The GAP 4×44 Loop

• Considered going lighter and hammock only, but decided to roll full loaded in case tent is a more comfortable solution (which it may be)
• Considering a new camping hammock, but bringing my cheap one
• Biggest challenge – water. Unlike the C&O, the GAP has very little water on-trail, and I’m going to assume those sources may be shut due to COVID.
• Plan on bringing my water tank (4L) plus several .5L bottles to be safe
• Heat index has been very high lately, so I’m assuming it may be the same. 
• Food. Toying with no stove for this trip and cold soaking or eating whole foods (good!) or stuff from cans (bad, but tasty!)
• Cold bag – I might attempt some chilled delicacies and use a modified cold bag with frozen water bottle and cold brew for day 1 and buy ice at resupply after day 2 if I’m wanting to keep things cold for day 3 and the final night of camping. It’s easy to say yes to this for the first day and night since I would consume the melt on day 2. Tested it on the Brompton overnighter, so it works ok.
• Limiting the clothing. Look, I talk a big game, but I tend to wear the same stuff. My partner may not be excited by this when she picks me up on day 4. I will bring at least 3 masks, 2 of which will be gaiter style. I’ve got one I really like that has elastic on both ends and that makes it ideal for holding above the nose. I have a new ear hook one I may use as my camp-only one.
• New ride: the bike rides like a champ now that it’s been reconstructed. New fork is black, so the bike has a decidedly Frankenstein vibe, but that’s ok by me.
• I’m glad I’ve done the whole trail before but I think I’ll miss completing the last 62 miles to PGH. Given that I’ve done the whole C&O in pieces this season, I might look to do that western third of the GAP in the fall, depending on how things go.
• Next week’s show is the August Best Of, featuring Episode 087 on hot weather touring. You know, in case we get any hot weather ¯_(ツ)_/¯ 
• The GAP 4×44 Loop Tour Journal will start August 13th and get us into Labor Day and the September best of, TBD
• Thanks so much for listening and supporting the show!