One Week To Go

I had a copy of the regulations in one hand as I approached the counter. The small package in my other hand had the proper DOT Hazardous Material sticker on it. I had even rehearsed how I would answer the question, “Does your package contain anything liquid, fragile, perishable, or hazardous?“ “Yes,” I would state in a slightly defiant, but polite tone. “Hazardous flammable gas canisters for a camp stove.” In the past I have had postal clerks refuse to accept a package with gas canisters. I understand that, but there is a provision in the regulations for shipping small quantities via ground.
I was ready to do battle with the clerk. I was psyched. Bring it on, I thought. But this guy looked at the sticker on the box, put the package on the scale, and asked me what class of hazardous material was inside so he could code the transaction properly. No fight, no drama, no demanding to see his supervisor, none of that. It was kind of a letdown. He didn’t even ask me the liquid/fragile question. Somewhat deflated, I told him, “Gas canisters,” and we talked about camping while he got the postage ready for the box. So there you are. Another molehill climbed.

Meanwhile, the time I thought I had has slipped away and suddenly I realize I leave in a couple days for the OHT trip. I mean, there are always last minute things to do, but not this many. Nothing to be done, but get on them.
Hence my excursion to the post office. I called the hotel where we’ll be the first night and a manager said they will hold mail for us. So I went out and picked up a couple of fuel canisters for our stoves, boxed them according to postal regulations, then took them to the post office Friday morning. Which is where this blog started.

I did finally get ahold of the resupply post offices and confirmed that they accept General Delivery. And now have amassed all the food for the trip and spent half a day repackaging it for my resupply boxes. I will get them in the mail Monday. I put new suspension lines on my hammock, checked the tarp for leaks, been over my gear list a thousand times, and tested my GPS messaging unit. I bug proofed my clothes and hammock with permethrin, sent my income tax stuff off to the tax preparer, and swung by the bank. I even have an Uber reserved for our trip the first day down to the trailhead. All the while trying to train most days. I know, these are first world problems and really, I do generally like the planning nearly as much as the trip.

I will be flying to Albuquerque on Wednesday and then, if all is well with her friend, Cappuccino and I will fly to Fayetteville, AR on Saturday. On Sunday morning, March 31st, we will start the trail. I will start blogging daily next Saturday and throughout the trek. As usual, I will upload when I can get a signal and eventually all the blogs will get posted. So check back.
Well, that just about does it. Next blog will be from Arkansas.
Take care and Happy Trails!