sense of relief. Just as with sobriety, grief is a process.
I have finished one wonderful book that was recommended to me and last night i started another that i had purchased awhile back called “Backpacking with the Saints”. At first, listening to the preface and the start of the first chapter, my mind was struggling to enjoy the words. I knew somewhere in my head that i SHOULD be taking them in. But even after listening to more the next day, I wasn’t actually “hearing them.”In fact, i was a bit irritated……
“Yeah, Buddy- keep selling us more unicorns, glitter and rainbows.Let’s just all just sit around like pretending the world is full of good people and no problems. Let’s all just stop being responsible while we’re at it, and hope everything works out for the best.”
My cynical brain just couldn’t let go of what seemed like a never ending series of disappointment and crisis. Every time i thought i couldn’t be crushed any harder, another brick would fall.I wasn’t about to let my defenses down just yet. But as i started to wind down from the day, the words began to resonate. Apparently, even though my brain didn’t hear them, my soul had. Suddenly, things started to make perfect sense and i felt a new , intense connection to the God i have known my whole life.It’s hard to describe why or how, but i will try.
I felt gratefulness. I felt life. I felt the beginnings of healing , forgiveness and most of all–letting go.I felt the goodness of God’s promise to His Children.I had hit that sweet spot when i knew everything is exactly as it’s supposed to be.And that all of those precious moments and flavors and experiences are gifts-proof of His eternal love.
As I stood on my front porch, looking at the night sky ,I let the wild beauty of nature and the sanctity of all living things surround and permeate me . . It was a renewal of the spirit. And i began to feel…peace.
Namaste.
Footnote: please feel free to replace “God” with your own preferred reference. I strongly believe that we all need to choose our own path and choose what we feel is right for ourselves and our journey. As long as you know you are loved, it is enough.
Last evening in my area ( mostly a bit south of me) there was a tornado warning until 9pm. By 8pm the rain and wind stopped at my place and so i was relieved. No trees down, nothing special. I went to work, came home and went to bed with my white noise on as usual. We had electric and i thought nothing more of it.
I woke today at 3p to find our electric had just gone out and was a bit surprised. A message from my daughter, however, made it clear- several areas had been badly hit and had been without power since the previous evening.She also said the gas pumps were down and people were traveling to get some. I went about gathering a few battery lanterns but couldn’t find my propane camp stove, so i put on some shoes and headed out to a convenience store for some coffee and hit up the gas station. I encountered no problems and was back home shortly. I had already figured on hiking a bit so i headed back out. Side note: At this point my backpack is in the area of 10lbs with everything but food, a sleep quilt, power pack and Garmin Mini In Reach ( a gps device) . These are the main items i need yet to be 90% prepared for over night hiking. Ive been hiking with my pack , shorter miles but increasing my weight.
When i got home power was still out so i bit the bullet got out my new MSR burner/propane fuel. It was something i had been putting off as i never used one and had unrealistic fears about it blowing up in my face. However, it was super easy and i had hot coffee ( made with a coffee filter and a funnel) in no time. I was quite proud of myself…lol.
Whenever we, in a first-world country, lose power for any length of time, we start to realize how much we take for granted. We have refrigeration for our food, endless clean hot/cold water, air conditioning/heat, electric for all of our gadgets and lights. Suddenly , we are existing in Little House on the Prairie mode. No Netflix or Facebook..omg! What will i do?! It’s kind of eye opening and crazy when we let it sink in just how privileged we actually are.
In essence, no matter how much i think i am prepared, it happens so infrequently that when it does, i go into a mini panic..followed by telling myself “I will be prepared next time by(fill in the blank)”. So today i started thinking …what do i really need if i had no power for more than a day or two?
Now there are tons of online survivalist videos and articles out there. We also get reminder lists from the electric company once a year with a list of what we should have ready. Yet, aside from the essentials ( food /water/flashlights) we rarely consider a longer period of time as well as what we won’t have access too. Power outages, then, can be one of our greatest teachers.
We should learn, at the very least, the following:
keep dry , no perishable meals ready- oat meal, instant coffee, canned meats and veggies, granola/energy bars, crackers…even some canned pasta will be welcome if you go without cooked food for long enough. I would even suggest some type of chips, hard candies, and cereal/dry milk. Basically any food you can rehydrate also works, even if you have to just soak them. Manual can opener.
Make SURE you check the expiration dates on these items at least once a year. Make sure it gives you until the next yearly check time frame . Throw out and replace anything expired.In fact make this yearly check all encompassing.
water- have at least enough to flush your toilets several times a day, especially if you have kids.Have enough to add to those dry meals and some for drinking. P.S. check the dates on these gallons as well- yes, water does indeed expire.
If you have a sump pump, be even more prepared, know where it is located and know how to prime it.
Have multiple means of light- not just candles! Multi packs of LED camp lanterns are pretty inexpensive on Amazon. Be sure to check those batteries every year.
have extra batteries.
as mentioned above, a camp stove that uses propane is super useful. But lessons learned today- know where it is and ( ugh) test it out once a year. When i did find mine today, i hooked it up and flames came out of the wrong holes. Obviously the lines are dirty and it could have easily caused a house fire. Be sure you have enough propane bottles and that these are also functional and not empty. Test and Cook outside, under a porch if necessary. Take all precautions recommended.oh, and multiple lighters or waterproof matches.
a small MSR stove is awesome ..i am so glad i had mine.
if you have small children, pack away some entertainment and keep with all the other “emergency stuff”. Its stressful enough dealing with no power, worse if your children are bored and stir-crazy. Make sure these things are “special” – only to be used during emergencies like this. Cards, board games, chalk/crayons ( you can play hopscotch!) , easy project books with ideas. Origami is fun. Prompt them to play outdoors if weather permits as there will be less options after dark. Side benefit- they will be easier to put to bed if they are tired from healthy outdoor play.
If you have pets, be sure to include them in water rations.
have extra power packs and keep them charged up at all times- ( this is on my new list now).Download some favorite movies onto devices like tablets , phones or laptops that do not require internet. Books.
Make a list of important numbers that may be needed and keep it with your supplies. Utility companies, family, doctor & hospital , neighbors, vet, etc. You wont usually be able to look these up online without internet, and phone books are a rarity these days. Alternatively, save them on your cell phone. I also have a paper copy vac sealed ..because i’m paranoid.
keep all of your basement items in plastic , not cardboard, storage containers, preferably on shelves. I hear so many complain how much stuff they lost from even minor flooding.If your washer and dryer are down there, try to purchase or make pedestals for them .These things wont do much good with major flooding however.
Keep your fridge and freezers closed to retain as much coolness as possible.
disconnect electronics to avoid damage from power surges.
if you have medical equipment(oxygen concentrators for example) always have alternate power sources ready.
Keep your vehicle ready as well…lots of online lists for this
Shovel for digging out of snow ( keep inside your door.)
check on your friends and neighbors..not only is this a “nice” thing to do, it is possible you may need to share resources.
spend some time being grateful!
I’m gonna go ahead here and add a few luxury items:
a white noise maker that has a battery back up. It was priceless today for me. Otherwise i would not have slept at all.
alternate resources for energy- car with full tank of gas, solar panels ( kits are cheap at Harbor freight stores for small one), knowing locations of local free wifi and charging outlets, generators ( and enough propane or gas to fuel them).Know how to use these resources before the emergency happens.I have a converter that plugs into a cigarette lighter outlet that allows the use of a regular wall plug if i need to. This has been super useful over the years. Probably still out there and i need to update mine since it wont fit in the one in my newer car now.
battery powered music- an old walkman, regular radio or even a crank radio can pass the time more pleasantly.
cheap coolers- if you are able to get to ice, food and drinks can be kept in them for a day or 2. Place these in the coolest part of your home that is accessible.I’ve also read that you can store items that need to be kept cool in your toilet water tank if necessary, in a water tight box, such as insulin.
medical kit or at the very least a thermometer, bandaids and some over the counter pain meds. You never know.Also, a digital thermometer is handy to test food temps for spoiling after power returns.
battery powered fan for warmer weather. Foot/hand warmers for cold weather.
Raingear for at least the adults, not just an umbrella. Yes, it sounds strange, but if your outage is from flooding, high winds or excessive rain you may need to go outside for some things and you will thank me. i would get some for the kids as well, but that’s just me.
If you are in a flood area, something that floats- a canoe, kayak or inflatable item. Again, you never know.
solar powered string lighting that can be kept charging throughout the day is a comforting and useful nightlight.
a water-filtering system. I have several sawyer mini filters as well as squeeze pouches. These are mainly for hikes, but any times a local water company advises boiling water before consuming or to use only bottled water.I would rather save my propane and bottled water for more important things.
hand sanitizer and baby wipes- same as above- will save on water use.
Duct tape. Multiple uses, but can repair broken windows.
I’m sure much more can be added. Let me know if you have any additional suggestions.
Wake up! 