The Winter Blues, and New Adventures.

The long dark of winter has been marching slowly on around here. We have had considerable snow (which is nice) but the weather has been a bit rough for any good adventures. I've had several good runs, but nothing exciting. Well, I did climb several mountains... and snowboard down. Oh, then there was the day hike to the other side of.... Okay it hasn't really been that bad. I guess seven months on our little rock has just started to get to me a little.

That said, it is time to start planning for the future. I have been daydreaming about all sorts of ways to get myself into trouble this summer. Aside from the road/camping trips I have planned with my family (which should be interesting), and finishing my flight training, something a bit different has caught my interest: a multi-day trailrun.

Sort of like backpacking but faster. I have been backpacking and trail running for years. Why not combined the two? I had no idea when the idea first came to me, but this is what has been called fastpacking (so much for being original).

Obviously, it will take thorough planing and preparation (an excellent way to relieve a bit a cabin-fever, perhaps.) I need to lighten my pack to a reasonable running weight, and find a manageable solution to the water issue (it will probably be in the 90s or 100s), but still have enough equipment to make my overnight reasonably comfortable and restful between full days of running, and prepare meals that will keep me going.

Over the next few weeks (or months) I will discuss my journey into the realm of fastpacking, including gear selection and decision process, initial testing and reviews. Along with any other preparation that seems worthy of note, and eventually a report of my first trip.

First up: Cooking Gear