The Path of Totality

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Right. So I am getting there!

I think I have almost everything under control so far.

All the planning and researching for gear, visa, permits, resupply options, maps and apps is done. And I have slept a few test-sleeps in my new cool little tent (in my mum’s garden) under windy and freezing conditions. I was not too cold and the tent could withstand the wind.

Awesome!

I have hiked a few test hikes with a fully loaded pack on steep slopes with snow on them. I have gulped my first Ibuprofen out of my “hospital size Ibuprofen PCT pack ” as the last hike shook all my muscles around.

So it seems all worked fine.

And I had a learning too: I NEED a pillow for the nights in the tent! No pillow = unhappy Heidi. So I planted a last minute Amazon order.

As all these earthly things are done, I can focus on a more philosophical aspect of the PCT:

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Let’t talk about the Path of Totality

Is it not an incredible coincidence that there will be a total solar eclipse in the USA (the Americans name it the “Great American Eclipse”) right at the time and place when I will (hopefully and probably) be there!

The total solar eclipse thing will take place on Monday, August 21, 2017, starting 15.46 in Oregon, with the maximum eclipse at 18.21 UTC time.

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I MUST be somewhere between Mount Washington and Little Crater Lake to be in the path of totality to experience the glory of the total eclipse!

This  is somewhat on PCT mile 2000 – 2080 (km 3220 – 3350). I hope I got this right.

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Oh how I absolutely will do anything to be there. I will hike faster or slower, whatever it takes!

I cannot imagine a more magical experience than hiking in the wild for a few months, following the path of the sun every single day, following the moon getting big and small and big and small for months, and then being able to see this awesome spectacle right on the PCT.

Now all I have to do is never give up hiking. I need to plough along all these miles, through hot deserts, high peaks, snowy passes(!), weird trail towns, and make sure I am right on the path of totality on August 21, 2017.

Awesome. Wish me luck!

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Learning of the Day:
You can mention a camping pillow and a total solar eclipse in one single blogpost!

 

 

12 replies
  1. Dunja says:

    Good luck, Heidi! This hike is going to be an amazing experience and I’m sure your efforts will be rewarded and you will be able to see the total eclipse. Did you already buy the special glasses? ;)

    Reply
    • Heidi says:

      Thanks Dunja!! Let’s hope you are right!! :-) Hehe, no, did not buy the glasses yet, these things are not ultralight enough… !

      Reply
  2. Bert says:

    Ohh, schöne Sache. Wenn das klappt, dann ist das wirklich “awesome”. Evtl ne kleine Anhöhe in der Natur und dann zieht das Dunkel am Tag auf…

    ich wünsch dir Glück das das was wird :)

    Reply
  3. Noemi says:

    Final Countdown dear Heidi – I wish you all the best, good luck and strenght…bin fast auch ein bisschen aufgeregt :-) Will be with you from time to time in my thoughts and when eating :-))) Big hug

    Reply
    • Heidi says:

      :-) Oh Noemi!! Danke Dir!! Au ja, kannt Du bitte extra viel Griechischer Salat essen! Das wäre super! Big hug back!!!

      Reply

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