With my DIY backpack loaded at 30lbs (with food and 3 liters of water), I left the Acton KOA late at 3:30 pm. I paid $10 p/day that I would be out on the trail for parking and was determined to spend the night out.I walked 3 miles in 2 hours with some effort on the slight ascends. This will give you an idea of my physical conditioning at the moment. I'm 48 years old, chubby and no Cory Everson. Do you remember her?The first challenge I found was crossing the Santa Clara river. Although small, it was running quite fast from the recent rains. Walking up and down its muddy banks, it took me around 40 Minutes to figure out where to cross it safely several times with pup in tow.
