Getting ready for Tennessee!

So, my mom and I are taking an REI "backpacking basics" class in the Smokey Mountains this weekend (Thurs-Sun). While I have some backpacking experience, it's been a while, and since I have now lived in large urban areas for almost ten years- my Oregon roots need to be refreshed. It should be a good training weekend for the JMT. Obviously, we won't be doing crazy big climbs at crazy high elevations, but it will give me four days and three nights with my new pack and new shoes!

This is the picture they advertise with the class:

If it looks anything like this, I'm sold!

I'm also looking forward to this hike because my mom is quite the expert outdoorswoman, so I will be trying to soak up as much of her knowledge as I can. She also has mad guitar hero skills!