Show Notes: Episode 199 Today on the First 40 Miles, we get a little nostalgic whenever September rolls around.  This week marks the 4 year anniversary of our first 40 miles—the trip Josh and Heather took together with friends around Mt. Hood.  And even though we’ve been backpacking for a few years, there are still things that take us by surprise.  Next, for today’s SUMMIT Gear Review, a headlamp that doubles as a flashlight and triples as a stand up torch.  Then we’ll share a hack that will make your next trip to the bathroom rock.  And we’ll leave you with a little trail wisdom that will help you understand your human connection with nature. Opening * Reflecting on first backpacking trip together that starting this podcast * Trip around Mt Hood * Risks with first trip * Josh “Is this her last trip?” * We keep taking trips, even though they are tough Top 5 Things That Continue to Surprise Us About Backpacking We learn something every single time * No matter the length, no matter the miles, being outside opens doors in your mind * Not distracted as you are at home * You may be concentrating or focused, but it’s the kind of focus that allows you to learn and create connections * Personal discovery, working out problems in your mind… We still can’t gauge a mile * Our best way to gauge a mile is with the clock * 2 MPH=30 minute mile * Thru hikers can do much more than 2 miles an hour * Hard sections of trail will take much longer than 2 miles an hour Pain and suffering is kind of fun… * I can do hard things * Maybe it’s not fun in the moment, but afterward it’s empowering to look back A 15 miles isn’t 5 mile x3 * First 5… physical * Second 5… mental * Third 5… everything else We have reserve even when we feel depleted * Even when I feel like I can’t take one more step, I can always take one more step SUMMIT Gear Review: Fenix HL10 Headlamp Structure * Stretchy headband about 3/4 inch wide * Aluminum body flashlight attached to a holder, so you can use the light independently from the headband Utility * To turn on/off hold for half a second * Low: 24 hours—Visibility 6 meters * Med: 2 hours 30 min— Visibility 19 meters * High: 1 hour— Visibility 30 meters * Stays on setting you left it at * Can be used as a headlamp, a hand held flashlight, or a stand up torch Mass * Weighs 1.2 ounces without battery * Weighs 1.6 ounces with battery Maintenance * Uses one AAA battery * IPX6 Investment * $26.95 Trial * Even at lowest setting, it’s bright * Headlamp holder curves to the shape of your head * Elastic, but also adjustable * Light weight and super bright Backpack Hack of the Week™:  No Dig Cathole * Lift up a rock that’s 6-8 inches, and it’ll leave a hole that’s the perfect size for all your bathroom needs. * The nice thing, no digging * Just don’t forget to put the “seat” down when you’re finished * And when you put the rock back exactly where you found it, it’s practically “leave no trace” because the rock fits right back in like a puzzle piece Trail Wisdom “When we understand that man is the only animal who must create meaning, who must open a wedge into neutral nature, we already understand the essence of love. Love is the problem of an animal who must find life, create a dialogue with nature in order to experience his own being.” —Ernest Becker If you’re looking for fun backpacking books and merch,