Kelly and I went to the big flagship REI (Recreational Equipment In case your pockets are bulging with money, we will help you out)  store yesterday.  We had a list of gear to check out and maybe buy.  On top of my list was a backpack.  Having my backpack is going to lend a bunch of realism to all this training we have been up to.  Did I tell you that Annie and I had a plan for me to carry her pack across Spain but then I learned about boy and girl packs.  Who would have thought?  Yea, boy and girl packs.  I’ve also learned that there are boy sleeping bags and girl sleeping bags. The birds and the bees.  Life is getting more complicated.

Anyway, I spent an hour or two trying various models of boy packs with the help of REI expert, Rebecca.  Quite a process.  I was looking for a medium sized unit that was designed for hot weather, setup for water bladder, would house my walking sticks for the plane rides,  and would be comfortable for my boy body.  And I found one!  I settled on the Osprey , Exos 58 (58 liter capacity)  if that means anything.  It cost an arm and a leg but like the walking sticks have to be the best that can be afforded.  These new packs really fit to your body in a sense that they feel part of your body when loaded with weight.  They cinch up in about 57 ways to be close to the back and is one with the body.  You can bend, lean, turn or whatever and everything moves together.  This pack is extremely light weight and larger in capacity then recommended but all the gear that I put in it finally will cinch down even if not full.  It fits and looks like it will be cool as possible in the heat of the Meseta in August.

So, I got some other random stuff like a 2 liter water bladder, quick dry undies and a quick dry long sleeve shirt with sun protection built in.  Don’t ask me how that works.  If Lewis and Clark had this gear they would have probably gone on to several more continents while they were at it.

Tomorrow I am back at Swedish Hospital to pay a visit.  I will try and remember to take the Kindle and do a blog from there to practice.  OK, off to walk six miles WITH BOY PACK.  Tomorrow, Phil.