Even though for at least a year I have thought about living in a tent, this change is inconceivable to me. Because I can only carry what will fit in my backpack (this video will soon be a historical document), my list of things to do is greatly restricted, which is a very good thing for me. Of course, because I can only carry a limited number of things, some decisions are much more difficult: should I buy the smaller multitool that weighs about 100 grams and costs MXN$400 or should I get the larger multitool that is much stronger, has more features, and larger blades and tools, but weighs about 500 grams and costs MXN$2000? I do not know. Will I need the extra power of the larger tool or will it weigh more, use more space, and cost money I could use on something else? These decisions are not within my knowledge store.
Coincidentally, the notebook I bought in Cairo in October 2013 is full and the cover fell off, so I bought a new small notebook and a journal, both with durable but light covers: US$5.15. I bought one-quarter of a kilogram each of peanuts, cacahuate japones, dried cherries, prunes (dried plums), and what I think are peanuts covered in honey and sesame seeds: MXN$69 total. I want to buy cured meats and hard cheese, but I have looked for both of those here in Mexico City for four months and have never seen them. Salted fish is common, but to prepare that, you must soak it for 24 hours to get rid of the excess salt, and I do not have any cooking equipment or eating equipment yet. To save money, instead of buying a sleeping pad, I bought a sheet of polyform (I do not know the English word) packing material: MXN$30. It is large enough that I will be able to make a pillow and a pad from it. I do not expect it to last more than a couple of months, but real sleeping pads were expensive and I could not decide what to buy.
Today, I found the Hiking Dude website, and it has a ton of information that is well organized. In general, it made me feel a lot better because it confirmed I have thought of the major issues. I am not saying I know how to deal with everything, but I do know what issues I should be considering and what skills I need to learn. To that end, it taught me some new things about hiking and camping, so I am more prepared.
Too much to say, but not enough time: I need to go prepare many things.
