Contact Lenses On the Trail

For all the folks out there with non-perfect vision and not enough money or care to go and get lasik or other various forms of vision correction surgery (and all of you that really don't like wearing glasses)...  There's hope to see the trail clearly without dealing with contact hassle. 

I have worn contacts for a while, most of my life.  I am in fact wearing them right now, just like I always am.
I came to a conclusion a few months ago that I don't have to wear the same type of contacts any more, especially for the trail.  I was wearing the standard 2 week disposable contacts.  The type you put in every morning and take out every night.  It was taboo to sleep in them and it was actually briefed and ingrained into us at Basic Military Training that leaving them in for long periods of time could have DEVASTATING EFFECTS.  This can be true, with certain contacts that I don't feel like researching.

I saw an ad while watching the Olympics this year.  Maybe you saw it, too.  Air Optix Night and Day.  Contacts you can wear for 30 days and nights.  30 days!! Even while sleeping!!  I don't have to attempt to clean my hands of imbedded dirt and grime, then put in icy contacts while confined to my sleeping bag.  Just pop 'em in once a month when I'm in town or somewhere I can get legitimately cleaned up.  Sounds like a fantasy.

So, I went in made an appointment with an optometrist, got an exam/fitting ,and put them in.  I've been wearing these contacts for 2 months (2 different pairs), and I must say; they're pretty awesome.  My vision was corrected to 20/10 (I can see those bears from VERY far away).
Note:  When I first started wearing them, I would get some lovely eye buggies in the morning.  That doesn't really happen anymore.

There are a little pricy.  I bought a year supply for $230.  I did not pay for these first two pairs.  The first pair was a trial, and I asked for another pair when I ordered mine from the optometrists because I was going out of town and it would be a bit before they came in.  Two free pairs.  I felt pretty good about that, be sure to do the same if you decide to get some.

If any of you were wondering what on eye you were going to do about your contacts out there, I hope this helps open your options.

-Jeremy

Appalachian Trials Motivation Lists

I very recently read Appalachian Trials by Zach Davis, a 2011 thru-hiker.  First of all, if you are even thinking about doing a thru-hike at some point in your life, go ahead and get this book, it more than worth it.

Note: Over 70% of the people who set out to hike the AT, do NOT complete it.

Zach pretty much implored me, the reader, to create a list of motivations that I can look back on to constantly reinforce my pre-hike ideals when times get tough out on the trail.  Sorry, Zach, but I did not do it while you were singing Ace of Base.  I waited until now.

I could just keep them personal, but I've been asked told to publish/share them to be held more accountable.  The whole point of this is to never give up.  Never get so bummed out that I just decide it's to tough and throw in the towel.  Now, I'm already 100% positive that I WILL NOT QUIT.  However, I'm not on the trail yet.  So, why not increase my chances for success by strengthening my resolve?

Here it is:

Jeremy's Appalachian Trials Motivations List

I am hiking the Appalachian Trail because...

- It's the fantasy adventure I've always dreamed of.

- My mountain man skills (or appearance of skills) will grow leaps and bounds.

- I will spend awesome, uninterrupted time with my super cool wife.

- I love seeing where the path leads, and this one is pretty long.

- I love being outdoors, but I'm always stuck inside. Quite the opposite on the AT.

- I will met the most interesting people probably in my entire life.

- I will see, do, and experience things that will live in my memories forever.

- I get to really live life, and not wait for life to live me.

- I've never been to Maine, it's the coolest way to get to Maine.

   (also, many other North Eastern states)

- Also, because, come on... it's just badass.

When I successfully thru-hike the Appalachian Trail, I will...

- Have enormous pride in myself for such a great accomplishment.

- Be more the person I want to be.

- Be even closer to my wife.

- Have unshakable confidence in tackling very difficult, enduring tasks.

- Have powerful memories that will be great stories to tell and relive.

- Have the coolest photos to decorate our place with.

- Have enough film, photos, and audio recordings to make a documentary.

- Have new lifelong friends.

- Want to do more great adventures.

- Be a mountain man.

If I give up on the Appalachian Trail, I will...

- Tear apart the bonds I've made with myself and my wife.

- Be inconceivably disappointed in myself.

- Wonder if I'll ever be able to complete a long, difficult task.

- Not be the person I want to be.

- Let down all of our family, friends, and followers who have invested so much hope and love in us.

- Lose respect for myself.

- Lose my pizzazz for life.

- Have failed.


- Jeremy