7 days and Counting -Packing List for West Coast Trail

7 days to go and time to pack my wearable closet,kitchen, bathroom and bedroom, otherwise know as my Backpack (I call her Betty) and head to the West Coast Trail.

Do you know how much this weighs? That has become the most asked question as I do my final preps for my hike on the West Coast Trail. What does one take for 8 days/7 nights as I realize that what ever I take - I carry on my back for the same amount of time.

My fall shopping used to consist of a few trips to the Nordsrom’s sale and Kate Spade for that new bag but this year my priorities changed.My frequent trips are now between REI and Duluth Packing Company. The features become more about function and of course a little style thrown in. Don’t get me wrong-a girl can still be stylish while hiking . Color scheme Aqua and Red - Yes I really did come up with a color scheme as I bought functional but fun items to wear and use.

My favorite hip functional outdoor store is FjallRaven - where I got my hiking shorts and they also carry my Hanwag Hiking Boots. Amazing boots if you happen to have foot issues , seriously, can we talk bunions ?

The plan is to carry less than 30 lbs  including food so I became obsessed with weight. 

The Final List for clothes on the West Coast Trail

Remember that cotton is not my friend on this trip- everything has a purpose, is technical in fabric and functional from Bottom to Top

Hanwag Hiking Boots -  Leather and Gortex is the key to these.They are made with a last especially for bunions and the fit is amazing. Don’t forget to trick your boots out with a splash of color in your laces 

3 pair wool socks - My favorite are Darn Tough and they are made in the USA. The colors will just make you smile even though you are walking miles.  1pair on/1 pair drying/1pair clean

2 pairs of hiking shorts  1 pair Fjall Raven Red, of course. These are especially functional because of the wax cloth bum, great for boulder sliding and the inevitable Turtle fall that will happen. Google It 

Lululemon Tights 

2 tops:  One base layer smart wool and one short sleeved technical fabric for “Sweaty Betty” 

_ That might have to be my trail name - Folks it is not going to smell pretty after a few days

Gortex Rain Jacket, Northface fleece and a good ole Toque (canadian slang for stocking cap) for added warmth and keeping the bugs out of my hair when I sleep.

Underwear you ask - A good Canadian girl would go commando but just in case I need them I did pack 2 pairs of exoffico wonderunders and a sports bra.

Camp shoes and long johns round out the 7 night /8 day packing with a purpose list 

I am excitedly nervous and yes, I have had moments where I wonder what I am doing but at least I'll look good doing it.

What woud you pack for a wilderness trek?

If you go out in the woods today- Lessons learned on the trail

As I walk out the door, I realize my pack is alittle heavy and I may need to rethink the important things and not the luxury items but then that is what this little solo hiking, camping trip is for. 

A practice run for my up coming trek on the West Coast Trail. (WCT). 

I am heading to Lake Superior to do a training day hike along the Superior Hiking Trail

Bear Bell 

Bug Spray 

And of course a 6 pack of Bent Paddle Beer on ice.

Who doesn't like a road trip on the day of summer Solstice.
The sky is blue and the clouds are floating across the sky like marshmallows. 

 I am looking forward to camping under the stars on this full moon night but first things first. 

The drive and hike: 

The best part of a roadtrip is finding what cool things are along the way. Today was no different. A place to get gas. Normal right. No. I found the cutest station that was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright and is the only one of its kind in the USA. Bonus. It is full service 

A stop a Northern Smokehaus for some delicious smoked salmon- More about this later, and a stop

 at Duluth Pack for last minute needs or should I say wants.

One more stop at Bettys Pies and I am on my way- a must stop on route 61. I did it just for you guys to tell you about it.

Now the adventure begins:

Ok I can't make this stuff up - The 4 things I learned while hiking Split Rock River Trail on SHT (Superior Hiking Trail)

The remainder of this blog is brought to you by Roots and Mud produced by Mother Nature

1. Sunny, hot days does not necessarily equate with dry trails- I made the rookie mistake of leaving my gaiters behind in the car. They provide coverage to keep your lower legs safe and dry, but I was being a weight Weenie and decided they were not needed and I could lighten my load in my pack
 _Big Mistake _Huge. Or not!!  Women do pay a lot of money for the mud bath I endured on this section.

2. Love is in the Air- Be curious and present on the trail. Finding a wood box nailed to a large birch tree. Curiosity, of course got to the lonely Hiker ( That's Me) and I discovered many well wishes and notes of encouragement for thru-hikers or just a place to acknowledge you were on the trail- Written in pen/pencil on birch wood.
It reminded me of the grace and goodness that is still out there. What a treat if someone wrote one for you to Carry On and Hike

#3- Be Prepared for Equipment failure- imagine rocks and roots covering the whole trail. The rushing Split Rock River gushing to the brim with mountain runoff right along side you. I decide to use my new trekking poles 
Strolling along, the roots were gnarly,deep pockets of mud - My hiking poles in rhythm with my boots until I hit a big mud puddle - I soon find myself sinking when the pole was to provide stability- Oh Yeah! mud wasn't that deep but my new poles were shrinking- Lesson #3 bring a tightening tool or maybe pay a little more for Trekking Poles - Another trip to REI for me.

#4 Don't take Salmon Bites into your campsite if you want to sleep peacefully. Remember I said I made a stop at Northern Smokehaus in Duluth to pick up camp dinner. It was delicious, almost sinful. I enjoyed them with a cold beer while setting up camp. wiping my hands on my camp pants while searching for a wet cloth. All is good till I thought about the bear warning in the area. Yes - Bears and salmon go together. Opps . I burned the evidence and crawled into my warm tent with the stars lighting up the night sky- Until 2:30 Am when something brushed by my tent.. I am sure it was a small rodent but in my mind it was a Bear- looking for my left overs-  I lay quietly and listened- Ok now my mind decided it was probably a moose and I wanted to see- Out comes flashlight and a frightened solo camper. I peer out and see nothing- but then I remember that book I used to read to my kids.
 The Teddy Bears Picnic .
If you go out in the woods today
You're sure of a big surprise.
If you go out in the woods today
You'd better go in disguise.

For every bear that ever there was
Will gather there for certain, because
Today's the day the teddy bears have their picnic.

But I survived to hike another day and a little more inspired to continue to be adventureous.