New

I've been upgrading and acquiring new gear like it was free lately.  Currently in awe of Arc'teryx, with just how much a North Face basecamp duffel can hold and how Marmot continues to design things that makes so much sense.  A couple of pieces might go back but the majority has become integrated into our lives already.

"We are going about this backwards." D said, with respect to our desire to begin camping again.  "People tend to start to with it, with the aim of owning a cottage someday, so they don't have to camp."

Apparently this has already confused people, who haven't held back their surprise and comments of "You guys are crazy...Why would you want to start camping, much less bike (D) or travel (Me) camping?"

Well, the answer is pretty simple, at least in my mind.  I'm preparing for bigger things, that will require I be stronger and more self supporting.  And I love the idea of having everything you need with you and the simplicity of tent living.  Although the last time I did a multi day hiking/camping trip was in high school.

The last few years has seen good strides with respect to my management of mosquito and heat issues. Combining those gains with physical endurance in more challenging destinations seems like a natural progression.  The continued belief of -- You want to Do more?  Then you must Be more...

I have to admit, it has been fun buying and preparing.  Whether I/we can live up to the demands of what our new gear can withstand remains to be seen.  There will be a number of opportunities this year to get pretty uncomfortable, to flush out all those pretty mental idealizations...