So it begins

[Taylor Steiner]

Awesome!

[Udwin]

If one is interested in doing more than costuming and day trips in this hobby, there's only one way to take the leap, and unfortunately it usually involving miserable sleeping...so regardless of the outcome, well done on 'getting out there', especially solo!
A 60 lb pack I have to admit is pretty hefty. For modern backpacking I've found a digital kitchen scale and a spreadsheet are pretty invaluable for doing a "shake-down" and seeing just where the weight is, and it's just as useful for Middle-earth trekking as well. When you get the time and energy, feel free to share a gear dump of what you're packing and we can see about helping you pare things down a bit.

[Tom_Ranger]

You made an effort, and that is more than most. Your experience is something we can all learn from.

Well done.

[Iodo]

You survived, and so it was a successful adventure

but in all seriousness, well done and even tho it didn't go all to plan, that first picture of a ranger wandering the wilds is a worthy souvenir, can't wait to see the video's

[Barandir]

Dang dude, hats off for your perseverance! Sounds like Sauron really had his eye on you!

I was really intrigued by your loaf of (waybread? fruitcake? couldn't tell haha). What is it made of? It looks really hearty and durable for travel!

[Yavion]

Experimental archeology at its finest! It stinks that you had a rough go, but what you learned from it is valuable not just for you but for the members here that have not had the chance to head out themselves.
Thank you for that.

And I have to admit, something about pictures 4-6 got me in my feelings. The fog and the leaves remind me of home, even though I know my forests were different. Great stuff.

[Greg]

O-ho-ho-boy have I been there. Glad to hear you're alright, and looking ahead!

60 lbs is definitely a lot to be carrying without modern support and suspension. I'll be trekking in the near future and am sincerely hoping to remember to get an accurate fully-loaded weight before I leave for my own information. I'll happily share that information with you to help you see how how low you can get the weight of a primitive pack complete with Ranger gear (ie. non-necessity items of today like archery equipment, swords, etc.)

Definitely try to work what you're doing into your daily life. I try to wear as few layers as possible going into fall so that by the time trekking season rolls around I'm well acclimated to colder weather and it helps me with sleeping at night. Similarly...take hikes! Get miles underfoot! Go jogging! Whatever you have to do to ensure that your fitness level doesn't meet, but rather exceeds your needs for a 15-mile hike, etc.

Many happy returns; carry on!

[Eofor]

I try to wear as few layers as possible going into fall so that by the time trekking season rolls around I'm well acclimated to colder weather and it helps me with sleeping at night.

I used to work outdoors all year round in all weathers, to avoid growing soft now that I drive instead I leave the windows down in winter. I still think I'm losing a bit of hardiness but it's enough.

[Tom_Ranger]

I used to work outdoors all year round in all weathers, to avoid growing soft now that I drive instead I leave the windows down in winter. I still think I'm losing a bit of hardiness but it's enough.

If one forces themselves into the cold, they can begin to like it and feel for the winter. That's what I've been doing for the last few years.

[redhandfilms]

Last night, my wife and I did a live cooking stream on Twitch showcasing the recipes from my recent trek and talking about my experience. Rabbit Stew, Beef Jerky & Lentil Stew, Fruit & Nut Ration Bars, Oatmeal made with Ration Bars, "Strider Spice Blend", and 2 loose leaf tea blends. It was a busy night. We will be eating stew for the foreseeable future!
I wanted to share the recording of the stream here (with some shout outs to this group/forum). It's about 2.5 hours long. Eventually, this recording will move to Youtube and the recipes will be written out and featured on her blog, www.thegluttonousgeek.com .
Enjoy.
https://www.twitch.tv/videos/1639010375

[Iodo]

Cool stuff

[Cimrandir]

Oh, that's awesome! I'll watch that tonight for sure. Thanks for posting!