T-Minus Seven Days

Well, with one week to go before I leave the US, things are pretty settled. My gear is clean, my things are nearly packed, and my first week's lodging is all arranged. GPX tracks and trail kilometer markings are all loaded on my phone, and additional trail maps and notes are printed and packed. 

Granted, "settled" doesn't keep me from being nervous about the hike or sad about the fact that I'll be far away from my friends and family. This is going to be one epic trip, and I'm struggling to stay level headed while acknowledging how difficult everything's about to become. 

As always, a little practice helps smooth some of the concerns. I've played around with my new trail home; I've bathed and de-sand-ified everything that might be harboring dirt or invasive species; and, of course, I've wandered around Madison to both clear my head and prepare my legs. 

    (Dirty tent water from the 2nd rinse)

I still feel like I have a million loose ends to tie up in Madison, but, God willing, I'll begin this amazing, crazy walk soon.