The countdown to Yosemite is officially on! In just about two weeks, we’ll be hitting the trail, and the excitement is definitely building.
Unfortunately, I’ve been dealing with a nagging knee issue that’s kept me from doing much hiking or cardio training. It’s not exactly the preparation I had in mind, whatcha’ gonna do, I’ll just have to take it slow, enjoy the scenery, and remember that backpacking isn’t a race.
Now comes one of my favorite parts of any trip—pulling out all the gear and getting everything organized. Over the years I’ve built up a pretty complete backpacking kit, so I rarely need much before a trip. That said, I’m planning to change up my cooking setup a bit, and after finally breaking my trusty camp chair, replacing that has become a priority!
I’m also determined to improve my trail menu this year. The standard dehydrated backpacking meals have started to lose their appeal, so I’m experimenting with some new options in hopes of making camp dinners something to look forward to rather than just something to eat.
The route is planned, permits reserved, and the logistics are all set. At this point, it’s simply a matter of watching the calendar and trying to be patient.
There’s always something special about loading up the truck, leaving the Arizona desert behind, and pointing it toward the Sierra Nevada. Before long, I’ll be trading pavement for pine forests, granite peaks, alpine lakes, and a few unforgettable days on the trail. Yosemite, here we come!
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