So I went to go tryout backpacks today. Unfortunately I was having a rough day and was a little vulnerable. When they loaded up the first pack with 30+ lbs and set it on my back I about turtled onto my back and the overwhelming sense of "what have I gotten myself into" washed over me. I decided to walk around the store to presumably 'try it out', but really so that no one would see the tears welling in my eyes. I kept waiting for the floor to crack under the immense pressure of me and the pack did not feel like when I have my nephew Joseph on my back (he weighs over 30 lbs). I remembered that "ignorance is bliss" and I so I told myself that my pack would never be that heavy during the climb (I have several rationalizations about how this is so), told myself I did not need to make the decision about the pack today and fled. When I got home I called my friend Michelle, whose husband Dan had done the climb last year and was the reason I decided to do so this year. As soon as I started in on my plight she put Dan on and they both reassured me that my fears were exaggerated and that I would be able to do whatever was needed when the time comes. I don’t know if they made that all up or not, but it is nice to have good friends that knew what I needed right then. I still have not found a pack.