Packing

A small stack of clothing and gear now occupies space in a corner of the office I share with my trekking partner and all-around best pal, Cliff. While I work at my desk, I catch myself continually glancing over at the stack with feelings of wonder -- or is it disbelief? My emotions are stirred not by the fact that we're really doing this thing -- the Snowman Trek -- but by the realization that our longest trek to date restricts us to the lightest load ever. You see, Druk Airlines (Bhutan's only air carrier) limits our baggage to just 44 pounds per person. Once a cold-weather sleeping bag, Thermarest mattress and walking sticks hit the scales . . . well let's just say we'll be wearing the same clothes for just about every picture we take for 35 days.

I find the challenge isn't so much deciding what to take as it is deciding what to leave behind. Like most western trekkers, we have gear for many different climates and for varied terrain. Much more than we need for any one trek (and perhaps for several treks executed consecutively). Knowing we have yak and horse support, it's hard to decide what not to take . . . until we give it the Nepal test.

In Nepal I carried a pack that weighed more than one-third of my body weight for a two-week high-altitude trek -- no sherpas, no pack animals . . . just us, an idea, a map, a GPS and a very heavy pack. I can recall few post-trek events more punishing than the experience of opening that pack to find clean clothes and uncooked trail food. My intention in packing received a sharpening following the Gosaikund trek that remains to this day.

All doers pack for the journey -- no matter what it may be. Some baggage is physical, some is emotional, some is spiritual -- it all has mass and weight.

So, how are you intentional in choosing what you are loading into your pack?

What choices have you made about things to leave behind? Know that learning and innovation come with leaving some of those "just in case I need it" items you've collected over time. What housekeeping is there to do before you move on? That trash in the bottom of your pack, which hasn't been shaken out in years, may feel like a medicine ball at mile 25, 68 or 105. And very importantly, whose gear are you carrying? Carrying for someone else can manifest anger and resentment en route -- especially when the going gets rough. Own your trip. Acknowledge both your blessings and your burdens.

I chose this trip -- fell in love with the idea after reading an article about it in National Geographic Adventure magazine. And I am choosing consciously to dress in layers and leave behind my heavy jacket. I am intentional in my decision to wear a pair and carry a spare (just one) when it comes to trousers. Not a single item is wash and wear without being wear, wear, wear (at least three times) then wash.

Yes, it is a rather small stack in the corner of my office. I am content that it is just what I need. I've considered each piece. I feel I have chosen those things that best will support, nourish and sustain me across the miles. And despite the care and attention I've given to packing, I stay open to what the journey has to teach me about needs and wants along the way. I'll use that information the next time I pack.

Snowman Training Notes: Long hike yesterday -- only one long hike left before we enter taper phase!! 14 miles and the weather was divine. Aerobic day today and I had to cut it short by half hour to meet a work deadline. Octane Trainer 45 minutes, 6.8 miles on interval mode.

Thought for the day: "Simplicity is making the journey of this life with just baggage enough." ~Charles Dudley Warner