Packing for the 3-Day...Part 1

So I have thought long and hard about this particular post.  It is mainly for my team mates who will be walking for the first time this October.  Others of you just might be curious too.  I get asked all the time...What do you pack for the 3-Day?  Do you have to carry your bag 60 miles?  Do you really camp?  How do you walk 60 miles after sleeping on the ground for 2 nights?  So now, I'll answer your questions here.  Please, remember that the following is my opinion.  What I pack and how I do things may not be what's best for you.  Always pack for your comfort and of course follow the 3-Day guidelines.  I decided to make a couple of post, just because it could get long....

Packing for the first time in 2011

For the 3-Day, you have the option of staying at a hotel (you pay for it) or sleeping at the 3-Day Camp (which is free).  Camp is amazing and I highly recommend staying there!  It's a part of the experience that you don't want to miss.  Just because I know you are wondering...No, you do not have to carry your bag for 60 miles.  At each 3-Day you are assigned a tent address.  Example: B-36  This is the letter row and number you will set up your tent at.  The letter is also your assigned truck.  When you are dropped off at the Opening Ceremonies, you take your bag and check it in with the truck that has your letter on it (truck B).  The truck take your things to camp while you walk the first day.  On the third day, you load your bag back into the truck and it takes your things to the Closing Ceremony.

 
At most 3-Day events you camp outside.  At the Atlanta event, the last two years, we have camped indoors.

For 2 nights, the above was my home.  How did we sleep on concrete floor?  If you look closely you will see an air mattress.  Yes, it takes up the entire tent, but it sleeps well and you really do need your sleep to be able to walk 20 + or - miles a day!

Camp is one amazing place!  Not only do you sleep there, but you eat breakfast and dinner there too.  You will not go hungry at the 3-Day!!

The above was my dinner on night. They pile it up!!  Camp also, has a store, post office, massage chairs, stretching center, photo booths, remembrance and reflection tent, and more.

Each night there's a camp show.  During the camp show you will sing, dance, laugh, cry, it's so emotional.   Yes, people do dance after walking 20 to 40 miles.  Everyone dances at the Closing Ceremony (yes, that's after 60 miles)!  It is just an emotional experience and the love, joy, and hope of all the people gets you through it!!

This ends part 1!  Come back soon to read part 2!