I started training in earnest today for my upcoming trek to Nepal where I plan to cover 150 miles over the course of 21 days. I hope to fit everything I will need into and on an ultra light 28 liter pack (this is very small as packs go). Two cameras and three lenses will go into a chest pack and my tripod will strap to the side of my backpack; all in, my photo gear will account for 7 pounds. My pack will hold a sleeping bag, rain gear, fleece, down jacket, hat, gloves, toiletries, a pair of camp shoes, and clothing for 3 weeks. Trekking poles, an ultraviolet water purifier, 3L water reservoir, headlamp, GPS device, rescue beacon, iPhone, first aid kit, batteries and chargers will make up the balance. Water will account for 4 pounds and I am hoping all the rest will come in under 19 pounds for a total pack weight of 30 pounds. I will sleep and eat in tea huts along the trek and do not plan to carry any food.

I decided to start out with a 6 mile hike and 21 pound load. I walked from our home to Walden Pond, where I visited the original site of Thoreau’s Cabin, and then on to our church in downtown Concord where I met up with Jeanine for a welcome picnic for our new minister. The cabin site was discovered in 1945 and is now outlined with granite markers. A large rock carin can be found adjacent to the site where visitors from around the world have deposited rocks to pay homage to Thoreau. At the picnic, I participated in the kazoo choir and played Amazing Grace.