Joe Louis wakes up early

 

We were hot. We were sweaty. We were exhausted.

After three days of hiking through the mountains in blazing hot sunlight, we finally arrived at our destination: Inle Lake. The night before we had invented a game, called “In Inle Lake”.

In Inle Lake, there are hot showers.

In Inle Lake, there are beds with mattresses.

In Inle Lake, there are jacuzzis with unicorns.

We actually had no idea what Inle Lake would be like. But, like buying a lottery ticket, we liked to hope about the possibilities. When we finally got there, many of our simple dreams were answered. We dropped off our backpacks. We showered. We napped.

Our bodies were still sore so we decided to explore the lakeside area. Fortunately, on the outskirts of town, over the bridge and obscured by trees, we found a small but clean massage shop called Acqua Lillies. This was the magical answer we had been searching for. Two hours later, we walked out with an extra spring in our step and large smiles on our faces.

Inle Lake, Myanmar

 

Stretch goals
Take time everyday to stretch. This is important for everyone, but especially travelers. I try to do this, although results vary. But it is the most effective way to staying lithe, flexible, and pain free.

Wear it right
Learn the proper way to carry a backpack. It’s best to do this while shopping for one. Most of the weight should be around your waist, not your shoulders. The straps should be snug, but not too tight – the the bag is probably too small. During a multiday hike, Tom, a friend, kept complaining about the bag. He had the size adjustment set to small, hardly appropriate for a six foot man.

You take what you need
Just because you are backpacking doesn’t mean you should carry your backpack around all day. In fact, I only wear my backpack on transport days, when going from one city tithe next. Most of the time I just have a light daypack with a camera, headlamp, and some snacks.

More pressure to relieve the pressure
Get frequent massages. If you are in Southeast Asia, they are cheap and good. But make sure to get ones that work the back and shoulders. Thai massages, for example, focus on the legs and barely address the back.

Sleep tight
Determining sleeping arrangements isn’t always an option. But if you have a choice for a better bed within budget, treat your body.