Why I'm here

     As an employed father of a 5 year old boy, I no longer have the time to devote to my favorite outdoor hobbies that I once had. Ok, I may have the time, but I've failed to make it happen. My thinking is that if I can make up for a lack of general conditioning with a style change, perhaps the good times can return. To this end, I have been learning whatever I can about  backpack weight reduction and new(to me) techniques. I'll post things that I learn so that others may find them easier. I am an Eagle Scout, so my backpacking experience is tainted by the "Be Prepared" motto. I'm sure that sounds strange, but we were always told that you could basically never carry too much gear. If every tool has a use, and every use requires a special tool, then surely they need to build packs large enough to carry the kitchen sink. But what if being prepared could be done with knowledge of the woods, survival techniques, great first aid knowledge, etc.? Maybe great preparation consists of knowing more, researching newer techniques & lighter weight gear. As some friends suggest, changing the entire thought process in order to simplify not only the pack, but the entire lifestyle. Now this likely sounds like a soul searching journey, and it may be exactly that. At any rate, here I will chronicle my trek. I'm a bit scatterbrained, so it may consist of new gear or a hike I am planning, or maybe even an account of somewhere cool I've been.