Carry On

Funny how we sometimes worry about something only to discover that there was really nothing to worry about after all...life's like that sometimes. Case in point, I have been concerned that I might be forced to check my pack through together with our poles as the pack is 1" to long (according to Air Canada's website) and the central airport security website states that poles must be checked. I know...it seems like a small thing, but if we were to lose any of our gear in transit this could prove very problematic as we begin walking the day after we arrive. Lost luggage, if ever found, would be hard pressed to find us.

So on our way to meet friends for a bike ride and lunch today, we stopped by the airport where we discovered that the pack does fit very easily into the defining rectangular "carry-on frame" in front of the Air Canada check-in. Success! Now onwards to chat with the security folks who completely put our minds at ease when they told us that it is no problem to carry on the poles we've selected. They will complete a visual check of our gear, a small time price given the options. Two happy hikers!! Perhaps one day I'll learn that sometimes things just take care of themselves...

So all the gear is ready and can be carried on. My pack weighs in at 17.2lbs, and with water and food about 19.5lbs...Annemarie's about 17lbs all in. I've been training with this weight for about a month and it seems pretty comfortable on walks of up to 28kms. Annemarie will increase to 15lbs tomorrow as she continues to recover. She will get her new knee brace fitted this week and she can then begin to hill train again. We are taking things very carefully to make sure that she is fit in 5 weeks when we depart.

Bike ride today was excellent. Good company, great cycling route and a very good lunch!

I'm still rising early for 'sun rise training' sessions and the views continue to justify the early risings...the bunnies and deer are pretty cool too!