April 2, 2015
This is my last training hike before leaving home. I am at Doe Skin, my favorite nearby hiking spot. I have intentionally loaded my pack with 80 pounds, consisting of several full 2 liter soda bottles and a 30 pound rock I found in my yard. I intend to prove today I can complete 20 miles under such an extreme load. This would take 4 loops around the 5 miles of contiguous trail. At the same time I was practicing some map and compass navigation in search of a solar battery pack and cable that I think got snagged on…