Less than 3 weeks

While Brandon is on vacation and Brad is well on hiatus I figured I will update everyone on my status.

So far since the announcement of my participation on this trip I have started my preparation. My biggest concern was getting back into shape for the rough and vigorous trip we are embarking on in less than 3 weeks. Well I have been working out nearly every day (as long as my work schedule permits it) I have lost just over 10 pounds. I have been hiking with brad, riding the stationary bike, doing the stair master (which is the devil), and hiking with my wife while on vacation. I have also been lifting especially my back and shoulders to carry that heavy pack.
My diet has been working well too. With only minor deviations ( I love fried clams) I have stayed true to it. I have also cut out all beer except one night at the "The Saw Doctor's" concert that I was at while on vacation. I am definitely feeling a lot better about getting into shape. Now I am not going to fool myself into thinking that I am not going to struggle and have the mountains kick my ass. However, I feel more confident that I can make the entire trip with out taking away from Brad and Brandon's hunt.

When it comes to my gear I cannot thank Brandon, Brad, and my father in-law Phil enough, for loaning me nearly all of my gear. I have a few odds and ends to pick up and still have to buy my food. However, to have spent as little as I have I feel very lucky (though i am now broke. If people want to send donations to my wife so she can pay the bills while i am away that would be appreciated) .

Finally, I have been reading and listening a lot about Idaho and Elk hunting. I have finished Cameron Hanes's book about back country hunting, which was a wealth of great information and have started reading another elk hunting book. Like I said when i first started I know exactly zip about hunting so in order not to ruin this trip for my two friends i have tried to understand everything from where we are going, to the rut, stalking, bugling, and back country hunting (like my new hunting lingo?). I also ask a lot of questions and listen a lot to Brad and Brandon and try to pick up anything I can.

Well with less 3 weeks to go I/we still have a lot of preparing to do, but I feel a lot better then when I startedpreparing for this trip. I can't wait to be in Idaho and away from civilization (namely my work THIS DOES NOT INCLUDE my wife in case she reads this)... Breathing in fresh air and doing something that i never would have even thought of attempting and being with 2 really great friends!