First Real Training Hike

Well, with less than two weeks for me to go, and under five for Amanda, we got out for our first real test walk this past Monday.  We did a 16 km hike with the MMHC on Death Valley Trail in Kananaskis, west of Turner Valley.  We had a beautiful sunny day with temperatures just warm enough for t-shirts.  The trail was a little muddy for the first few kilometers, thanks mostly to the horses that have been using the trail.  We were more than a little surprised at the lack of snow, but that made for better walking.

Looking back south to Death Valley, Kananaskis

Amanda, Kirsten, and I loaded up our packs to near-trail weight.  I had packed tent, sleeping bag, stove, fuel, 2L water, and a gourmet hot dog lunch complete with all of the fixings.  Cooking the hot dogs was fun, but not really the ideal energy food - I don't think they'll be on the menu when we get to Scotland...  It was good training to get the stove out and boil water, though.

Kir and Mandy (and Cedric) at the viewpoint

I think we had a pretty strong walk, and were able to iron out a few equipment kinks.  Our feet felt good, with only one of us getting a hot-spot - better now than in a few weeks!!

What's Up Next...

Amanda and I have two big trips coming up.

Ben and I, and his good friend Zach, are headed back to Scotland in an attempt to finish the Scottish National Trail (https://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/scottish-national-trail.shtml).  In 2015 Ben and I completed Kirk Yetholm to Pitlochry.  If everything goes according to plan we will complete the section from Pitlochry to Cape Wrath after eighteen days of challenging trail and conditions.

Ben and Zach - Training Hike #1

Amanda and her best hiking buddy Kirsten, are also headed for Scotland to complete TGOC 2019 (https://www.tgochallenge.co.uk/).  This event is a West to East coast crossing of Scotland, on a self-crafted route.  Amanda and Kirsten will start in Oban and end at Dunnottar Castle just south of Stonehaven.  This will be Amanda's second TGOC crossing, and Kirsten's first.  I sure hope Kirsten has been practicing her camp cooking skills - she has some big hiking boots to fill in that department!!

Amanda and Kirsten - Training Hike #134

When Ben, Zach, and I finish our walk, we will head to Fort William the next day to meet Amanda and Kirsten, and transfer some essential kit to them.  They will then hop on a bus to Oban a couple of hours later to get ready for their walk which will start the next day.  A two-hour window to end one trip and start another - no pressure, right??

We both hope to keep a blog as our hikes progress, so please check back if you are interested in following along.  Thank you for reading!