MP Training: Potapsco Valley
Vacation training has begun in earnest!
This morning I dressed in my new hiking gear (mid-weight wool shirt, hiking pants, hiking socks, hiking boots, and new day pack) and went to REI, feeling like a tool b/c I was dressed in REI head-to-toe. There, I got a new waterproof/windproof/lightweight jacket shell, some sweat-wicking panties, and a soft-sided duffel bag. I will be REI head-to-toe, inside and out.
So far, most of my training has involved acquiring cool hiking gear, but today we hit the trails! Chris and I headed to Patapsco Valley, near Baltimore, and hiked a network of trails. The hike we took was supposed to be 5.7 miles, but we made a few wrong turns and double-backs, so I think it was easily 6 miles, and maybe more. It took us roughly 3 hours, including a short picnic break at the falls and a jaunt over a suspension bridge.
Some parts of the trail were very pleasant, but other sections were ass-kickers. These almost did me in, and somewhere between huffs and puffs I resolved to take this training seriously. I have no idea what to expect from the Machu Picchu hikes, but if they have long stretches of steep elevation, I'm doomed.
We're keeping a video chronicle of our training, so we can make a cheesy montage. I'll upload some videos when I figure out how. For now, a photo or two:
