July SOBO; Nervous, Seeking Encouragement
Hi All,
I have an odd CT thru hike plan upcoming: start with Collegiate Loop with my partner starting July 1, then after we finish, ride back to the start and go SOBO solo skipping the Collegiates when I arrive there again, ~ July 9-10.
This feels like my first major thru hike, and I'm nervous! Not for the sake of backpacking skills --- I've done the Collegiate Loop before, a West Highland Way variant last summer, plus ~1000 miles of backpacking up and down the Appalachians. But never anything this long.
I'm scared about fueling my body enough. I'm scared about my back pain --- I have /r/Spondylolisthesis , although weirdly backpacking isn't the thing that makes it hurt, but it does make my legs and feet very sore. Ultimately I'm scared about embracing a lack of control and a need for mental flexibility, which is hard for me.
Anyway, I'm seeking encouragement, and maybe even folks to look out for out there on trail.
Alternately, if you want to tell me my gear list looks fine, that would feel good. Lighterpack link here. We crushed the Pennsylvania Black Forest Trail last weekend as a shakedown using roughly this kit, although that's very different.
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