My husband got me a backpack for Christmas. I went with him because I had to be fitted for it. I wanted a cool color, maybe blue, but the burgundy one fits me the best. So That's what I got. I also had a friend recommend an Arkadia Supply backpack to me for its durability. Yesterday REI had 20% off so we headed out to get me a sleeping bag, something I don't want to buy used if you know what I mean. I felt like we were buying a car. I never knew how many options there were. After about 40 minutes of instruction and lots of questions, I got one that is good for 3 seasons, lightweight, that compresses to about 6 inches, and is going to keep me warm at 21 degrees. The best part was when Braden (my husband) ask if I needed a pad. Oh, course I did! The guy took us over to the different pads, some were thicker than others, some you had to blow up and other you pumped them up with your hands. I told the guy I like that pretty green one, how much? $179. Are you kidding me!!!! That's more than my sleeping bag..... I know there is something less expensive than that. How much for the ugly gray one? $89. I will take it. This is not at all what I was thinking when I left my house, I dreamed of a blue and green color scheme, like the grass and the sky, how cool I was going to look while out hiking and camping. At least, my sleeping bag is blue, even though it doesn't match anything else.

This is going to be interesting. When I go hiking with my clients we do 2.5 miles in a park with lots of hills. When they want to do 5 miles I say, no way, I have things to do. I really do, also, I board ready to get out of there, move on to the next thing. I think there is a big difference between hiking around home and hiking away from home. Braden and I go to Sedona for hiking every year and I can hike all day. Of course, I don't have to get back to work or anything, really.

Anyway, I am getting very excited about my first trip with good friend Kim. It will be sometime in May. Until then I will be out day hiking and I told my husband we are going to set up camp in the back yard. We will eat, sleep, and cook, under the stars. Oh, course he will need to bring out a blanket because we can't afford another sleeping bag let alone another sleeping pad. I guess I better work on getting a tent before we camp.

Why do I want to backpack? I want time to myself, no phone, no computer, no work. I want to take in the beauty around me, and hopefully the heat, relax at night with a good book and sleep under the stars. Maybe this is where I will find my "Now" (see Carla's post from last week).

Maybe I will see you on the trail sometime. Make sure you follow my blog to read about my adventures.

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