Prepared for what?

So I am all packed. Some hanging clothes for the 3 business stops I have at hospitals. Lots of long sleeve clothes. Hiking boots, knit hat and gloves. 2-man tent, lighter, and ax. Water, cheese, wine, nuts, and canned ravioli. Is there anything else I need? Who knows since I don't know where I am going or what I am going to do.

I have 7 nights ahead of me, 3 in hotels, 4 outdoors. My first two stops are on day one in York & Pittsburgh. My last stop is Charlotte on Day 6. In between... I dunno know. I was going to hike and camp in VA near Shenandoah, and drive the Skyline Drive - but it is closed right now due to snow and ice. Maybe it will open in time for my Day 2 excursion, or maybe I will head Southwest and land in Charleston, WV. I don't have any camp sites picked out in advance so maybe I will pitch the tent on the grassy strip between McDonalds and KFC in Charleston!?

I really want to see some of the caverns in VA and want to hike Shenadoah to see some of the waterfalls... but the waterfall trails require some steep climbs and with snow and ice down on the rocks now, that may not be very wise. (Wisdom is not a requirement for this trip though). The camping centers are closed for the Winter so I am left to wonder how I will get clean when I am not in hotels. I guess my soap, towel and wash cloth will have to do at truck stop bathrooms.

I am hoping my friend Erik will show up tonight with a propane heater - it will likely make a big difference. Day 3 is Christmas Day and will be rainy, icy and miserable, with nothing open, so I am hoping the tent is warm and comfortable. I am bringing a few books so maybe it won't be too boring.

I will try to post blogs and pictures each day from both my Droid and those I upload to my laptop from my camera. Let's hope Starbucks with wireless service is plentiful! Feel free to comment on my blogs, but I am new to this so I may not be very responsive. Talk at you soon, BoPo