Time to Bite the Bullet

My wife and I sold the house and moved into a very small apartment about 4 months ago in hopes of it being short term while we search for a new house.  90% of everything that we own has been sitting in a storage unit.  We never thought we would be in the apartment longer than two to three months.  Now, winter is here, and we are all antsy, wanting to be more active and get outside to enjoy the winter. 

I have set a personal goal for myself this year to hike 150 miles.  In order to do that, I’m going to need to get out there NOW.  Without all of my gear readily accessible, it seems impossible that I can even get out there at all let alone with my family on some smaller snowshoe excursions. 

Today, I am going to do it.  I am going to order my new snowshoes.  I was able to find my warm clothing and winter shell as well as my pack, poles and first aid kit.  Once I purchase snowshoes, I can at least do some lower elevation hikes below tree line and feel comfortable that I will be safe.  

My old pair were MSR Denali Evo Ascents and they are nearly 10 years old.  They are still serviceable however a new pair is likely warranted for high peaks anyway where the old pair is ready to break at any time.  I’ll continue to use the old pair at low elevation/low risk hikes but on high risk hikes, the new pair is necessary. 

I’ve made up my mind to purchase a pair of MSR Lightning Ascents.  They are as technical as a snowshoes gets and should last a while.  I’m even going to purchase them at LL Bean to ensure a guarantee should anything ever happen to them.

My plan is to hike about 6 miles in January so I’ve got to get rolling.  

Month	Miles
January	6
February	8
March	11
April	12
May	15
June	16
July	20
August	20
September	15
October	13
November	8
December	6
Total	150