Through mysterious circumstances at work, I have Monday off. So, I’m headed off to the Grand Canyon tomorrow for a three day solo backpack. I haven’t been backpacking in ages, given that overnighting on the river last September to alpine-start Choprock doesn’t really count. And solo backpack, I can’t even recall.

Solo backpacking is freaky for me, not so much objectively but subjectively. I can deal with anything that happens out there, and have done so enough times so that emergencies aren’t a hesitation. Rather, the abyss inside my head yawns. As Nietzsche wrote: “Look not too long into the abyss, least the abyss look into you.” Nietzsche was talking about nihilism, and for me that is quite accurate. Being alone with nothing to do out in the wild gets me questioning why I do what I do in a way that running or cycling or canyoneering, with constant technical motion, does not afford. Perhaps a good thing, given the present circumstances. Also, it’ll be exercise without stressing the system too much; I feel fully recovered from last weekend, but it is I think good to be cautious.

The intended route: down the Tanner, and then across and up the Bright Angel. Ambition dies hard, and I still like to keep myself well and busy.

I took some more steps towards getting my fixie ironed down and built, ordered Open Pros on a Surly flip-flop and my old RX100 hub, tracked down a 26.6 seatpost, and got a 35c WTB Allterrainasaurus for the front wheel. I’ll need to file the front of the fork crown a bit to have adequate clearance. Also: pink brake cable housing for my front (and only) brake. I just need a bb (waiting for the wheels to determine length), chainring, and chain. I got a 18t Surly cog, so perhaps a 42 will do me up right. Funfunfun!

Off to ride, in the wind and blue sky. See ya’ll Monday evening.