i was averaging a backpacking trip one weekend a month in 2005 and 2006, both solo and with a small group. the group was slowly reduced to a core of four.
i was backpacking so much i ordered a McHale pack and received it in April 2007. i immediately went out for a long weekend with it and was very pleased with the pack. but then the strangest thing happened…
i only got out four times in 2007. the core group had dissolved since two of the four moved away and the third became involved with a girlfriend. it just wasn't the same i guess without the gang.
in August 2007 i planned a solo trip – nothing huge, just an overnight out and back – a total of 28 miles. it was very dry and out on the ridges, where the bulk of the trail was, there was no water at the springs. within a 5 minute period i had run-ins with two rattlers. i had to change my plans and head down the ridge to a stream for water – that trip was my last, i haven't been out since.
not sure if it was the rattlers, nearly running out of water, or missing my friends, but after i came home, i put the pack in the closet and haven't looked at it since.
i'm not sure how to get motivated now for a trip – i want to get out and enjoy a trip, but i can't get to the point where i'm heading out the door with my gear loaded.
any suggestions?
-Steve
