I'm still liking that fox and fleas thing a lot. Timing is everything. Beyond the innie-outie and yak vs canoe paddle... very specific - nuts and bolts type discussions is - what turns your crank (or not) and why.

To put my own musings in perspective, there is a guy who posts here once in a while who's name I instantly recognize. I believe they typically basecamp and have been known to lug in barrels of beer (my hero) on occasion. Then there's another, who I've referred to as Mr. Wonderlust at least once or twice that I know a bit better and who basically likes to challenge himself by putting miles behind him. While there are some aspects of both types of trips that appeal to me, either would be my last trip if they were my first. Yet, I have no doubt what they do works for them.

What started us doing the two trips a year thing was wives and girlfriends wanting to come with. Hmmmmm, so we did recon trips in spring on the exact same routes for the group trips we'd be doing that summer. The friend I did those with and I had gotten our tails handed to us more than once before so not only was it insurance, it was a good excuse to vacate and recreate. Those group trips were always great trips with decent fallback options. We'd make educated guesses at what changes different weather conditions and more traffic etc. might affect and make first choice decisions in advance. Not only did it work out well, it was a great learning experience. Life eventually changed and messed up my two trip per year deal for a while now - and I really miss 'em. A few more single trip years to go... and then who knows?

In any case, I'm here to tell you that one of the main reasons I feel I'm able to get into a trip when I hit the water is in large part because I participate here on a regular basis. Reading is one thing and doing is another. Participation here is like exercising before a trip. (Ya, like I'm going to waste my time doing that... Muscles have memory too ya know).

Is it more mental or physical? Either way, cramming is bad form and IF the duffers look at QJ as a refresher course... nah, I seriously doubt that.