Post date: May 23, 2009 2:47:26 AM
Its good to see that we got a signal from the Spot satellite messenger.
Todd called me on his cell phone this morning as he was walking through Winton, MN. He's being using the Spot consistently, but we aren't getting all the updates from the satellite that he's attempting to send.
It looks like Todd did about 20 miles today (at least from downtown Ely, MN). That's a TON of miles for as heavy as his pack was and that it was his first day. I'm not certain exactly where he got dropped off though.
Todd's pack should get lighter as he eats his food supply down and burns through the alcohol that fuels his 'Pepsi Can Stove' (truly a thing to see). The lightest days should be right before he stops in to pick up one of his 'care packages' either at the Gunflint Lodge that he mailed himself, or that was sent by family/friends via General Delivery. I'm sure he'll like having the food, but the pack gets heavier too...
I bet tomorrow is a doozy. It will be interesting to track his mileage to see how much sightseeing he's doing, how often he's stopping to take pictures, and just how his body is recovering everynight to keep going the next day.
I dont' think I ever managed 20 miles in a single day.
Keep an eye on the weather too. Todd is using an ultra-light tent and decided to forego the heavier tents he owns. His tent uses one of his walking poles as a structural support. It does not have a floor though, and doesn't seal completely against the elements. He has a synthetic fill sleeping bag so he'll be warm enough even if he gets a little wet in a storm.
Go Todd!