My backpack woes continue. My hip bones are getting bruised and I think I’m restricting circulation in my right leg because my skin feels numb and tingly even after I take the pack off.
At first, I was using hand towels to pad the hip belt but needed something to secure them in place. I thought that electrical tape would be perfect. Ten hours later I found a package of electrical tape lying in the street and it had my initial on it!
The hand towel system was a slight improvement but not a good fix. So I went to the Pacific Crest Trail Facebook page and asked for advice. Someone suggested foam padding. A few hours later I found this on the side of the road. 
That turned out to be a little too rigid but the point is that I asked for it and I got it!
Last night I went back to the drawing board and thought to myself, “what I really need are water wings”. This morning we were walking to the edge of town and these were being displayed right out on the sidewalk. 
I haven’t tried them out while walking but they sure feel good when I’m just standing there with my pack on.
That’s what’s really important while you suffer…Looking Good! The ability to innovate is what separates us from the water buffalo that was sizing you up. I don’t know if that is encouraging…but? Keep up the good work & always accept the serendipity!
And I am looking good! I’ve got new pants, a new shirt and my water wings match my shirt! AND….We’ve got less than 400 miles to go. Hong Kong here we come!!!