Well, it's been a long month of catching up and I've been creating a presentation about the trail for my co-workers, which was fun but took a bit of work.

Before I start on the day-by-day trail commentary, I wanted to comment on packing.

For Road Scholar, this is always a big topic and this is a very different trip from most of our other programs.

Here's what I thought I should bring along, what worked and what didn't and why:

OK, it's time to start thinking about packing; waterproof jacket and pants, yes, it's going to rain (but this time of year will surely be very green!)
***Yes, it was very green and flowers were everywhere! Apparently the rainy season didn't want to quit. I'm glad I had waterproof clothing and shoes!

North Face gortex jacket -
***great choice but I left in the duffel with the porter at some times when I really needed it and trusted a light rain jacket that wasn't waterproof after all. Also, I really wish I would have brought a cheap lightweight poncho to cover my pack and me. Bring one, PRICELESS!

Road Runner "Dry Road" waterproof running pants -
***what ever kind you bring, these are a must even if you are sweating a lot.

Water proof hiking boots; I've chosen Merrell -
***worth every penny and worked like a charm! waterproof and warm. When your feet are warm and dry, the rest of you can adapt pretty well.

Socks; Smartwool, Thorlo - ***ditto

Loose fitting hiking pants - ***don't buy them too loose
Wicking shirts, T-shirts - ***a must to prevent you from getting chilled in wet clothes once you reach the campsite
Fleece, hat and gloves - ***perfect for evenings and mornings
Long underwear to sleep in or something warm - ***I brought fleece pants to sleep in and they were perfect
Sunglasses - ***and maybe a spare pair, just in case
Water bottle - ***essential

I'll just make a quick statement about the list of supplies below;

***you won't need any energy gels, there is plenty of food and snacks and it's nutritional, healthy and excellent!
***Biodegradable soap is provided along with hot water before every meal and in the morning.
*** You won't need to bring the water purification pills. All water is boiled and purification tablets are used, as well.
***Pack Towels are going to be provided, but I'll confirm that.

The next thing to concentrate on is my DOPP kit or survival kit, or whatever you want to call it, with all of the necessary things you'll need for basic bodily comfort and care.
I've included a picture below of most things I'll bring. A bit about what I chose and why;

After many years of hiking and camping I always bring along Dr. Bronner's Magic Soap. That's what it's called! I'm a huge fan and have been using this stuff since I was in my 20s. It's Pure Castile biodegradable soap made with organic oils and 100 percent vegan. My favorite flavor is Hemp Peppermint (it makes your skin tingle!) but it also comes in Lavender, Almond and a few other scents. Any hiker/camper worth his conservation minded salt knows about Dr. B's. You can even brush your teeth with it, although I've never tried, I do wash my hair with it and even the camp dishes. It's concentrated so a little goes a long way!

Sunscreen - Neutrogena Sunblock Lotion - Sensitive Skin lotion. This stuff is great! I spent a week in the Galapagos, outside all day and never got burned! The Sensitive brand doesn't give you bumps or irritation and is kind to your face. I highly recommend it!

Bug spray - I like Natrapel made with Picaridin. I'm not a big fan of DEET and this has worked well for me the past two years that I have been using it. I live in Florida, and I'm the main course on the West Nile buffet line that is my backyard in the summer. This stuff works for me and doesn't smell too bad.

Wipes and hand sanitizer - any kind of towelettes or wipes you can bring will work in this category and then follow with hand sanitizer. I like Bath and Body Works sanitizers (thanks Etel).
Here's where the headlamp comes in - ever try to use the restroom with a flashlight? Think about it! Plus, you'll have hands free around the camp when the sun goes down.

Then the usual suspects -
Deodorant,... or not, some people take a break while camping/hiking. Toothbrush, toothpaste (I like Tom's of Maine).
Sunscreen for your lips; I like Coppertone Water BABIES sunscreen stick 55 SPF. I use it all year when I'm outside.
Q-tips, band-aids, vitamins, aspirin, Imodium, CIPRO? Some other things to consider. Water purifying tablets just in case and you're good to go.

Then I include Energy gels for those times on the hike when you may run out of fuel. I like GU, Powergel and Endurolytes for replenishing on hikes, runs or bike rides without stopping to eat. There's also the added benefit of caffeine with some of the gels.

You always need a towel, but who wants to carry a heavy wet towel after clean up? Especially when you don't have time to let it dry--and you won't. A PACK TOWL made by ThermaRest (they make inflatable camping mats) are great to bring on the trip. This will be one of your best purchases for camping, backpacking or hiking. This thing can absorb an amazing amount of water. Then just wring it out and it keeps going! And dries in no time hanging on the line or your pack.

I'm sure I've forgotten something but I have a few days to think about it. Remember to bring plenty of zip-lock plastic bags and enough for your trash. You know the credo, "Take Only Pictures, Leave Only Footprints."

More later......