Training for vacation

While we were in college it was about this time of year that the rec center was extremely busy.  The influx of people 'keeping' New Year's resolutions dwindles during the first few weeks of February however a new wave is just beginning--those who are trying to get in shape to look good in a swimsuit on the beach during spring break.   The past few weeks we have started our own training for vacation.  However we aren't training for the beach.

Most people go on vacation for rest and relaxation.  Arthur and I tend to struggle with getting R&R during our time off.  Instead our vacation this year is going to require several months of training to get in shape for.  In July we are headed to New Hampshire for an 8 day backpacking trip through the White Mountains along the Presidential Traverse.  We have found a group that hosts a hike each year and have signed up so there will be guides since this will be our first foray into backpacking.  For our first trip we aren't completely "roughing it".  Each night we will stay in a hut along the trail--much like a hostel with a bunk room and meals will be provided.  

We have been gathering the gear that we will need and are now proud owners of trekking poles and large backpacks.  We also need to train to cover 6-9 miles a day across mountain terrain.  This is more of a challenge in Kansas where our largest elevation gains are 500 feet at the most.  We may have looked a little out of place using trekking poles and large packs to amble across the prairies where we do most of our hiking or along the streets of our small town.  Instead of getting practice with elevation we are going to work on putting on lots of miles.  We have picked the following song as our theme for this year.  (All great theme songs need kilts and a Scottish accent).  (Havering means to babble or talk foolishly-- we do this a lot and now we have an official word for it.)  Omnia Vincit Amor.