tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30005678140942800182024-03-05T10:51:29.274-08:00A Trail Runs Through ItThe Pacific Crest TrailAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04113995154883333519noreply@blogger.comBlogger24125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3000567814094280018.post-71004772849111240532015-04-23T18:31:00.001-07:002015-04-23T18:35:20.089-07:00What's Next?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjosOUTXxxnQKgWjcaU4X-qYRXdq2igLfDWOUV8mg6di9gFQHdCnWBAqxZBgeJCgOCndQPuFcwvs_YnyKYJyrtpJx_MuzXiaznLAMH3HXDnicSN58jd_MC4B8-uAn80Vqs_EGSPwygYMMY/s1600/superstition-mountains_3614_990x742.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjosOUTXxxnQKgWjcaU4X-qYRXdq2igLfDWOUV8mg6di9gFQHdCnWBAqxZBgeJCgOCndQPuFcwvs_YnyKYJyrtpJx_MuzXiaznLAMH3HXDnicSN58jd_MC4B8-uAn80Vqs_EGSPwygYMMY/s1600/superstition-mountains_3614_990x742.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a>I promised to set out my feelings and what my future plans will be about a week ago. It has taken me this long to actually feel like writing anything. The disappointment in this aborted trip has been very bitter and the storm in my mind has been a raging force that won't be conquered for a while. It will take a some time for the pain to subside.</div>
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The turmoil will get better, but right now, seeing that I would still have enough time to accomplish a thru hike if I just got back out there, this arouses feelings of panic. I could still make it, I tell myself, but of course, with these feet, I know that isn't true. So sometimes I have to just concentrate on breathing right now to get through the next hour. </div>
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I think I also fear that people are saying that they knew I couldn't make it. I don't know any of my friends who would say that to my face, but that fear is there none the less. I <em>could </em>have made it, hiking 20 miles on extremely painful feet proved that to me. The rest of my body and my mental attitude was just fine, I just couldn't get those stubborn feet to get with the program.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwwcTZRIRXsmliUJGMC_4Nk3PTGo8nL8AjUkv3qhjv7CexsCGj-PtiS_pCvfGXCOFo_tV2UJYTzrttAr_EQyLSlFAKPhrNVD17P7hTxBIADmxlltYsP5Re1n6mp9-I_CdNQspgiGFwtAg/s1600/Guide+dog+Puppy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwwcTZRIRXsmliUJGMC_4Nk3PTGo8nL8AjUkv3qhjv7CexsCGj-PtiS_pCvfGXCOFo_tV2UJYTzrttAr_EQyLSlFAKPhrNVD17P7hTxBIADmxlltYsP5Re1n6mp9-I_CdNQspgiGFwtAg/s1600/Guide+dog+Puppy.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjKcPS628YeR5luaTZnwi6HeA0OQZ3UK-_k-ccjUSaHWeVJ_DmqW4GcmVbH2yiJjcVFhVHrmYX1T2EpijRm0wW6iWFUXO4q1I5wVaOHpVmlxpgIP960Z7wABnjY9K6gkvdSC9Je7fm8vY/s1600/2014-07-15+15.40.09.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjKcPS628YeR5luaTZnwi6HeA0OQZ3UK-_k-ccjUSaHWeVJ_DmqW4GcmVbH2yiJjcVFhVHrmYX1T2EpijRm0wW6iWFUXO4q1I5wVaOHpVmlxpgIP960Z7wABnjY9K6gkvdSC9Je7fm8vY/s1600/2014-07-15+15.40.09.jpg" height="239" width="320" /></a>Now as I try to look ahead into the future, I can see glimpses of hope that life will be better again. My plans call for becoming a puppy raiser for Guide Dogs for the Blind as soon as possible. There is nothing like a good puppy fix to heal a broken heart.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWd4EKAxDCg6ircwkOoA_-Mi8pCj21M5si2NmpY461xSYDnPjr8BMnF9QcAnBP2_E3WUlM1IVdRzk2pi0uvlKvaUhtCtFcSlUE1CS3QY0E2QiQhlivQZRa7ufguhzo_S0QM2SsbZOih4Y/s1600/Writing+Sample.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWd4EKAxDCg6ircwkOoA_-Mi8pCj21M5si2NmpY461xSYDnPjr8BMnF9QcAnBP2_E3WUlM1IVdRzk2pi0uvlKvaUhtCtFcSlUE1CS3QY0E2QiQhlivQZRa7ufguhzo_S0QM2SsbZOih4Y/s1600/Writing+Sample.jpg" height="133" width="320" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguSM4uii5CGiJmJjXGpChIOVT8c9cdD9o0Ii-ednkG_OXKDea28CXYhrZ20q6qBD-9YQAJD-sC_UQFEkKg3crK7tthZ_9_QriRjVLUQiTFMimzOVW1AYdIxUTGIqh5jSwko-FiR6RpgL4/s1600/Kindergarten+writing.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguSM4uii5CGiJmJjXGpChIOVT8c9cdD9o0Ii-ednkG_OXKDea28CXYhrZ20q6qBD-9YQAJD-sC_UQFEkKg3crK7tthZ_9_QriRjVLUQiTFMimzOVW1AYdIxUTGIqh5jSwko-FiR6RpgL4/s1600/Kindergarten+writing.png" /></a>I may also try my hand at writing. I have an idea for a novel running through my head, and I really enjoy blogging, so why not take this time that I have right now, and see what I can do with it in terms of making money writing. I don't have to start looking for work until June, we'll have to see what becomes of this. I am a little hesitant about getting started, I have never tried it before. But it may just be the balm that soothes the pain.<br />
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I really struggle with the concept of why would God allow me to go ahead with my plans for a thru hike, knowing that I wouldn't be able to accomplish it. He could have shut every door, yet all the obstacles were being flung aside, one by one. I don't have the answer to this, probably no one does. I do know these things though:</div>
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1) Lego has needed me to be home these past few weeks. He has pain that makes him wonder if life is even worth trying for. I had some doubts of his ability to cope without me for the summer, but he insisted he would be all right. I thought he could, or I would never have attempted this trip. Turns out my being home has been a blessing for him.</div>
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2) For whatever reason this has all happened, I know there has been a purpose. If I could see my life from beginning to the end, I would see that this preparation and disappointment will have been a blessing to me and those around me, and I would not want it any other way in the grand scheme of things.</div>
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3) In no way do I blame God for the pain and embarrassment. Whatever mistakes or confusion were made was solely on my part; God doesn't make mistakes. Everything has been for a purpose that extends way beyond me.</div>
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So no, I don't have all the answers, I do know that God is still in control, and I am O.K. with that.</div>
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My mom has given me the go ahead to attempt another thru hike if I choose and not hold me to my promise I made earlier. Will I sometime in the future? I may, but I will have to get my feet healed first, definitely get some weight off my body, and figure out how to finance it again. I could just take temporary jobs so I would be free when the call of the trail strikes again. And of course Lego would have to be in control of his pain. </div>
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I will keep a journal again, but I may not post it until after I get started on the trail. I would invite you to become invested in my hike, only after I have succeeded in making a few miles.</div>
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As the sun sets on my attempt this year, I feel that all hope is not yet lost and that is a good thing. The trail still runs through my dreams, literally, and I have plans for the immediate future. Life is both good and dreary, as it has been since the beginning of time. </div>
Thank you for reading, supporting me, and for your many prayers. See you down the trail!<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04113995154883333519noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3000567814094280018.post-25143133703818249382015-04-15T15:34:00.000-07:002015-04-15T15:43:28.549-07:00What a First Day!Day 1<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9k-2OnHh65LTC5MCH-cESX1Vt9j2BBvmqS81WBKie5VoTEk_0wAaJbkflaF-rxDZ0azAhMDZWMuRN6Tgymot_-m4H-TIX9nLmyf-pYQyg5MYKFOIZc6LnXZTmP4ff_2VuRajXt7chnDs/s1600/2015-04-12+08.45.20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9k-2OnHh65LTC5MCH-cESX1Vt9j2BBvmqS81WBKie5VoTEk_0wAaJbkflaF-rxDZ0azAhMDZWMuRN6Tgymot_-m4H-TIX9nLmyf-pYQyg5MYKFOIZc6LnXZTmP4ff_2VuRajXt7chnDs/s1600/2015-04-12+08.45.20.jpg" height="320" width="238" /></a>Today was supposed to start at 6:15, getting out early enough to avoid some of the heat. Right out of the bat, I started with a total melt down. Three things went wrong. First I couldn't find my Ipod with all my music. I had the earphones, but not the pod. Then I found that we had forgotten to put the velcro on my shoes to attach the dirty girl gaiters. And I did not have a comb or my cable to recharge my hotspot. <span style="color: #990000;"><em>Aaargh!!</em></span> Mark suggested we go get a bite to eat and while doing that, we could think about what to do.</div>
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Breakfast was just the right remedy and we were able to come up with solutions to these problems. We bought a charger cable, comb, and velcro at the local RiteAid, and Mark would look for the Ipod when he got home, and if need be, purchase a new Ipod, put my music on it, and mail it back to me at Warner Springs.</div>
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We got out to the trail head at 9:00. The day was perfect, about 71 degrees, and I had 4 1/2 liters of water with me. This is what I wrote at the register: <em><span style="color: #990000;">"Take the first step in faith. You don't have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step." ~ Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.</span></em></div>
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Our crazy dog Angel was enjoying the other hikers that were about to start, and they were enjoying her. Then she decided she was going to do a thru hike, and took off down the trail with total strangers. She had a blast! After corralling her, and seeing three rabbits hopping over the trail, I got my pictures done, and I was off!</div>
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The first mile was a breeze, I finished it in about 20 min. I was feeling good, my pack weight was fantastic, and I was keeping a pretty good pace. I was wondering though, if I had brought enough water. I was basing my estimate on the fact that in 2013, Mark and I had 3 liters each, which lasted all the way to Hauser Canyon, 16 miles in. Since I planned to camp in Hauser Canyon tonight, I just added another liter and a half. But 2013 was colder than this year was, and mostly overcast, so I didn't think I had enough water this time. I stopped at the Juvenile Boys Camp at the water spigot there, and filled up with another liter. </div>
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At the 1 mile mark, Angel and Mark met me there for another picture opportunity.</div>
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Then it was hugs and kisses all around, and I was on my own. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGYMc83U8gkSmFd9hRGqLz6OxogazLsYpLgp57ikgGd5wVn7LrIx8BTLdOezA-qZpC0ZIGXJoCb1uhLHQyaiGB7YB6oUTw8AdvYfU1TFjzz6ZT5Fyj9EjamZlUCOSk7nHg8BpsBoSjcqU/s1600/2015-04-12+10.19.49.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGYMc83U8gkSmFd9hRGqLz6OxogazLsYpLgp57ikgGd5wVn7LrIx8BTLdOezA-qZpC0ZIGXJoCb1uhLHQyaiGB7YB6oUTw8AdvYfU1TFjzz6ZT5Fyj9EjamZlUCOSk7nHg8BpsBoSjcqU/s1600/2015-04-12+10.19.49.jpg" height="239" width="320" /></a>The day was gorgeous, and I was able to talk to some really great people who were hiking with me throughout the day. I was having fun, and making my miles. At one point I hiked through this great oak oasis and sat down for a snack break.</div>
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So now you might ask, if I was intending to camp at Hauser Canyon at mile 16, why did I end up doing 20 miles? Good question, and the answer is one I would rather not relay, but here it is. </div>
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Throughout the day, my feet, you know, the ones with the plantar fasciitis, started hurting more and more. Going downhill was easy, I could walk on my toes and stay off my heels. But the uphills were a little more difficult. I had to walk on my heels for these. By the time I had finished 12 miles, I was hurtin' for certin'. Now the decision was, do I continue on into Hauser Canyon, or do I turn around and head back. I had promised myself, that I would never turn around and head southbound this trip. But Hauser Canyon is very deep, and the way out is 1000 ft up Morena Butte to Lake Morena. I wasn't certain I would be able to walk the next day, let alone hike up that Butte. I called Mark, we talked, and I told him I would continue on. I figured I had about 4-5 more miles until I came to Hauser Canyon, and most of that was flat and downhill. I had a little more uphill, but I could take that slowly. </div>
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But the reality of it was, I procured the proper shoes and insoles, and I was still in extreme pain. Imagine trying to walk with an extra 20 lbs on your back while trying to ignore the pain of something that feels like you are walking on broken bone ends. Yes, that painful. Each step stabs and the pain also wears you out. I was going slower and slower, I realized I couldn't do this with this pain. I truly thought I could get used to a little and sometimes a lot of discomfort, but out and out pain was not going to get this trip done.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My turn around point on top of Hauser Mountain</td></tr>
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I called Mark again, and told him I was coming back. I was 10 miles out from the start at Campo.</div>
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I didn't think I could get back there by nightfall, so I told him I would camp out tonight, and he could come get me in the morning. I was determined to get as far as I could, and luckily, it was mostly downhill. I could walk on my toes. </div>
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Right around 5:00, I was in a little canyon that had a big rock I could sit under and take a break. As I was looking at my maps, I realized I was just 0.6 miles from road 94, just after that nice little oak oasis. He could meet me there. Looming over me though was a tough uphill. And I was completely worn out by this time. I had no strength left and I couldn't get a signal to call Mark. Being this close to getting out, I said a little prayer for strength, gulped down 6 Ibuprofen, ate a snack, rested for a little bit, then tackled the climb out of the canyon. Once on top, I was able to get a signal and called Mark to come get me. I finally broke down at this point, but rallied quickly knowing my time on my feet was coming to an end. It took me 1 hour and 15 minutes to walk that last 0.6 miles. It was worth it though, because after leaving the oak grove, here comes Angel down the trail to greet me and I knew that Mark and the car were not far behind. </div>
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For now, my time on the trail has again been thwarted. I will be contacting those who donated to my cause, and reimburse that money back to you. This will give you the opportunity to donate to someone else who is actually out doing the work of hiking. </div>
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Tomorrow I will post about some of my feelings about all of this, and my future plans. </div>
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To all of my readers, I'm sorry for the time you spent getting involved in my hike, just to have it end like this. I know I could have done this if I didn't have these foot problems. Heck, I hiked 20 miles in excruciating pain, I have the capability to do the miles. Knowing that helps make me feel better. </div>
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<em><span style="color: #990000;">"He will have no fear of bad news; his heart is steadfast, trusting in the Lord."</span><span style="color: #990000;"> ~ Psalms 112:7</span></em></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2mya3X39IpqEQTOh45SgIAnPsNVobd-yxJw9E7JOBpRe4lIn5LVh-Uo9dV43_b9jphvIhck5nPp92xVNzxpJREwLo7XiCTfDEqARbNQuIkpgbwBSQYnI04hZUEFzGteKqwhmz_EIcFCg/s1600/2015-04-12+08.26.08.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2mya3X39IpqEQTOh45SgIAnPsNVobd-yxJw9E7JOBpRe4lIn5LVh-Uo9dV43_b9jphvIhck5nPp92xVNzxpJREwLo7XiCTfDEqARbNQuIkpgbwBSQYnI04hZUEFzGteKqwhmz_EIcFCg/s1600/2015-04-12+08.26.08.jpg" height="640" width="476" /></a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04113995154883333519noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3000567814094280018.post-84779053875529527622015-04-09T20:09:00.001-07:002015-04-09T20:10:21.464-07:00My Music Choices and Special Thanks<blockquote class="tr_bq">
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<span style="color: #351c75;">~ France ~ Norway ~ Ukraine ~ Poland ~ Germany ~ Israel ~ S. Korea ~ Russia ~ Venezuela ~ Australia ~ Canada ~ United Kingdom ~ Bolivia ~ Belgium ~ Argentina ~ Switzerland ~ Denmark ~ New Zealand ~ Austria ~ Hungary ~ Mexico ~ Indonesia ~ Chile ~ Ghana ~ United Arab Emirates ~ Turkey</span> </div>
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<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="color: black;">What do all these countries have in common?</span> </span><span style="color: #351c75;">*Answer at the bottom of post</span></div>
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Now on to my music choices. </div>
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I have never used a lot of music to get me up the hills or to enjoy a delightful view by. This year will be different. I have loaded my Ipod Shuffle with a wide variety of tunes for my listening pleasure. These run the whole gamut from Contemporary Christian to Movie theme songs to Survivor and Lady Gaga. Throw in a little Neil Young, Elton John, and Queen, and I have a well rounded music library. I am planning on adding some Lionel Richie, Pet Shop Boys, Michael Jackson, Mike and the Mechanics, and Gloria Estafan tomorrow.</div>
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My favorite songs are the 80's, yes, I'm was a young 20 something in the 80's. There was no better movies or music or time than the 1980's. The music and movies were fun, and the economy was booming. The fashion was also fun, though at times a bit over the top.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4rmIkjCoxnUWZXcMb2Tui2Y1U8AbolLY-QLiyfLEnAB0mgOwU5SssnoJ2rgZ__Zra-Loj9RzvS2S-nnjkOmyp1LEyO02yx_OQITnF81j4Ve33JpPOAbyN2eKK-IY93IoqYSxtsw24ato/s1600/Earbuds.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4rmIkjCoxnUWZXcMb2Tui2Y1U8AbolLY-QLiyfLEnAB0mgOwU5SssnoJ2rgZ__Zra-Loj9RzvS2S-nnjkOmyp1LEyO02yx_OQITnF81j4Ve33JpPOAbyN2eKK-IY93IoqYSxtsw24ato/s1600/Earbuds.jpg" /></a></div>
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While working these past 6 months, I was instructed to wear just one earbud in my ear at all times. I think this will be a good idea on the trail also. Most of the time, I'll probably only be wearing the one, so I can listen for little things like rattlesnakes. I don't want to have my attention only on the music. I do play my music low, but I want to be able to really know if I'm headed for something dangerous. </div>
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<span style="color: #351c75;"> ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</span></div>
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If anyone has any questions about anything concerning the trail, feel free to ask. I may or may not be able to tell you. Or if there is something you would like to know more about, and you don't feel I have covered it adequately, let me know.</div>
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<span style="color: #351c75;">~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</span> </div>
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I will be posting my next post either Saturday night or Sunday night, as I am traveling on this amazing trip. Stay tuned.</div>
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<span style="color: #351c75;">~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ </span></div>
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I want to send out a special Thanks to my trail and internet friends for your support:</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYndeiuJPhyphenhyphen501yUmnbP6WPEIhF6DmHsCKbemDj9ZBNbGOWkuw_d4gV-gHnzkts14CRVUC966OBL2Bh3IzSDV7A0-pPsGLmKWD1hBDIM1zgHsGyhyEDwAIjJEeFQ_Au9NDzAIdwckTXLI/s1600/2013-05-07+06.59.36-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYndeiuJPhyphenhyphen501yUmnbP6WPEIhF6DmHsCKbemDj9ZBNbGOWkuw_d4gV-gHnzkts14CRVUC966OBL2Bh3IzSDV7A0-pPsGLmKWD1hBDIM1zgHsGyhyEDwAIjJEeFQ_Au9NDzAIdwckTXLI/s1600/2013-05-07+06.59.36-1.jpg" height="239" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">KOKO and The Bald Guy</td></tr>
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Jeff (The Bald Guy) and Sue (KOKO) Owens</div>
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Lynn and Steve Wilburn</div>
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Sandy (RoadRunner) and Larry (Will) Tyler</div>
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and<br />
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The Table Rock Trekkers, </div>
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Glenn and Carol <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEf1AlnpAkIMQGBra9BSI5O8mLPIj6mucl1iez-rY2s1xEnEPrLwNf_0PEukLyeC9lwTTNu_kquB0ToSsugtI8xWBWQDA5tMd7nr_EG49t4nnZlCZtb1SADxrIm6TD_jn_OyuCNSH1aYc/s1600/LYN.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEf1AlnpAkIMQGBra9BSI5O8mLPIj6mucl1iez-rY2s1xEnEPrLwNf_0PEukLyeC9lwTTNu_kquB0ToSsugtI8xWBWQDA5tMd7nr_EG49t4nnZlCZtb1SADxrIm6TD_jn_OyuCNSH1aYc/s1600/LYN.jpg" height="200" width="120" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lyn</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiziaKUxtg91QWwJMTpRGlLzilizS9dbfG-q-gjqAAQUw_lZrUnSNKnEBU51bKMFKJgCSVHgV5pnUr49quZ6v2d-0lCgBx8PJvaQ7HR-p7ZoygIuTrKob9Sv031ITwHamz9sVTzeX09dmQ/s1600/Steve.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiziaKUxtg91QWwJMTpRGlLzilizS9dbfG-q-gjqAAQUw_lZrUnSNKnEBU51bKMFKJgCSVHgV5pnUr49quZ6v2d-0lCgBx8PJvaQ7HR-p7ZoygIuTrKob9Sv031ITwHamz9sVTzeX09dmQ/s1600/Steve.jpg" height="200" width="120" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Steve</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn70Kz1OyCYuBUVKLuUCMIzuF5KEkNaAKeiQu0QHyYyFKOa0slsNF1-MyAUdqzRqjT5p3JuT0S2hbjanvhBrZBipV7_4UoQ9RcfZTWQlDWU0TVkvG_Cr98SQwPNp7_1vXCMAjhA9PxGVE/s1600/Sandy+and+Cheyenne.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn70Kz1OyCYuBUVKLuUCMIzuF5KEkNaAKeiQu0QHyYyFKOa0slsNF1-MyAUdqzRqjT5p3JuT0S2hbjanvhBrZBipV7_4UoQ9RcfZTWQlDWU0TVkvG_Cr98SQwPNp7_1vXCMAjhA9PxGVE/s1600/Sandy+and+Cheyenne.png" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">RoadRunner and her horse Cheyenne</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv90hHtZThGlHODoCpkMhlcUR78aWt1whBWBot_gxVfkgjOA96kBoiJ0Mb2KliQjQeSf9kAl5WdkgdSU0PRfvhyt5CJGfXfi0tAi5jSlcFeeydK1X61bwXZ-WNsWQjacQIb6ATGzTxuog/s1600/2013-04-27+10.32.10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv90hHtZThGlHODoCpkMhlcUR78aWt1whBWBot_gxVfkgjOA96kBoiJ0Mb2KliQjQeSf9kAl5WdkgdSU0PRfvhyt5CJGfXfi0tAi5jSlcFeeydK1X61bwXZ-WNsWQjacQIb6ATGzTxuog/s1600/2013-04-27+10.32.10.jpg" height="239" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">RoadRunner and Will</td></tr>
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<span style="color: #351c75;">*Now for the answer to the question at the top of the page:</span></div>
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These are all of the countries that are represented in my stats on this blog. A really huge thank you goes out to all of the people in each of these countries who have taken an interest not only in my blog, but in the Pacific Crest Trail. I wish I could meet you all, if you have the time and the inclination, drop by the blog and say hi and let me know where you are from.</div>
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Next Post: From the Trail</div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04113995154883333519noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3000567814094280018.post-38837373417312305092015-04-08T20:38:00.002-07:002015-04-08T20:39:25.727-07:00Trying to Relax<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_1xVqKFjU-zjFoVZPcUxq-QwFdDn1LyXl-aqrwsC_IGqq_40CcA_IB4rfOwI-2GX1ktOcNHJUVKs1tEHDfwBjGZ54hTo9WsT-q0caT6C45Deom-R1n3pglkx8AF05X4m7RkzwcVUNZno/s1600/2014-08-02+08.39.24.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_1xVqKFjU-zjFoVZPcUxq-QwFdDn1LyXl-aqrwsC_IGqq_40CcA_IB4rfOwI-2GX1ktOcNHJUVKs1tEHDfwBjGZ54hTo9WsT-q0caT6C45Deom-R1n3pglkx8AF05X4m7RkzwcVUNZno/s1600/2014-08-02+08.39.24.jpg" height="149" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">GD Puppy "Italy"</td></tr>
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So here I am, 2 more days until I leave home for 5 1/2 months. What could be more relaxing than posting cute puppy pictures!</div>
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I have been volunteering to be a Guide Dog Puppy Raiser for Guide Dogs for the Blind, for the past 10 years. Italy was my 7th puppy that I raised. Two of my puppies became full fledged Guide Dogs, one became a breeder for Guide Dogs, one went on to be a Canine Companion for a boy who was too young to have his own guide dog, and two career changed which means they were dropped from the seeing eye program and became pets instead. We kept one, Angel, and she is now a full fledged service dog for Lego. She became his mobility assistance dog, and has saved him from falling a couple of times. I had Italy for only a month, and I didn't find out what happened to her because I left for the trail in 2013 and she was transferred to Idaho.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwjmwiR_pccQxe0MlPTdX6cYV3hLb70Wq95tTByVJlPl_4IpwWUtyOBoYDR1rrgBUropxIJQn-aPWhAboThrVUQG-rCd4crFqKiBNieJRIQvRLWHwhSNzLmGA9uF0pzKZar9eAAsphteM/s1600/2014-06-29+16.13.11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwjmwiR_pccQxe0MlPTdX6cYV3hLb70Wq95tTByVJlPl_4IpwWUtyOBoYDR1rrgBUropxIJQn-aPWhAboThrVUQG-rCd4crFqKiBNieJRIQvRLWHwhSNzLmGA9uF0pzKZar9eAAsphteM/s1600/2014-06-29+16.13.11.jpg" height="200" width="149" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Italy Taking a Break from Training</td></tr>
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This has been a very fulfilling hobby and I really can't think of a better way to spend some time volunteering. The blind people who get these dogs once they are fully trained are so appreciative to us, and when we get to meet them, it can be quite emotional. Yes, it is hard to give them up after a year, but it is equally fun to wait for my new puppy to come and I can start all over again. <br />
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For anyone on the West Coast who is interested in becoming a puppy raiser, go to this site <a href="http://guidedogs.com/">http://guidedogs.com/</a> and find out how rewarding raising a puppy can be.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg0yYY_t8IIawMyPbmpZW-7Ca3OQXgcEz0QmRF9UaMC6xSn6qVUDGqLXUxs1ziCH1PyXQQolhGMWAi62go7dZ8tKmnWsjP7hoeTm_IvymI_46biUzYEAfbbHzKNgwWkTmpdoXAxHIyJCg/s1600/2014-06-29+12.07.52+HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg0yYY_t8IIawMyPbmpZW-7Ca3OQXgcEz0QmRF9UaMC6xSn6qVUDGqLXUxs1ziCH1PyXQQolhGMWAi62go7dZ8tKmnWsjP7hoeTm_IvymI_46biUzYEAfbbHzKNgwWkTmpdoXAxHIyJCg/s1600/2014-06-29+12.07.52+HDR.jpg" height="149" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Too Cute!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Angel, don't let the Guide Dog Puppies see you on the Bed!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibxEX7LsZhSvGpU1eTsM3-_Ril_ZsMI77u_KfB9NZPOIm7JJK7uJ9F-E_k0bWjL8qSijbLEDFkKHZ4zPkLiobT37OGb6kR8_lQAWXZhYdWVeBDrweSzH7XM1A61NPLnO0lnUhPWrT86TI/s1600/Chris+pitcher+and+Brie+003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibxEX7LsZhSvGpU1eTsM3-_Ril_ZsMI77u_KfB9NZPOIm7JJK7uJ9F-E_k0bWjL8qSijbLEDFkKHZ4zPkLiobT37OGb6kR8_lQAWXZhYdWVeBDrweSzH7XM1A61NPLnO0lnUhPWrT86TI/s1600/Chris+pitcher+and+Brie+003.jpg" height="200" width="149" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Canine Companion "Brie" with her new companion, Chris<br />
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Now it's time for a huge thank you to a few more instances of pre trail magic I have received.</div>
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I was recently bestowed a donation from Ron Greig who is currently hoping to hike the John Muir Trail soon. His contribution will help me partake in a couple of meals at the Community Center in Warner Springs, and maybe a hot shower too! I will enjoy that.<br />
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My Aunt Carol donated a couple of Ace bandages to my cause, and I may need them as my knee sometimes causes some pain and I will possibly need to wrap it. They are in my bounce box right now. Big Hugs and Love to Aunt Carol, and my cousin, Candy.<br />
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Our friends from church, Karen and Roger, took us to breakfast on Monday as a going away present and we had a lovely time with them. It kind of makes me want to leave home more often! <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_hvKjDYTVh_DMKXBEdnmUYXMQKzc9-OcMv4sNcbhfgMFcDW8Hm2RNsKOrFlvDF1eMBFHqzmH6_gEd9RMObzBl_kl-XcjTVHAcggtvW3xU4tSeqq1zEKMs8gdyw-J9sQBT7Wxz5GncmBo/s1600/Puppy+sitters+002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_hvKjDYTVh_DMKXBEdnmUYXMQKzc9-OcMv4sNcbhfgMFcDW8Hm2RNsKOrFlvDF1eMBFHqzmH6_gEd9RMObzBl_kl-XcjTVHAcggtvW3xU4tSeqq1zEKMs8gdyw-J9sQBT7Wxz5GncmBo/s1600/Puppy+sitters+002.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thank you Karen and Roger</td></tr>
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So now that I have taken a break from sorting through this, I am feeling a bit more relaxed. Tomorrow I will post about my music on the trail, after running all over town trying to tie all the loose ends up. It's crunch time, and I'm feeling it. This is probably my least favorite part of planning a trip like this, the organizing and all the little last minute things that need to be done. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoMfBGjJpiJh23aVOctBOO5dOcyvI7Lni7Q-yxoFDJas6d2tRRDQDNyDnoFHweejaCLCecQAZnwCM-UuB-VSYIgGpT_aEfnTNOsYte1JTGTdxNPlW7EcpNEMj3bcCN4QzSok27WJxAdlE/s1600/2015-04-08+18.11.25.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoMfBGjJpiJh23aVOctBOO5dOcyvI7Lni7Q-yxoFDJas6d2tRRDQDNyDnoFHweejaCLCecQAZnwCM-UuB-VSYIgGpT_aEfnTNOsYte1JTGTdxNPlW7EcpNEMj3bcCN4QzSok27WJxAdlE/s1600/2015-04-08+18.11.25.jpg" height="478" width="640" /></a></div>
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Whew, take a deep breath!!!!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04113995154883333519noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3000567814094280018.post-65879026609583125162015-04-04T21:54:00.003-07:002015-04-05T12:46:43.164-07:00One Week to Go <div align="center">
Well, this is it. I have a week before I start the trail. </div>
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I have now added an orange box at the bottom of my blog. It is the count up timer for when my feet hit the dirt. It will start counting up the days I have been on the trail, on April 12. I had to put it at the bottom of the page, because the size of the timer is too big for the spot vacated by the countdown timer, and I can't adjust the size. I will be removing my countdown timer next Saturday, before we head out to the airport and ultimately the flight to San Diego. Just to warn you that there are certain things I can't do on the Ipad, seeing the timers and my Go Fund Me account on my blog are the two most important things. I will have to be at an actual computer to see these. That means, that when I get a donation, Lego will have to let me know, forward the emails to my Ipad, then I will be able to send a thank you. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0rEmUguqN4VpMz4NE3aQtf8daRM5irbYNGBTMvdUZxFqUjo387sY4wgjQEF9qK97pYrnuOVd1-HJfSFHnH-dqwKUnvpxyzFT5Sie_CG2tmjM129dIt2Jwh_3jFDpvOUhuJWjyRNNjAPs/s1600/Cactus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0rEmUguqN4VpMz4NE3aQtf8daRM5irbYNGBTMvdUZxFqUjo387sY4wgjQEF9qK97pYrnuOVd1-HJfSFHnH-dqwKUnvpxyzFT5Sie_CG2tmjM129dIt2Jwh_3jFDpvOUhuJWjyRNNjAPs/s1600/Cactus.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a> </div>
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I am just about ready, and have added a couple of new items that will be going with me. I finally broke down and ordered an umbrella from Gossamer Gear. I went round and round with this decision. I like the heat, but near Scissors Crossing in '13, it was so hot that I just wanted to sit under the no shade of a cactus and die there. If I had brought the Chrome Dome Umbrella, I would have been much cooler and would have hiked cheerfully through that desert. So, now I have it. <br />
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I have been looking all over the place for a new hiking shirt. I liked my old one, but it happens to be black. No good for the hot days. This may have been part of the reason I wanted to die under that cactus. My new shirt I found yesterday, is a Columbia sportswear shirt that is very light and has sun protection in the fabric. I found it at the Sportsman Warehouse. And the color is fun.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfbA9o34uRDEdmtCC5BojGQica5a5TiDaKANubJOO-DhbaZjAsQ_6UsWNOB5JbuRYGHBmiAiKo0hjDJuKImKyuIWBRbSvCXl3szU059pNy1RATv9iGLJqXLhJt2ofJjg2rr8leiTdsdig/s1600/2013-04-16+11.42.09.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfbA9o34uRDEdmtCC5BojGQica5a5TiDaKANubJOO-DhbaZjAsQ_6UsWNOB5JbuRYGHBmiAiKo0hjDJuKImKyuIWBRbSvCXl3szU059pNy1RATv9iGLJqXLhJt2ofJjg2rr8leiTdsdig/s1600/2013-04-16+11.42.09.jpg" height="238" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Then...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNwxEKQtHwxQzo6qslifSPQAPh7r2ofTs49emAIdidzAbbpt8KET2HERRE2exvSTr5cEX5bxihVozCgClsvSsJL0Md5KQch8JPjSFGdJkQnygRkvbQQTkwEvSds80yiV79i_gGVnU6MHE/s1600/2015-04-04+20.37.53.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNwxEKQtHwxQzo6qslifSPQAPh7r2ofTs49emAIdidzAbbpt8KET2HERRE2exvSTr5cEX5bxihVozCgClsvSsJL0Md5KQch8JPjSFGdJkQnygRkvbQQTkwEvSds80yiV79i_gGVnU6MHE/s1600/2015-04-04+20.37.53.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And Now!</td></tr>
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I am also trying different picture effects on my Ipad. On the above picture I washed out all the color, then reapplied just the shirt color, and added some words. Neat, huh?</div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Bravery</span></strong></div>
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<em>"Let me not pray to be sheltered from dangers, but to be fearless in facing them. Let me not beg for the stilling of my pain, but for the heart to conquer it." ~Rabindranath Tagore, Bengali Poet</em><br />
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Many times over the past few months, I have either been told how brave I am to be doing this trip solo, or being asked if I'm scared to hike solo. <br />
I don't feel particularly brave, so I guess the answer to the question would be, Yeah, I'm a little scared of this whole adventure. <br />
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But I have to look back into the past to see how far I've come on this bravery issue. In 1999, I would never have thought to do this by myself. As it was, I was so scared even with my husband, that I would leave each trail town so full of trepidation that I couldn't eat. Back then, my thoughts went to the musings that if Mark wasn't around anymore, I would have to give up my dream of the trail. There was no question of doing it alone. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwDQA4nSfNqNJNQspSOJEZ_avojjHGXip5OhrDmSqON6Vdgpk0QEvbDmLKwTad31EcZ4RwF4JDVq-Gpxf2sNL3_ctez_zMGIq_SpwCOy-zE50vpkFtGA0i7GW2yVZlluMweZidNCE2fkA/s1600/pct+99+(146).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwDQA4nSfNqNJNQspSOJEZ_avojjHGXip5OhrDmSqON6Vdgpk0QEvbDmLKwTad31EcZ4RwF4JDVq-Gpxf2sNL3_ctez_zMGIq_SpwCOy-zE50vpkFtGA0i7GW2yVZlluMweZidNCE2fkA/s1600/pct+99+(146).JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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In 2012, Mark wasn't sure if he wanted to retire yet, could I go by myself in 2013 if I needed to? I know I sure didn't want to, yet the more I thought about it, the more I thought it might be doable. And with a sigh of relief on my part, Mark decided to retire and go with me.<br />
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The question of going by myself has certainly developed a life of it's own, and it's a life I'm now looking forward to whole heartedly. Am I brave? I really don't see myself as that, but if the definition of bravery is being scared of something, yet doing it despite your fears, then yes, I probably am brave. And I think I will be able to eat before I leave town this time. </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04113995154883333519noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3000567814094280018.post-92053678012672894652015-03-31T19:17:00.005-07:002015-04-05T12:48:00.510-07:00Food Thoughts Completed!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWvpyneOZsab216qnl7EqZ9pr0GG4v1PUPk9lBuaKhoaSqLyz0VQD5bv9kL25gql0azgEIDwn-OFnmZQcq2zYtbJu4Voc0zh6Ks7-vlES1gRFTl4mcGkSIQYB_rSH6gqGEwz6PI7au_q0/s1600/2015-03-31+16.03.01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWvpyneOZsab216qnl7EqZ9pr0GG4v1PUPk9lBuaKhoaSqLyz0VQD5bv9kL25gql0azgEIDwn-OFnmZQcq2zYtbJu4Voc0zh6Ks7-vlES1gRFTl4mcGkSIQYB_rSH6gqGEwz6PI7au_q0/s1600/2015-03-31+16.03.01.jpg" height="298" width="400" /></a></div>
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O.K., I have my food choices down and they're going into my resupply boxes as we speak. Here is what I have decided to eat. </div>
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<strong>For 1st and 2nd Breakfast:</strong> First thing in the morning will be Poptarts or Clif Bars. I am using WinCo's brand for the poptarts since they are cheaper and I believe they have a little better flavor than Kellogg's. Some days I may have a box of pudding with nuts setting up instead. This should get me down the trail each morning until I get hungry for 2nd Breakfast. Then I will have cereal and milk. I know, I said I wasn't going to have cereal this time around in a past post. But as I got to thinking about my choices, I knew I didn't want to cook in the morning and the cereal will fill me up. My stomach will be able to handle it later on in the morning. I am using cereal that has at least 5 grams of protein, and one of the cereals (Cheerios Protein) has 11 grams.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEishm0ZD7bPJDxYxU-CAnhj3Y8gJUWa1rdpMZPrSHn3cmmjLd1Has4AkWIWynM7DrFyZgsoG_uukRSkCBE76cF85s-lbiTRUergX-8PKrEVlLbobrBOK9WpJIIpLuJ7Loqkm327_eEvKb8/s1600/2015-03-31+16.02.09.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEishm0ZD7bPJDxYxU-CAnhj3Y8gJUWa1rdpMZPrSHn3cmmjLd1Has4AkWIWynM7DrFyZgsoG_uukRSkCBE76cF85s-lbiTRUergX-8PKrEVlLbobrBOK9WpJIIpLuJ7Loqkm327_eEvKb8/s1600/2015-03-31+16.02.09.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a><strong>Lunch:</strong> I am planning on using instant refried beans (WinCo has them in bulk and they are good) and tortillas. I will use this meal to be a little more creative when I get into towns and resupply for my lunches from stores. My plan calls for cheese, peanut butter, and meats like salami, tuna, and chicken. Add to these items my trail mix, and some assorted bars, like Power Bars and Protein Bars.<br />
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<strong>Dinner:</strong> This is the one meal I will mostly enjoy cooked on my stove. These are the meals we have already prepared and were stored in the freezer. I have soups, rice dishes, potato dishes, and of course my Couscous. Yum!<br />
If I don't want to fire up my stove, the couscous can be soaked in water and eaten as is. Still Yum!!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVrlEYx4AXuHdQZI8rcUFLXXA1rpUHD0E57MPBZDN8pMmW-ZrZvVaIIZPSIS1T7kTeDjtPqvitd6W0OXaE12mCOqg8F6WWMerNI3x3vi36SULqyoicuaWPeSEpoMmvK-PlD5k1rI7jRVE/s1600/2015-03-19+12.47.19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVrlEYx4AXuHdQZI8rcUFLXXA1rpUHD0E57MPBZDN8pMmW-ZrZvVaIIZPSIS1T7kTeDjtPqvitd6W0OXaE12mCOqg8F6WWMerNI3x3vi36SULqyoicuaWPeSEpoMmvK-PlD5k1rI7jRVE/s1600/2015-03-19+12.47.19.jpg" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
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Of course, I am totally bummed that this item will <strong>not</strong> be going with me. I contacted Smuckers about buying a few jars since the stores in my area don't carry this now, and they informed me that they don't make it anymore. Total Bummer!!! Something about lack of interest. What??? How could anyone not be interested in Hazelnut, Chocolate and Coffee?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0O6it9k-04LLFLGLcJf810tTVgHDt2ADDf8oMZRQRP3jzDpndjlAWs8zFIfnpG_24nNMmGAoUAOUBX0Ge5EvjW6CeHlDYGjydGkG1pKnxD8JJdU2kGboSJvlroS6UbU6HUcWNvlS1CE0/s1600/2013-10-19+14.59.31.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0O6it9k-04LLFLGLcJf810tTVgHDt2ADDf8oMZRQRP3jzDpndjlAWs8zFIfnpG_24nNMmGAoUAOUBX0Ge5EvjW6CeHlDYGjydGkG1pKnxD8JJdU2kGboSJvlroS6UbU6HUcWNvlS1CE0/s1600/2013-10-19+14.59.31.jpg" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
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So instead, I will at times have a jar of peanut butter, but never will I have Nutella. I just don't care for it. The other things you will never see me eating are fruits and vegetables. If I get handed a fresh piece of fruit from a trail angel, of course I will take it and be grateful, but I will give it to someone else who will appreciate it more instead of wasting it. Call me weird, but that's the way it is. Fruits and vegetables are <strong>no</strong> treat for me.</div>
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It is getting down to go time, just a few more showers, and sleep time in a soft bed. And as usual, a trail still runs through my dreams... and my meals.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04113995154883333519noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3000567814094280018.post-17019408883472641362015-03-23T18:53:00.000-07:002015-03-23T21:51:39.815-07:00Chase the Dreams, Not the Magic<div style="text-align: center;">
I saw this title of a blog by Mark, a thru hiker last year. He was referring to the contrast between the trail and his work. You can read this blog here: <a href="https://mbiropm.wordpress.com/">https://mbiropm.wordpress.com/</a>. </div>
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I, on the other hand, thought this would be an appropriate title for a post on, you guessed it, Trail Magic. </div>
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I'll start out by saying that I <strong>love</strong> trail magic. It rejuvenates the soul, provides much needed conversation at times, keeps us humble and thankful, and can be a life saver in certain circumstances.</div>
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It can also return an impetus to our thru hike that may have waned a bit through the trials of pain, exhaustion, cold, heat, hunger, and thirst. The term is used "The trail provides," and that it does through the mercy and love the trail angels pour out on us.</div>
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We have to be careful though, that we don't head out on our hikes expecting the magic at every turn or every minor road we happen to cross. That could leave us disillusioned, and extremely disappointed when the magic is gone, or had never been there. There are some hikers that have the attitude, "Hey, I'm a thru hiker, what have you done for me lately?" Granted, these hikers are few and far between, and most don't go out and expect a ton of free stuff just because they have decided to go on a long walk.</div>
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In 1999, I didn't know anything about trail angels. I had never heard the term, and the phrase "trail magic" was not even in the vocabulary on the trail yet. We found Ziggy and the Bear, and the Saufleys through word of mouth, just miles from reaching them. Their kindness will never be forgotten as long as I live.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipFM6ikvBDMzBucmqaMbvvp3g6ustbvE9zFs_oW7ok2re8kHyNT8jdopsc962z7owvYeSy3rHmSlUWCHOfYDwIQdG_x7nT1zgBVW8Q6Bv0plLip9hpvO8JvNHYafufqGlz1TZkXQiMuS0/s1600/pct+99+(191).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipFM6ikvBDMzBucmqaMbvvp3g6ustbvE9zFs_oW7ok2re8kHyNT8jdopsc962z7owvYeSy3rHmSlUWCHOfYDwIQdG_x7nT1zgBVW8Q6Bv0plLip9hpvO8JvNHYafufqGlz1TZkXQiMuS0/s1600/pct+99+(191).JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Donna and Jeff Saufley - 1999</td></tr>
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So imagine my astonishment, when I learned that Hiker Heaven was closing down this year. I was really looking forward to catching up with Donna and Jeff this year on my visit there, and now that was denied to me. My heart dropped down to my stomach, and I started feeling depressed, then a little angry when my research in to the PCT-L group revealed some of why the Saufleys were calling it quits. But as I started thinking about the change in my plans, where I was going to resupply, and where I was going to take my layover day, I realized I was becoming that hiker who expected certain magic to be there just because I was going on a long hike. And I felt ashamed. </div>
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I had to remind myself that this hike is my dream, magic or no magic. Would I start this hike if I knew there would be no trail magic? I started the trail in '99 without a thought of magic or angels, so I have to say the answer would be yes. I am chasing this dream for so many more reasons than this.</div>
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I have already received a lot of trail magic even before I have started this hike, from the donation from a stranger who hears the same echo in his heart when the trail calls, to other bloggers who read my blog, to friends and family who are supporting me in every way they can. I am above all else grateful to those I know about now, and to those I will meet along my journey. I will not be expecting the magic to happen, but it will happen none the less. I just have to accept it with an open and humble heart. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyj6WdtdPLlPL0DVqImBbzKpb22krJUQtLRXgy1__OIAwhkYaUYGNtjLzNjM118WruMk4DkTjWHFaBVyiPDJXgnQu4odbsnq3xQdsG60fnOeW3xj73WbWSbFq0PqoGiZxDfbQ1wckIHDg/s1600/pct+99+(161).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyj6WdtdPLlPL0DVqImBbzKpb22krJUQtLRXgy1__OIAwhkYaUYGNtjLzNjM118WruMk4DkTjWHFaBVyiPDJXgnQu4odbsnq3xQdsG60fnOeW3xj73WbWSbFq0PqoGiZxDfbQ1wckIHDg/s1600/pct+99+(161).JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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And the trail still runs through my dreams.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04113995154883333519noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3000567814094280018.post-39870917321631424092015-03-19T20:42:00.001-07:002015-03-19T20:44:14.327-07:00Logical? Logistics ...... Logically!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Oh boy, the fun has finally started! The resupply boxes are about to be filled! </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2FQwYfgC1gsLoEU6Z5zmd_cWKeZzeXlMBijdBaRxX7r12zOm21WrI6WIpefjtViTu7AmqnwCbzM1X7oW0VbqJyiCRef0s0KajShTKeNc6jHT2sfeahhjN59noW3zeD9zzNPP0Wz1wFDo/s1600/2015-03-19+15.18.21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2FQwYfgC1gsLoEU6Z5zmd_cWKeZzeXlMBijdBaRxX7r12zOm21WrI6WIpefjtViTu7AmqnwCbzM1X7oW0VbqJyiCRef0s0KajShTKeNc6jHT2sfeahhjN59noW3zeD9zzNPP0Wz1wFDo/s1600/2015-03-19+15.18.21.jpg" height="239" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lego helping with the resupply boxes</td></tr>
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I am now off work for good, the next three weeks are going to be hectic. I have a whole list of chores that I hadn't been able to get to because I was too tired after working all day to really concentrate on doing anything. </div>
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Fortunately for me, I have most of the food already packaged. It now just has to be divided in to resupply boxes and put back into the freezer, waiting to be sent to post offices along the way. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj78cUu7YxCL-DpPWaU_wqhEZdJAmpQJTXk703zBHSGbO3gepFWzPSGbdoZV5r21R37GwuW584a_3AbUY0nPSxEc5sJHuRENDSY1-kTfrg0mbG-gWjMJ4bCIz3znuti8UFv0bRgMVztqtQ/s1600/2015-03-19+12.47.19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj78cUu7YxCL-DpPWaU_wqhEZdJAmpQJTXk703zBHSGbO3gepFWzPSGbdoZV5r21R37GwuW584a_3AbUY0nPSxEc5sJHuRENDSY1-kTfrg0mbG-gWjMJ4bCIz3znuti8UFv0bRgMVztqtQ/s1600/2015-03-19+12.47.19.jpg" height="239" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The food from 2013 has been sitting in the freezer</td></tr>
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I have decided to take the hybrid approach this year for resupply logistics. In the past, we have had all our food mailed to us. This time I am mailing my dinners and the majority of my snacks, then will shop for breakfasts and lunches along with the rest of my snacks as I get into town. This way I will have my yummy dinners, but can shake up my snacks and breakfasts a little, thus having more variety. I still haven't settled on what my breakfasts will consist of, but I have three more weeks to figure it out. (The trail mix and bars are still very fresh, I know, I have been eating them at work for the last three months)</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioBlbWQKA_D9ah4Yh9NxkooqIys6jR4G5w5DKWexdzr1O9FCAcpUTcOpTOp5VQR3Is5GuUyQMnRoxuA-5QqcH8TwHx5PtkNA4WwTFawzy3o9YG7DhgS8MdrSb_NkHIGdOAUuevp_u9nO4/s1600/2015-03-19+13.09.37.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioBlbWQKA_D9ah4Yh9NxkooqIys6jR4G5w5DKWexdzr1O9FCAcpUTcOpTOp5VQR3Is5GuUyQMnRoxuA-5QqcH8TwHx5PtkNA4WwTFawzy3o9YG7DhgS8MdrSb_NkHIGdOAUuevp_u9nO4/s1600/2015-03-19+13.09.37.jpg" height="476" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is about half the food from the freezer, the other half is on the other side of the bed</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK9-Qu41vP0w5bodhgiRUcNTRS_Q7mJIbtb8hBjWye1Y-ZYoOhiuC_ElfUvFqsqsMYPxzTM54f9gxwcX3hM9e9syKEAvhjA6rqnmcpj1Y7rjowm6z6XDRP67ASlesL_LZAQZKUEQ6wWbQ/s1600/2015-03-19+10.54.29.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK9-Qu41vP0w5bodhgiRUcNTRS_Q7mJIbtb8hBjWye1Y-ZYoOhiuC_ElfUvFqsqsMYPxzTM54f9gxwcX3hM9e9syKEAvhjA6rqnmcpj1Y7rjowm6z6XDRP67ASlesL_LZAQZKUEQ6wWbQ/s1600/2015-03-19+10.54.29.jpg" height="238" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-fTdLf4jB6b_UFmhD3V8nDvSUS0tI0tlusDHXD9sJ0Qnd5GVJbFRcraefh5qmtDwys78q95riTHhlwgBnrOWBIFvB1fzr1S0HSxGniXzA331swMrCOaJfRaqamxxObDDzLXjlKORHlC4/s1600/2015-03-19+10.54.24.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-fTdLf4jB6b_UFmhD3V8nDvSUS0tI0tlusDHXD9sJ0Qnd5GVJbFRcraefh5qmtDwys78q95riTHhlwgBnrOWBIFvB1fzr1S0HSxGniXzA331swMrCOaJfRaqamxxObDDzLXjlKORHlC4/s1600/2015-03-19+10.54.24.jpg" height="239" width="320" /></a>Work also gave me the opportunity to try out various ways to deal with the Plantar Fasciitis in my feet. I had to stand 10 hours a day, and it really took the whole three months to figure out how to deal with the pain. I had mostly very painful days, but a few pain free days. I would come home hardly able to walk, and near tears some times. Despair would raise it's head occasionally, but I wouldn't let it defeat me. Through it all, I was able to try out various combinations of shoes, insoles, and taping of my feet. This series of pictures show the way I tape my feet with athletic tape. I use 6 pieces per foot, and it seems to work very well. I wear this for about 3-4 days, then let my foot breathe for a little bit. I keep watch for the health of my skin, but so far, everything is healthy and not sloughing off. I will be taping my feet like this on the trail for as long as I need to. I will be using three different insoles which include my Good Feet insoles, my doctor's insoles, and Blue Super Feet insoles, trading them off as I need to during the day. I know it seems like a lot, but I have to do what I have to do to keep heading north.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZFQL_Gz3ulu5GPESYfUvwuO8Kbxq0KhVgeNXfPehqFI1hQSEmK1IB08oh7Sj_SrKiZkkuCjXZXad85mci2iVDesFEm7jfhYKZc9KuWQXpgeXz7Le5xjQMeFmNp4FF7NdndbtvITKHisk/s1600/2015-03-19+10.54.55.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZFQL_Gz3ulu5GPESYfUvwuO8Kbxq0KhVgeNXfPehqFI1hQSEmK1IB08oh7Sj_SrKiZkkuCjXZXad85mci2iVDesFEm7jfhYKZc9KuWQXpgeXz7Le5xjQMeFmNp4FF7NdndbtvITKHisk/s1600/2015-03-19+10.54.55.jpg" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
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One other note on logistics. Being a Seventh-Day Adventist, I have been thinking a lot about our day of rest, Saturday. Just before our 2013 hike, we started wondering if we should take a rest day every Sabbath. The logistics were such that it didn't work out to be able to take a full rest day every Saturday. We couldn't always be in town, and to take a full rest day between towns would require a bit more food that would just make our packs that much heavier. Not a good idea! A friend advised that hiking was a Sabbath activity that a lot of people participated in, and thus it would be o.k. to go ahead and hike. But they don't know that a full day of hiking during a thru hike is a lot of work, not just a pleasure hike in the woods for the afternoon. </div>
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So I wanted to see if it would be possible to honor the Sabbath, and still get my miles in to complete my thru hike sometime in September. I decided many months ago to figure out mileages that would accommodate this. What I decided to do, is hike half of what I would normally do each Saturday. Really, just trying to take a Nero. (That is mileages under about 10 miles) And what do you know? My miles doing that will allow me to finish by mid September. Perfect!! There are 3 Saturdays that I will be hiking over 20 miles, but the rest of the time, come Sabbath, I will be hiking anywhere between 8 miles and 15 miles. This all depends if I keep on my schedule though, which I think I can, it is a good schedule. I am the kind of person that needs a schedule, just getting up and hiking until the evening is not for me. I need to have a goal each day.</div>
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I'll keep you up to date and let you know how this is working for me. Keeping to a schedule may not work, but I'll sure give it a good try!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04113995154883333519noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3000567814094280018.post-12416496476789138132015-03-15T08:18:00.000-07:002015-03-15T10:14:11.267-07:00Testing, Testing 123<div style="text-align: center;">
First off, I am now over 10% of my donation goal, thanks to Griff Traveller! This donator is a total stranger to me, but from the kindness that abounds in Trail Angels, he has donated enough to give me meals and a couple of motel rooms through the month of April. Since I wasn't planning on using a motel room until Big Bear, and I may not need it there thanks to another trail angel, it looks like I will be getting a room in Tehachapi or Mojave. Griff has the desire to hike the PCT one day, and I hope he too will receive some big time trail magic! </div>
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Now for the equipment.<br />
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Three new items were delivered on my birthday.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii7F4gX8C43AU87NaMgLNK6GBA_NaDlD_ARWiH4Hzyodhqsw9gT9enzQlhuVuOHdgPQ3v6SpeWmDkvqlmVeB3gGkmRDVTcczxq2zgrm9KCO5oQ01ndfGOVS59i0vcURB1NDeLzBjxnIgw/s1024/Photo%25252020150314163728220.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="alignleft" height="224" id="blogsy-1426376320645.4941" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii7F4gX8C43AU87NaMgLNK6GBA_NaDlD_ARWiH4Hzyodhqsw9gT9enzQlhuVuOHdgPQ3v6SpeWmDkvqlmVeB3gGkmRDVTcczxq2zgrm9KCO5oQ01ndfGOVS59i0vcURB1NDeLzBjxnIgw/s300/Photo%25252020150314163728220.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
First off were my new Dirty Girl Gaiters. I adore variety and color, and these three gaiters completed my set of 9 gaiters. Why 9 gaiters for this trip you may ask? Well, I wanted to do something fun for myself, and I decided to wear one pair for every section in the Wilderness Guide Books. When I get through 9 sections, I will start over. I already had 3 pairs for myself from 2013, then I commandeered Lego's three pair he had, and ouila, I now have 9 pairs.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb1rdOLaTZiCWUmoIUDhiPyKfZJyKJzzxAc7jJyh8sPb8-GtZD6SR5nFEREa2F6q1IdC81nMd-hhPXaLaTwAenqU2zNKt3DKP8JsL8gvTgZ5rw3zTsbdNiGoymI1xPgmbsStj5hhXVLY4/s1600/2015-03-13+16.30.59.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb1rdOLaTZiCWUmoIUDhiPyKfZJyKJzzxAc7jJyh8sPb8-GtZD6SR5nFEREa2F6q1IdC81nMd-hhPXaLaTwAenqU2zNKt3DKP8JsL8gvTgZ5rw3zTsbdNiGoymI1xPgmbsStj5hhXVLY4/s1600/2015-03-13+16.30.59.jpg" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
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Fun, huh!<br />
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My next piece of equipment was my most necessary item. I don't sleep well out on the trail. In fact most nights I am wide awake due to tossing and turning trying to get comfortable on the z-rest closed cell foam mattress. And a sleepless night does not translate well into a good day of hiking the next day. The z-rest is just too thin now for my aging body, and I desperately needed a good inflatable mattress. I envied those hikers who had that extra bit of comfort, and now I have it also.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAZkXQiqUpqvPqT_u3B4MQIl10B5XinwAXYzgv_Jcgy6C-mUWxKQ0A583xPS46roclPIl8weo1QAR7nAZ3BBfY65b9Lw5LzxoQHsAkybiAkxkaXDO9qRhoZOgVbII6DUY31byf7WNMnmE/s1024/Photo%25252020150314163728623.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="224" id="blogsy-1426376320666.004" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAZkXQiqUpqvPqT_u3B4MQIl10B5XinwAXYzgv_Jcgy6C-mUWxKQ0A583xPS46roclPIl8weo1QAR7nAZ3BBfY65b9Lw5LzxoQHsAkybiAkxkaXDO9qRhoZOgVbII6DUY31byf7WNMnmE/s300/Photo%25252020150314163728623.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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This is the NeoAir XTherm. Weighing in at 11 oz. and with a R value rating of 5.7 out of 10 warmth factor, this should keep me off the cold ground, provide enough warmth, and be light enough for this long of a trip. I bought this from REI Outlet, it was last years model at a reduced price. It is also a size small, which means it is just big enough for my head and body leaving my legs to dangle off the mattress. Not to worry, I like my legs elevated at night, so I am putting my pack at the foot of the mattress for my legs to rest on. The instructions said it would take about 20 puffs to inflate it, but it actually takes about 25. No matter, it will be well worth it for the good nights sleep it will provide.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpWU1yrNVYLopcBORc3MIqN8L7ugDGYXsDiL1W7isq1KUYjPS5iGJVGmTDmCU0kAFkDiKt_7HV2hBKivWoEJ-P4GX0CGfYh6dpSOxSFnUq28tz_8a0wbznVMQev-YJDnh0e1n3bL9DMTo/s1024/Photo%25252020150314163728819.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpWU1yrNVYLopcBORc3MIqN8L7ugDGYXsDiL1W7isq1KUYjPS5iGJVGmTDmCU0kAFkDiKt_7HV2hBKivWoEJ-P4GX0CGfYh6dpSOxSFnUq28tz_8a0wbznVMQev-YJDnh0e1n3bL9DMTo/s1024/Photo%25252020150314163728819.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"> </a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD2L-sjLrE1l8Eb3KqjPnPlqX9KW-8iExHerRb34cmqOM6Vah2xNIRQH20svagic_ijAb13rXub2pNnQTGqCF0ZZQRoGdN8T3BhBHsSq1xUnGsM7fKKMO4E99bzZnnbyyVXaNmeNYmHaE/s1600/2015-03-13+16.27.42.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD2L-sjLrE1l8Eb3KqjPnPlqX9KW-8iExHerRb34cmqOM6Vah2xNIRQH20svagic_ijAb13rXub2pNnQTGqCF0ZZQRoGdN8T3BhBHsSq1xUnGsM7fKKMO4E99bzZnnbyyVXaNmeNYmHaE/s1600/2015-03-13+16.27.42.jpg" height="239" width="320" /></a>This is my new carrier for my IPad. On my last trip, I found that the iPad took great pictures, but I didn't have it in easy reach. I would have to drop my pack in order to fish it out for pictures. And that would be bad news if I needed a picture in a hurry, such as if I spotted an animal up the trail. I intend to sew a band on the backside that will enable me to thread my pack's hip belt through it, and thus I will have my iPad always at hand.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii2eQPK2iWAjcY0j6XgbOZAxHxyCvcaU8c9st5TogEDsEbpAuY6maaQNFYx0vk9JDxl_rDqqKdK5B3FHJNeMD_HINr8Y6DMT0pbZeHX5JXPsanWQ1UEGRIGUzFmSPlf8ctTnVdFbk6_bQ/s1024/Photo%25252020150314163728972.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="alignleft" height="400" id="blogsy-1426376320722.268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii2eQPK2iWAjcY0j6XgbOZAxHxyCvcaU8c9st5TogEDsEbpAuY6maaQNFYx0vk9JDxl_rDqqKdK5B3FHJNeMD_HINr8Y6DMT0pbZeHX5JXPsanWQ1UEGRIGUzFmSPlf8ctTnVdFbk6_bQ/s300/Photo%25252020150314163728972.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Waiting for the Leaks</td></tr>
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This has been the perfect weekend for testing the waterproof qualities of my tent. I accidentally set up Legos's tent though, so now I know that <strong><em>his</em></strong> tent will withstand an all night rain! <br />
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I slept outside on Friday night, testing out my new mattress, and I was able to get a good night's sleep. I woke up a few times, then went right back to sleep. I even dreamed a few times, so I know my mattress was working. <br />
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I think the biggest thing I was worried about was what if the tent started leaking. I stayed nice and dry all night though, so that is one worry I can put to rest. I may wash the tent with a water proofer just to be extra secure. <br />
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I have the LightHeart Gear solo tent and on Lego's advice I staked it out with just 4 stakes. Not a great idea. I was claustrophobic somewhat as the walls tended to collapse inward a little bit, and reduced the room in the tent. With the other stakes staking the outside walls, the interior is much roomier.</div>
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So that is the testing I did over the weekend. We are still a go and life is good.<br />
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I also wrote and posted this post using Blogsy. I figured I had better get used to its various functions before I head out to the trail. I am really enjoying this app, as it makes blogging so much easier. In 2013, I had so much trouble posting directly into my blog, that I gave up posting every day like I intended to do.<br />
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This year, I will be putting up a post for every day, though don't count on it posting daily. I may not have connection on some parts of the trail and some blog posts may be posted a few days later. Sorry, I can't always post in real time out there.</div>
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<a href="http://blogsyapp.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Posted with Blogsy" src="http://blogsyapp.com/images/blogsy_footer_icon.png" height="20" style="margin-right: 5px; vertical-align: middle;" width="20" />Posted with Blogsy</a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04113995154883333519noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3000567814094280018.post-51967637126789426602015-03-11T09:00:00.000-07:002015-03-11T09:00:08.098-07:00An Open Letter to my Parents<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<strong>Dear Mom and Dad,</strong></div>
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I'm writing this to let you know how grateful I am for all your support for this endeavor I'm about to embark on. The PCT is everything to me right now, it is my personal Olympics. I don't have the talent to compete in the real Olympics and I'm not young enough to even try. But the trail is just tough enough that I have to put training and tenacity into completing a thru hike - in my mind and for my level of fitness, it will be my Olympic moment when I receive my completion medal.</div>
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I know you are scared for me Mom, I hear it in your voice when we talk on the phone and you try to bite your tongue so you don't tell me for the 15th time how you would like it better if I would section hike the PCT over the years, or that you would prefer it if I didn't go at all. You don't need to hold back, I'm mature enough to handle your fears for me. Despite your misgivings though, you remain enthusiastic when I talk about the trail, you ask questions, and I know you are proud of me for my commitment to this quest over the years. Some parents won't talk to their children about the trail because they are too scared. Thank you for not being one of those.</div>
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Dad, you too share my enthusiasm for the trail and my blog. Even though I have started the trail twice and didn't finish, that doesn't matter at all to you. You are still supportive for this trip, as if it were my first attempt. I am thankful I can use the internet to keep you informed along the way, it is fun for me too.<br />
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Please remember that you both have good friends who will support you when you are fearful or have doubts. Use them, they are here for you for such a time as this. Lean on them when you are afraid and share with them when you are proud of me. They have told me that they will be there for you both.<br />
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Throughout the years you raised me, the love of travel was a common thread. The many trips around the United States we took instilled in me the craving for more travel and adventure. You also raised me to be independent and self sufficient. You did good on all accounts. That is partially why I must do this hike. Adventure and travel call to me once again.</div>
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You mean the world to me and I wouldn't put you through this if hiking the PCT wasn't the one thing in the world I need to do now. I was born for this time, 52 years ago today. I will promise you that when I come back, I will never again attempt a thru hike. If I don't make it now, I will consider doing sections until I finish. It is hard to describe how much different a thru hike is than a section hike, the camaraderie is so much different, the inside jokes that happen over many weeks and months, the talking in the evening at camp for many, many nights. You can't get the same experience any other way than to be a thru hiker. As much as I love trail angeling, I still feel a bit of an outsider with the thru hikers and it doesn't totally satisfy the cravings for more. </div>
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I am only days away from starting, I will call you when I get into layover day towns, and Mark will also keep you informed the rest of the time. As I walk, I will remember that you ultimately taught me to walk and to tie my shoes. That was good practice for this hike, if you hadn't taught me that, I wouldn't get very far down the trail!</div>
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Thank you for all your love and support,</div>
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Love Always,</div>
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Linda</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04113995154883333519noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3000567814094280018.post-27714775211227146432015-03-07T19:16:00.001-08:002015-03-07T19:24:08.649-08:00My Food ThoughtsSpecial Note: My friend Anne from Norway, we knew her as Gummi Bear on the trail in 2013, has donated to my cause and I will be having a grand breakfast either in Julian or in Idyllwild. Thank you so much for your thoughtfulness, Anne, you know what a hiker needs. We hiked with her from Mt. Laguna to Scissors crossing and had a ton of fun with her and Lucky Winner. <br />
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I have been giving serious thought to the food I will be bringing along with me for this thru hike. In 2013 we just about got it right, and I will be <br />
taking most of the food that we packaged up for that years hike and is now keeping in the freezer.(It is kind of nice to know that if there is a disaster in the near future, we have enough food to keep us for over 5 months)! And yes, it is still fresh even after 2 years, I am still currently eating the trail mix.<br />
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That being said, as a solo hiker, there are a couple of changes I will be employing. This time I won't have to compromise, and will be able to take all the food that I like.<br />
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First up: the trail mix. This mix was very good, and I don't think I'll ever tire of it. The base was mixed nuts, chocolate covered espresso beans, and candy corn. Then each batch received a new item such as spice gum drops, chocolate covered pretzels, Swedish Fish, M&M's, Jordan Almonds, and my personal favorite, chocolate mint balls.<br />
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The two real unexpected bummers on the menu were cold cereal in the morning, and Kraft Mac and cheese for dinner. I love both of these items, but they did not translate well on the trail. I think it might have been the dehydrated milk that left these two items not as good as expected. I will take the mac and cheese next year but in very limited batches. I might have one dinner for every other section.</div>
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My real problem with the cereal was that my stomach definitely does not wake up very early. I need to hike first, wake up a little bit, then eat breakfast. I am in the process of trying to find something quick like a bar to eat for first breakfast, then have my cereal for second breakfast a couple of miles down the trail. I have been testing out eating instant pudding as soon as I get up, and this looks sort of promising. I can have the pudding set up as I am breaking down camp, eat it quickly, and if I can't eat it all, I can carry it with me further down the trail. I can put nuts in the pudding, I have found that peanuts goes well with chocolate pudding, and walnuts are great with butterscotch. </div>
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The very thing to replace the mac and cheese will be Couscous. Love, love, love the stuff!</div>
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<strong><em></em></strong><br />
<strong><em></em></strong>This particular brand cooks very quickly, and if I'm too tired to cook, I can just add water from my Platypus, leave it sitting for half an hour, and it will be done and ready to eat just as it is. I have tried all the flavors: Toasted Pine Nut, Parmesan, Garlic and Olive Oil, Plain, and Curry. I didn't have a lot of couscous in 2013 because Mark just isn't into couscous. I love the versatility of this item, and the flavor, and will be adding a lot of it for this year. I even considered that I may grow tired of this, then I read <a href="http://www.storiesfromsteve.org/"><strong>http://www.storiesfromsteve.org/</strong></a>, and found out Steve ate couscous all the time and didn't seem to get tired of it. So considering how much I love this stuff, I'm willing to give it top billing for my dinners this year.<br />
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I will be shopping in towns more for snack foods, these are the items that are just fun to pick up as you go and as you start craving certain things. The item I seem to miss the most on a long trail, is fresh bread. I will be adding tortillas and bagels into my pack, tortillas are great for putting almost anything into, even couscous, and refried beans. It will add some dimension to my meals, plus some calories. I have never carried these item for whatever reason, but most hikers do. This will be new to me, but will work well, I'm sure.<br />
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I have also received some items from a friend from church, Noni, that will complement my food choices tremendously. She gave me powdered protein, some powdered sour cream (for refried beans and tortillas), and some packets of lemon and lime juice. Thank you so much for thinking of me and these items will be very useful.<br />
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I have resisted carrying peanut butter and Nutella, since these are bulky, and I couldn't bring myself to buy the tubes to fill up for backpacking, for I didn't want to spend a lot of time filling tubes. I love peanut butter, but am not a huge fan of Nutella, which everyone seems to carry for the calorie bang it packs. I have now found the one item that may change all that.<br />
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This is Triple Yummy! What more can you ask for, Hazelnut, chocolate, and coffee? Yes, Please!<br />
This tastes a lot like when we used to melt Hershey bars over the stove when they came packaged in aluminum foil. A taste right out of childhood. Packs a wallop of calories and will be useful for energy for the big climbs. The only problem: it comes in a glass jar. So I may end up getting a few tubes to put this treat into. Too good to pass up for the whole summer. <strong>Special note on this item: I can't find it in the stores any more. I may email JIF and see if I can't buy from them directly. I am super bummed that I can't find this.</strong><br />
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Thanks go to my coworker Britt who introduced me to the Shot Bloks. These worked well on some of the stiffer climbs, and will be included this year as well. Worked good, Tastes great!<br />
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I am thinking of adding this to my pack, for some oomph to my water, or to add some flavor to snow I scoop up for a special snowcone. I am still thinking about this, don't know if it will make it into the pack this summer.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04113995154883333519noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3000567814094280018.post-55619453931969923512015-02-27T16:55:00.001-08:002015-02-27T16:55:46.850-08:00Hitchin' <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><strong>Warning</strong>: Due to the Nature of this Blog Post, Reader (especially parents) Discretion is Advised </span><br />
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I know, this is the stuff of parents' nightmares. But it just so happens that hitchhiking is an integral part of hiking the PCT. Say I have been hiking 250 miles, then I come to a trail head where town is 9 miles away. Do I hike those extra 9 miles along a maybe busy road, or do I just stick out my thumb and get a ride into town in comfort? Personally, I will choose the latter. My feet will thank me, and I just might make it to the post office before it closes.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1jP3OJw3acnFXDaEzCpzqAQPEsNgU7qz-3iy0RhxIqAhz3lNywYo95-lRg0j1iOMdvYv_H1GZpodz9IjpI9DKsqs3Nr6zUk7uhWnMoNbbhaTZGseXvrAcbPrylDRj0hF5fzh6uCwCQho/s1600/pct+99+(61).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1jP3OJw3acnFXDaEzCpzqAQPEsNgU7qz-3iy0RhxIqAhz3lNywYo95-lRg0j1iOMdvYv_H1GZpodz9IjpI9DKsqs3Nr6zUk7uhWnMoNbbhaTZGseXvrAcbPrylDRj0hF5fzh6uCwCQho/s1600/pct+99+(61).JPG" height="320" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Outside Big Bear - 1999</td></tr>
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There are towns in Southern California where the risk of hitching is lower than average simply because the nature of the town is all about the hikers. They love the hikers, and anyone driving near these towns know why there are hitchers at certain places. These places are usually off the main highways, so most drivers belong to these towns or are familiar with them and the hikers. These towns include Idyllwild, Big Bear, Wrightwood, and Agua Dulce.</div>
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To relieve my parents somewhat, I do plan to take public transportation when available. I don't really enjoy hitching, especially alone, so near towns like Julian, Tehachapi, and Lake Isabella, I plan on calling a shuttle or a Trail Angel,</div>
unless I am with a group of people, then hitching will be fun. Groups though have their own special problems, such as cars not wanting to stop for a big group. They may not have room, and won't stop. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEyHpuGw8lRYogavDpz0M03O1qeBEfWfehPWMwLmP6KED1dxfsPU2ZxKILgofxg-xwP2xGTZz6UVCK2rPRwR4SKXI-QEg5v0ilcyZ3o92EYEhW-9RbMKeu7Wxi-hi04wZxhdvEe6uv-0c/s1600/pct+99+(9).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEyHpuGw8lRYogavDpz0M03O1qeBEfWfehPWMwLmP6KED1dxfsPU2ZxKILgofxg-xwP2xGTZz6UVCK2rPRwR4SKXI-QEg5v0ilcyZ3o92EYEhW-9RbMKeu7Wxi-hi04wZxhdvEe6uv-0c/s1600/pct+99+(9).JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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While at Kickoff <a href="http://adzpctko.org/">http://adzpctko.org/</a> in 2012, Ravensong got a group of girls and women together and we had a discussion about safety for women hiking alone. Hitch hiking came up, and this was the highlights of that discussion. If possible, hitch with a guy. Never get in the car first, and always get out first. If you get a bad vibe from someone who stopped for you, don't get in the car. Make excuses if you have to, say you're husband or boyfriend is right behind you and you have to wait for them. If nothing else, just keep going on up the trail as fast as possible, and get out of the area.</div>
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Lego and I hitched in 1999, we always had him get in the car first, and I always got out first. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">NOT one of our Hitches</td></tr>
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I will always be the most comfortable hitching with someone else, especially a male fellow thru hiker. This is where the term Ride Bride comes in. This is a female put out on the road to hitch by fellow male hikers, to get cars to stop easier. Some drivers won't stop for scruffy looking males, but put a female (scruffy or not) out by the side of the road with her thumb out, and presto! you have a ride. I am now offering to be a Ride Bride for anyone needing one, safer for me, and a faster ride for you!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgat3LEsYcoKLWaNr71pPjb63lqTshFTo-SKBPha6yZVmbDTZV2vufXp9quzyfdmBmQKhq7wRyuacxYw5Py3ffia9LeM4HjIARYNT-0R4kqV_lZ3pqb1YvuVQEERJLzEkkiWpdwVe6dXZw/s1600/pct+99+(129).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgat3LEsYcoKLWaNr71pPjb63lqTshFTo-SKBPha6yZVmbDTZV2vufXp9quzyfdmBmQKhq7wRyuacxYw5Py3ffia9LeM4HjIARYNT-0R4kqV_lZ3pqb1YvuVQEERJLzEkkiWpdwVe6dXZw/s1600/pct+99+(129).JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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So in conclusion, I will be hitch hiking when needed. I hope not to do it often, but I will always be smart about it, and follow certain safety protocols. And I will not hitch alone if I don't absolutely have to. I think I should be able to hitch with others, especially since registration is up for the trail by 300%. That is a lot of potential hitch hikers going into towns at the same time. I'll be in good company!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04113995154883333519noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3000567814094280018.post-41701345512934815732015-02-22T17:16:00.001-08:002015-02-22T17:24:40.336-08:00Documentation Almost Finished<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXw2Efh9fQsHfS-6luEqUX1u58SaJcFDsKA9N8Ijf7YpsXsMZtI0g9TBGphHTMef2p9S2RkUBb5fiw02MAomVOXTwyz_AGAjOvvNvYMEiEWfQ38NnOsrwBqptSLQQEG9Y2njepdRD0A5k/s1600/2015-02-22+16.15.34.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXw2Efh9fQsHfS-6luEqUX1u58SaJcFDsKA9N8Ijf7YpsXsMZtI0g9TBGphHTMef2p9S2RkUBb5fiw02MAomVOXTwyz_AGAjOvvNvYMEiEWfQ38NnOsrwBqptSLQQEG9Y2njepdRD0A5k/s1600/2015-02-22+16.15.34.jpg" height="478" width="640" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX8SgDkGY065edIw09_r3yKMBsydyYXa8IuG_dTMmHOiJ9PPInMu5V3uP2r1CGZUgFXDC6ODm2P6LAFjCoJeqoP_Ho6nmpkdEwKpHCWtxeyrFhhetZ15pQ5tDQdYWLf4_EQJdthXHHrsM/s1600/2015-02-20+12.54.50.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX8SgDkGY065edIw09_r3yKMBsydyYXa8IuG_dTMmHOiJ9PPInMu5V3uP2r1CGZUgFXDC6ODm2P6LAFjCoJeqoP_Ho6nmpkdEwKpHCWtxeyrFhhetZ15pQ5tDQdYWLf4_EQJdthXHHrsM/s1600/2015-02-20+12.54.50.jpg" height="640" width="478" /></a></div>
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Happy Days!!</div>
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Things are getting a little more exciting! <br />
I'm official now!</div>
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Little by little my preparations for this event are coming together. My long distance hiker permit arrived, and I obtained a California Campfire permit, which will allow me to use my JetBoil stove on public lands. My application for entering Canada via the PCT is now winging it's way to Canada with all the required documentation needed to prove to Canada that I'm a legal U.S. citizen, and have my passport to get back to my home country, so they don't have to worry about feeding and housing me.</div>
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Speaking of which, this summer, Mark and I were going to drive into Canada to visit the Northern Terminus of the PCT. As I was preparing for the trip, I discovered my passport had expired a few days earlier. After some time trying to find out if I could get back into the U.S. with just my birth certificate (You can't), we had to throw out the idea of doing this trip. I now have a passport card that is good for a while. I really only want to see the Northern Terminus as I walk to it on completion of my thru hike, so I'm glad we didn't get to make the trip.<br />
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My day by day plan for hiking is also finalized now and put into the computer and typed onto calendar sheets. I really wanted to post my hiking schedule, but for the sake of my personal safety, I knew I couldn't. They detail every camp spot for every day, and I don't want the public to have that information. Take it from me, it is a great schedule. I am limiting my hiking days in April to not more than 21 miles a day, 25 miles a day through May, then I will be hiking up to 30 miles after that the rest of the trip. This way I can work my way slowly up into hiking shape and hopefully won't incur further damage to my legs and feet.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbYqb2aTgM4qGyzIClYcL8fR0pFtyuDQLOgDYq8P_N35cbs-NnsHm_uSe1uhUWcAuL-F39OmTdZ8nY0nF7i-QaCk65XoJonLalYXfGLeVcS8BiRsPiC2KqpJyvCi-5qkBFj3SepZOqycY/s1600/2013-04-16+07.21.43.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbYqb2aTgM4qGyzIClYcL8fR0pFtyuDQLOgDYq8P_N35cbs-NnsHm_uSe1uhUWcAuL-F39OmTdZ8nY0nF7i-QaCk65XoJonLalYXfGLeVcS8BiRsPiC2KqpJyvCi-5qkBFj3SepZOqycY/s1600/2013-04-16+07.21.43.jpg" height="298" width="400" /></a></div>
Mark and I decided to fly to San Diego, drop me off at the border, then he and Angel will fly back home. We have our airline tickets that we purchased a few months ago, that was before we knew about the new system of allowing only 50 people to leave the border each day during thru hiking season. Luckily, I keep close tabs on the PCTA website, so learned relatively quickly about the new system. And I was able to get my date; I was #30 for my day. Yeah! We don't have to change our tickets! A family friend of my parents, Rose Jacobus, called the Sunday that the new permitting system hit the papers, asking if I knew about this change. I told her I had just applied for my permit, and thanked her for looking out for me.<br />
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I am also looking forward to seeing what the new Southern Terminus monument will look like, it is supposed to be made of more weather resistant materials, but with the same look as the old wooden one. You can see the damage at the base of the monument in the above picture. It was looking a little shabby. So all in all, I think the new changes will be helpful to ensure that every hiker gets a great start to their thru hike, and to minimize the hoards that are expected this year. Can't wait to get started!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04113995154883333519noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3000567814094280018.post-55602417813931866822015-02-15T10:33:00.001-08:002015-02-22T16:41:09.371-08:00My Go Fund Me Account<div align="center">
Just a quick word about the Go Fund Me account.</div>
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I really struggled with this concept of putting a donation link up. I have always been self sufficient and quite like it that way. I have the funds now to complete this trip, since I have been working really hard over the past 6 months from 12 hour days this past summer, to 10 hour days, starting in January. Money for the extra comforts will be tight though, and my hiking plan is for far fewer motel stays than I could really use. </div>
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As I have talked to people over the last couple of years, I have heard that some times people would love to be Trail Angels,<span style="color: red;">* </span><span style="color: black;">yet they live too far off the trail to be able to perform these acts of kindness, or don't know what to provide a thru hiker as we come into their range.</span></div>
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<span style="color: red;"><em>*Trail Angel</em></span></div>
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<span style="color: red;"><em>a generous individual or group of individuals that provide acts of kindness to participants of outdoor events, on hiking trails or various biking routes. Trail angels are closely associated with </em></span><a class="mw-redirect" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trail_magic" title="Trail magic"><span style="color: red;"><em>trail magic</em></span></a><span style="color: red;"><em>. <b>"Trail Angels"</b> are commonly referred to in online hiking journals as friends of hikers, relatives or others persons who will often provide food, transportation, etc. to hikers on the trail.</em><sup class="noprint Inline-Template Template-Fact" style="white-space: nowrap;"><span style="color: black;">[Courtesy</span><span style="color: black;"> of Wickipedia] </span></sup></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt_KHpo7fFHWMPOh_F0iY0h9-xCSRPnjOUjudA_VApX6CXafkVG48b2ZFd6L4Gfv35ChTPDWTUB82G64EEA0j0N14_ERQQli7WNyWqI88pRyeHZ0n4kKdAHOQMH1NfxcnOEk0DwMSxJAA/s1600/pct+99+(54).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt_KHpo7fFHWMPOh_F0iY0h9-xCSRPnjOUjudA_VApX6CXafkVG48b2ZFd6L4Gfv35ChTPDWTUB82G64EEA0j0N14_ERQQli7WNyWqI88pRyeHZ0n4kKdAHOQMH1NfxcnOEk0DwMSxJAA/s1600/pct+99+(54).JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trail Angel Meadow Ed - 1999</td></tr>
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<dd> </dd><dd>After much thought, I decided to set up an opportunity for those people who would like an easy way to show their support and would like to provide for a weary hiker. You may want to wait to see if I will be going longer than 70 miles, then donate. It is all good. </dd><br /></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVeFOrgISghuuMzqtSVdt7uh2e3z60iu2_1YEDP5eXatUSDZ-c1ibp2OHeaoeCwFQJ3p9_vCgIUQdjQcnCUcluE_Q5f7JWfT0MiwK3g_YYV-KsoRJ0LqntMQxiIUye5scmoyDiR3je_lc/s1600/pct+99+(58).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVeFOrgISghuuMzqtSVdt7uh2e3z60iu2_1YEDP5eXatUSDZ-c1ibp2OHeaoeCwFQJ3p9_vCgIUQdjQcnCUcluE_Q5f7JWfT0MiwK3g_YYV-KsoRJ0LqntMQxiIUye5scmoyDiR3je_lc/s1600/pct+99+(58).JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trail Angel Bob Uhlenberg - 1999</td></tr>
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My friend Sandi Carpenter got the ball rolling with a donation that I have told her will be used on my third day at Mt. Laguna. There is a restaurant there that is really good, and by then I will be thankful for the gift of a great restaurant meal and the ability to purchase some snacks from the store to help fuel me further north.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE1m3flReFNkBPYC97AZrEtz7yvccTf7FZCnAm8A2EHRx4CmuocZM_0Rtt-k3HKFTeCkskfzPR756hBk6gBhF4kd84BPA_MP_yU83G3HXwwesZo_J6i0PNspN1cF8oLTIiGp3efqxBRwg/s1600/2013-09-01+10.13.28.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE1m3flReFNkBPYC97AZrEtz7yvccTf7FZCnAm8A2EHRx4CmuocZM_0Rtt-k3HKFTeCkskfzPR756hBk6gBhF4kd84BPA_MP_yU83G3HXwwesZo_J6i0PNspN1cF8oLTIiGp3efqxBRwg/s1600/2013-09-01+10.13.28.jpg" height="149" width="200" /></a> </div>
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So that is what the donation button is for on the right side of this blog. Not to worry if you can't donate or don't want to, this has been set up for those who really want to be my Trail Angel. (I won't hate you if you don't)!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Much Needed Motel Stay - 1999</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlVN48tpUJJm63fylPI5I7zeXGJ50oi4jJ9CLd_iZsp75P4uumyYzeYPftTvQmMpQbtQt6KUGsnZPS-9C-Jwts5ebFWIG4xw5HMQHDxxnQ39hAVgtbE5C7Jt685UCkUsv3a8uj1Q9u4nc/s1600/pct+99+(130).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlVN48tpUJJm63fylPI5I7zeXGJ50oi4jJ9CLd_iZsp75P4uumyYzeYPftTvQmMpQbtQt6KUGsnZPS-9C-Jwts5ebFWIG4xw5HMQHDxxnQ39hAVgtbE5C7Jt685UCkUsv3a8uj1Q9u4nc/s1600/pct+99+(130).JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Unnamed Trail Angel who Provided a Ride and a Soda- 1999</td></tr>
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<dd> </dd><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04113995154883333519noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3000567814094280018.post-7911446011900134432015-01-31T16:18:00.000-08:002015-01-31T16:19:00.626-08:00I Am Not a Sloth!<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And My Toenails are <strong><em>Not </em></strong>This Long</td></tr>
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As my friend Tammy puts it, Sloths are so cute!! Thanks Tammy, for your input into my blog. But I am not a sloth, therefore I will be doing my exercises before I start the trail.</div>
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Here is the bad news: I have bad foot pain that gets worse when I walk on pavement. All summer long I walked around my neighborhood without a pack on, and got a lot of exercise that way. </div>
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Recently though, I haven't been able to get out and really walk because of the pain. So, Backpacker magazine to the rescue! The recent edition (March 2015) included an article on pre-season training on page 36. Yeah!!! Just what I need. The magazine has a 9 week training schedule for strength training, endurance, and increased intensity. I have already started, and it is whipping me into shape. The day after I did the exercises for the first time, I hurt so bad it wasn't funny. I am still hanging in there and can really feel the results.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8BPX7aJFzp03HAm5ycOeXSzHAej1_7O7XB468KJme-IekZw-JVPvJyZDwGTGtLRabw69XDCf3MRyXhlZFq2FL-lePLVYgbZ_iGOip31cmsIIoYjWfPdDWNlj4RwWa5fCtMwNVUYF41Jw/s1600/Exercise.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8BPX7aJFzp03HAm5ycOeXSzHAej1_7O7XB468KJme-IekZw-JVPvJyZDwGTGtLRabw69XDCf3MRyXhlZFq2FL-lePLVYgbZ_iGOip31cmsIIoYjWfPdDWNlj4RwWa5fCtMwNVUYF41Jw/s1600/Exercise.jpg" height="200" width="187" /></a></div>
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I didn't realize how out of strength my legs had actually become. Some hikers are able to train and get into shape while thru hiking, but I am not 20 something anymore. I am feeling great while losing weight and gaining muscle and strength <em>before</em> I hit the trail. I sure don't want to spend the first 9 weeks on the trail getting back into shape!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1RkOYX3KgCggsiHZx7hIvpPWJaaGIcFYqwarQqsd7aVxwK7Fe8fpZKdQVKND_6EHjymnzboGnZPxlaLwC-m_LCbZXvlgQXtYaUk6GRVT6bVpxZ-DIvp3W7ybGte6DMD5Mvp1QlEyXh88/s1600/Cute-Cartoon-Girl-Hiking-335349.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1RkOYX3KgCggsiHZx7hIvpPWJaaGIcFYqwarQqsd7aVxwK7Fe8fpZKdQVKND_6EHjymnzboGnZPxlaLwC-m_LCbZXvlgQXtYaUk6GRVT6bVpxZ-DIvp3W7ybGte6DMD5Mvp1QlEyXh88/s1600/Cute-Cartoon-Girl-Hiking-335349.jpg" /></a>My exercise routine includes stepping up onto a stool that is 16" high and back down again with a 20lb. pack on. Easy, right? Not so much when you do it for 15 minutes without stopping. Then comes the Lunges, also with my pack on, round and round the yard, also for 15 minutes. By this time, my legs are screaming at the top of their little leg lungs to stop. Then I go right into Band walks, which is a resistance band wrapped around my legs, and I walk with that for 15 minutes. Very small breaks in between. Then I finish up with a leg curl, raising my body of the floor and back down for 15 minutes. This is what I am doing for the first 3 weeks, 3 times a week. It is called<strong><em> Strength</em></strong> training. Then I will add <strong><em>Endurance</em></strong> by walking for 45 minutes at moderate intensity 1 day a week. After 2 weeks of that, I add <strong><em>Intensity</em></strong> training where I will increase my walking to 1.5 to 2 hours 1 day a week and add 1 day of high intensity walking (speed walking) with less weight on my back. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2xMxVc1ZE7VNaZhLalEE9l4qER2DpSjROaCWy20u6GcUupIybzePa37QeeCpUcVaqjta_5tBCr95A_yV-dlN0MxlsA1FirMZCjITpPXM3YiQsS9KTg5zlZ0fSoN9ko1lv1WYVFGqyths/s1600/Exercise+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2xMxVc1ZE7VNaZhLalEE9l4qER2DpSjROaCWy20u6GcUupIybzePa37QeeCpUcVaqjta_5tBCr95A_yV-dlN0MxlsA1FirMZCjITpPXM3YiQsS9KTg5zlZ0fSoN9ko1lv1WYVFGqyths/s1600/Exercise+1.jpg" height="200" width="158" /></a>How will I handle the pain in my feet when I take up walking again, you might ask. I seem to have the foot pain down to just a couple of sore spots now (see previous post on Those Barking Dogs). Taping my feet has been very beneficial, and I will continue that practice on the trail as long as it works. I also have new orthotics now, and they also are helping big time. So little by little I am finding what works and getting my exercising in.</div>
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So that is my exercise routine and plan; and I'm sticking to it!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSuwkcqVtbngVfNHnYmJBI5R0HLmAJ_IF99kMQocqBP5ZqNODNvqhnASrnVHDZSIGyD6nFXQ64KbNEuUli1TtNeOUiMQkF8WI0tQflx6zIIKoboIC4_dclElFk347YeqyKlv6P6pLPmcs/s1600/016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSuwkcqVtbngVfNHnYmJBI5R0HLmAJ_IF99kMQocqBP5ZqNODNvqhnASrnVHDZSIGyD6nFXQ64KbNEuUli1TtNeOUiMQkF8WI0tQflx6zIIKoboIC4_dclElFk347YeqyKlv6P6pLPmcs/s1600/016.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a>A brief note on our balance beams: Lego and I had installed a couple of balance beams in our backyard for practicing log crossings before our 2013 hike. I am not so secure when it comes to walking on logs over raging water. </div>
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After his heart attack and the possibilities of thru hiking were growing dim, we took them out and haven't set them up again. I found they only helped minimally, as the real problem with log crossings is that when my eyes see the rushing water, I tend to develop a case of vertigo. So without the rushing water visual, the balance beams were rather useless for me.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFZEtB2xj5vgk5SFjJa7M2WLtXaxyRbNh0oceBGoLulL5bSxqxfR-ITU-mQNSBY5i_gwTfY1ucTTNV2o6nwzFTz4PZXcyGLWfdTbCLVZNyz7bLGve1wOTJHOPozswQtq87QCSmNkKnPXc/s1600/pct+99+(51).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFZEtB2xj5vgk5SFjJa7M2WLtXaxyRbNh0oceBGoLulL5bSxqxfR-ITU-mQNSBY5i_gwTfY1ucTTNV2o6nwzFTz4PZXcyGLWfdTbCLVZNyz7bLGve1wOTJHOPozswQtq87QCSmNkKnPXc/s1600/pct+99+(51).JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04113995154883333519noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3000567814094280018.post-71091371976857468362015-01-26T11:18:00.000-08:002015-01-26T18:20:05.744-08:00These are a Few of my Favorite Things, on the Trail<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-YIhe_xzhPPUTX2MV4YRr1KYY1yhRLo_LoGlEmIq6qRGCcItOWc_ykFCO4gAGGWfJZwevFt8Blimb2SQyIhHU0XRz52WfFKMCS3eUNMzedE011HTglsAmbZG43GQxrHbhVnpje3S6uSk/s1600/Another+ponderosa+pine+forest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-YIhe_xzhPPUTX2MV4YRr1KYY1yhRLo_LoGlEmIq6qRGCcItOWc_ykFCO4gAGGWfJZwevFt8Blimb2SQyIhHU0XRz52WfFKMCS3eUNMzedE011HTglsAmbZG43GQxrHbhVnpje3S6uSk/s1600/Another+ponderosa+pine+forest.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a> Have you ever had something you were looking forward to so much that you felt little flutters in your stomach every time you thought about it? </div>
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<a name='more'></a> My stomach is fluttering away, and even though I have been saying that I am not nervous or anxious to get started on this hike, since I know the difficulties I am facing in a couple of months, my body is telling a different story. <br /></div>
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Let's face it, I am looking forward to some very awesome things. My favorite scents and sights in this world revolve around the outdoors and the trail. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEbm0pzDGFGr_3IX_eoQ8CezEFqAJIB8xZ4pGmrXSvE3DnVeh71CNnQ-p8gpRuvoAdrb6yOZjzYjm9EAap6F3AL0NDhed_8iQk9mmgvJs-r6iEiQvlsRpyO2gRub4thtSOkWAdo_nWtn8/s1600/ponderosa+pine+forest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEbm0pzDGFGr_3IX_eoQ8CezEFqAJIB8xZ4pGmrXSvE3DnVeh71CNnQ-p8gpRuvoAdrb6yOZjzYjm9EAap6F3AL0NDhed_8iQk9mmgvJs-r6iEiQvlsRpyO2gRub4thtSOkWAdo_nWtn8/s1600/ponderosa+pine+forest.jpg" height="320" width="238" /></a></div>
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From my earliest years, I used to spend 1 week each summer at Big Lake Youth Camp. My love for these trees, the Ponderosa Pines, began here. There is nothing better than the smell of warming pine needles beneath my feet as I walk among these trees. The underbrush is scant and makes walking a pleasure. This is a far cry from the rain forest of the Columbia River Gorge (do not care for walking in the rain forest). This forest is dry and doesn't smell moldy.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilqZDLjdUzwnolcZjrQ7DA16Yk2-Oz2CTib-KbipBQndZ_aOpyTkll3oLE5eGfb9ULfvjXx8Ibe1KQCv0lb3YE8qqmT69EDLWpj4iUMEl4PGqaA-kvFB-pSM3G2ar96WYmhE6ETRGT-eU/s1600/MP900255381%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilqZDLjdUzwnolcZjrQ7DA16Yk2-Oz2CTib-KbipBQndZ_aOpyTkll3oLE5eGfb9ULfvjXx8Ibe1KQCv0lb3YE8qqmT69EDLWpj4iUMEl4PGqaA-kvFB-pSM3G2ar96WYmhE6ETRGT-eU/s1600/MP900255381%5B1%5D.jpg" height="320" width="208" /></a>Another favorite sight is sunsets. Sunrises are lovely too, but to me the sunsets are the best. I think it is because my work is done for the day and I get to relax and just enjoy the beauty of the light show in the sky. I love when the color is drained from my surroundings and I'm left with black silhouettes of the trees and mountains. It is my favorite time to talk to God, and a sublime sunset just provides an amazing backdrop that punctuates the end of the day to perfection.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpOAPxcfOI9YJPvkZuweQlcbFD3i-gCYFqs3cowmC7Ul_XUjKvTxjQ-MwbzENPTPoe_G23_rcXLA52t-7lJMnmE4UNXuHJfwGSUqKr8dOBsR0jS09YkujlvxWnqSTFj3Th0iJC8SLiC2o/s1600/2015-01-01+09.07.33.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpOAPxcfOI9YJPvkZuweQlcbFD3i-gCYFqs3cowmC7Ul_XUjKvTxjQ-MwbzENPTPoe_G23_rcXLA52t-7lJMnmE4UNXuHJfwGSUqKr8dOBsR0jS09YkujlvxWnqSTFj3Th0iJC8SLiC2o/s1600/2015-01-01+09.07.33.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a></div>
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Which brings me to my next favorite sight and scent in the whole world: Campfires! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfFdG1jsDOLHNOIJvTOtBC9US-8LWnwyFvHzvXCkSHBUEM2uD_GZDaQplluNr7qkNXIBoiHUNv5bnq-joWAg1JBhw-fe5e6X0tO-2xN3ADZTqmcRde-AITgNNOygrtsAcztXP4LeQZa2w/s1600/Campfire.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfFdG1jsDOLHNOIJvTOtBC9US-8LWnwyFvHzvXCkSHBUEM2uD_GZDaQplluNr7qkNXIBoiHUNv5bnq-joWAg1JBhw-fe5e6X0tO-2xN3ADZTqmcRde-AITgNNOygrtsAcztXP4LeQZa2w/s1600/Campfire.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a>As the sun is dropping beneath the horizon, what is better than the kind of campfire you can huddle around, the fire burning one side of your body, while the other side gets chilly until you turn around? The smoke billows upward, teasing your nostrils with the smoky scent of burning wood, at the same time burning your eyes until you have to either close your eyes or move to the other side of the fire. The darkness then becomes complete and everyone looks their best by the glow of a campfire.</div>
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I don't expect to have a campfire much on the trail, but I sure will enjoy it when I happen upon one!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigdcxFpXjvOir7FH_dfAuRtwFFy9yBWze-DnDSRYeslNwdAQ77dLuaXWX4ELcTf8LAyxAlIBbwFQYy3Uv8x4Awr3mTtTwMRLzgzcQe26QNyzNAMIph4XkVWIwKfJUfsQ8-WBKTvQVKO6s/s1600/campfire_stevetookit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigdcxFpXjvOir7FH_dfAuRtwFFy9yBWze-DnDSRYeslNwdAQ77dLuaXWX4ELcTf8LAyxAlIBbwFQYy3Uv8x4Awr3mTtTwMRLzgzcQe26QNyzNAMIph4XkVWIwKfJUfsQ8-WBKTvQVKO6s/s1600/campfire_stevetookit.jpg" height="185" width="400" /></a></div>
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<strong> The V</strong><strong>iews</strong></div>
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This is probably the real reason for hiking for this long and this far up along the crest of the Pacific Crest Trail. I can't get enough of the far sweeping vistas or looking down on everything from a high perch.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6s83nwNh-0Iqq3QwgfU7PzXhDnZBX6OWppJGm_56zO6mGepeOb48r_3wpUrTWXZ7HXeIVIZjOq60w8kig4fK-NaBlsGkq70loy2GbDhFBAC7sU3Pgbpe2qN-TOh1Et9Ama6baFc1pe34/s1600/2014-07-22+15.19.45.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6s83nwNh-0Iqq3QwgfU7PzXhDnZBX6OWppJGm_56zO6mGepeOb48r_3wpUrTWXZ7HXeIVIZjOq60w8kig4fK-NaBlsGkq70loy2GbDhFBAC7sU3Pgbpe2qN-TOh1Et9Ama6baFc1pe34/s1600/2014-07-22+15.19.45.jpg" height="298" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking towards Mt. Washington on the PCT in Oregon</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZXtFcenIIOYrd4_2Oo4WC6LzJ4GhpSeflvDTdkun_d7ADSz8-Up2NcmM21qON3b6LTonW4ao4xmwe_2xWxGJX3TwPbIpvLyYAKMhKBeByKfy-COTqZjyP2oTtbh_485-kKc1fvg8D6fA/s1600/2013-09-01+21.32.06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZXtFcenIIOYrd4_2Oo4WC6LzJ4GhpSeflvDTdkun_d7ADSz8-Up2NcmM21qON3b6LTonW4ao4xmwe_2xWxGJX3TwPbIpvLyYAKMhKBeByKfy-COTqZjyP2oTtbh_485-kKc1fvg8D6fA/s1600/2013-09-01+21.32.06.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO_4qgNmB_UuCHXnJ7jdxP_AMrK91v8l9A08OBRFTmR22C1d0KcmGhyxDB4vTUS5ri8dxR9LU50svuCxXwrLk7Kp06uOZHQFtM7ukEYsc0BEshUkMS-ZJ-K2dPs17EOLCnD-AbpLHkDz4/s1600/2013-04-02+16.19.15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO_4qgNmB_UuCHXnJ7jdxP_AMrK91v8l9A08OBRFTmR22C1d0KcmGhyxDB4vTUS5ri8dxR9LU50svuCxXwrLk7Kp06uOZHQFtM7ukEYsc0BEshUkMS-ZJ-K2dPs17EOLCnD-AbpLHkDz4/s1600/2013-04-02+16.19.15.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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I'll be honest here, without the views I would find this hike to be pretty pointless. The views like the ones pictured here feed my soul.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8dcnhBAcHwnStDhYDKZd4Y6TzXuC1MPy_scgiFN9P5ug6pugYHBFzRNULIv4fd738o5O5FEjSuEJF70XALf1SkwQpWPGtDXdpD1vxD5wV5F5DHrWnfYDJblT_vytVj0OW2d_jdeDuqUg/s1600/pct+99+(25).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8dcnhBAcHwnStDhYDKZd4Y6TzXuC1MPy_scgiFN9P5ug6pugYHBFzRNULIv4fd738o5O5FEjSuEJF70XALf1SkwQpWPGtDXdpD1vxD5wV5F5DHrWnfYDJblT_vytVj0OW2d_jdeDuqUg/s1600/pct+99+(25).JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from Mt. Baden-Powell</td></tr>
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I will be bringing you numerous pictures like these as the summer progresses. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwG9O81JgCNQ1sZ4eH0J4s5Su0Qc4KupUZtc3GKjBa7rxFX8w_v2j0bwkS3fhZ1A9w8y-gAb90n05TLHMlae39wryiScj5QZ0l_8nMYXIDxzrowEDLFKcyC5FR6EVJ4Ywq4Z33pGnQVrY/s1600/Backpackers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwG9O81JgCNQ1sZ4eH0J4s5Su0Qc4KupUZtc3GKjBa7rxFX8w_v2j0bwkS3fhZ1A9w8y-gAb90n05TLHMlae39wryiScj5QZ0l_8nMYXIDxzrowEDLFKcyC5FR6EVJ4Ywq4Z33pGnQVrY/s1600/Backpackers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwG9O81JgCNQ1sZ4eH0J4s5Su0Qc4KupUZtc3GKjBa7rxFX8w_v2j0bwkS3fhZ1A9w8y-gAb90n05TLHMlae39wryiScj5QZ0l_8nMYXIDxzrowEDLFKcyC5FR6EVJ4Ywq4Z33pGnQVrY/s1600/Backpackers.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivFOEatxMt2WS0F1sYSx2laIClCUC0ZyT_vN7AfHze183u6oUtJpOR2cO9OidYhS_Tm8nmUifiIXO5rn25FhzXtrkLhz_JGx9eQyc3b1puIREAx1P0A_tpRTLMRTxQRx8yBq4uumjrCgw/s1600/pct+99+(4).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivFOEatxMt2WS0F1sYSx2laIClCUC0ZyT_vN7AfHze183u6oUtJpOR2cO9OidYhS_Tm8nmUifiIXO5rn25FhzXtrkLhz_JGx9eQyc3b1puIREAx1P0A_tpRTLMRTxQRx8yBq4uumjrCgw/s1600/pct+99+(4).JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">1999</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKeuVNxsiqFUrvJW1CgOT_K5wUyR22or0xsOpRYsjKYIpyCrywpYgiv0AFEM5hsAY8EP3D0C5uigwK5gSc4JnDbSTqLEx-dIpxM8OtcUpkLzd5W8S2WOJpd_QygDh5tsoZVEgj9I32n24/s1600/pct+99+(66).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKeuVNxsiqFUrvJW1CgOT_K5wUyR22or0xsOpRYsjKYIpyCrywpYgiv0AFEM5hsAY8EP3D0C5uigwK5gSc4JnDbSTqLEx-dIpxM8OtcUpkLzd5W8S2WOJpd_QygDh5tsoZVEgj9I32n24/s1600/pct+99+(66).JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On top of Mt. Whitney</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4R8kOac7XFHbu0yxvDBHHBy1mEcTCBffEi13R6Fd82BlapSGeT-D4Pz1bmZDQJNhuxYpiceKS514D4OT5tK5QFno1Ot-AZ7o2b4_LTPuys1qyteAbwDjxK3JNKRb6clybSyvaw3qJHkk/s1600/pct+99+(97).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4R8kOac7XFHbu0yxvDBHHBy1mEcTCBffEi13R6Fd82BlapSGeT-D4Pz1bmZDQJNhuxYpiceKS514D4OT5tK5QFno1Ot-AZ7o2b4_LTPuys1qyteAbwDjxK3JNKRb6clybSyvaw3qJHkk/s1600/pct+99+(97).JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a><br />
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Enough Said!!</div>
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And believe it or not, my last (not least) favorite item on the trail is........ Horse Apples! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqmA4pUtjSasfrE8PUcLM-5o6VD_-XYK56GtUkG_3mTaBzmcQKewAHWd2RAny0GyVclBuczTBI0ipptiQkkhUt0sEvHrXZeXOTNNhlrr18TLJT-d4w7my48N8tlB-1I2awz1W-736J950/s1600/855482d1387265507-equestrians-trail-horse-poop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqmA4pUtjSasfrE8PUcLM-5o6VD_-XYK56GtUkG_3mTaBzmcQKewAHWd2RAny0GyVclBuczTBI0ipptiQkkhUt0sEvHrXZeXOTNNhlrr18TLJT-d4w7my48N8tlB-1I2awz1W-736J950/s1600/855482d1387265507-equestrians-trail-horse-poop.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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I love walking along the trail, dodging the fresh ones, scuffling through the old ones, and see them mingling with the dust of the trail. Weird I may be, but someone has to love them. And If I didn't, I would most likely be having tantrums every so often as I encounter them. So I choose to embrace this part of the trail also. I do love to see the horses on the trail and the scent rising from around them just puts me in a really good, happy mood. </div>
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So these things are what is making the fluttering in my stomach and are my inspiration as I think about the long journey ahead. As Zig Ziglar puts it: "It is not your aptitude, but your attitude, that determines your altitude."</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04113995154883333519noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3000567814094280018.post-23388565737091783282015-01-24T13:19:00.000-08:002015-01-24T14:24:40.167-08:00Oh Those Barking Dogs!<div align="center">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQJTEXf6-iO8fpG1U4kbhLBUU7kDEIQBgNg8AfrKTEsARxzKrhum2LQ8xpmUX5hpZB2fMbd5deewRaSVgzxbpye3E7QU3YAnr1sQ_i4oLlkCgRVJKHfvak86ZU4O1eYLRCivmuKVajGOE/s1600/Green+Dog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQJTEXf6-iO8fpG1U4kbhLBUU7kDEIQBgNg8AfrKTEsARxzKrhum2LQ8xpmUX5hpZB2fMbd5deewRaSVgzxbpye3E7QU3YAnr1sQ_i4oLlkCgRVJKHfvak86ZU4O1eYLRCivmuKVajGOE/s1600/Green+Dog.jpg" /></a></div>
Did I also mention that those dogs are biting too? No, I'm not talking about canines, I'm talking about my feet!<br />
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It seems that I have developed Plantar Fasciitis. And it isn't just a little pain, it is a whole lot of pain when I walk. Does this mean I am through with my plans for the trail?</div>
<strong> NO WAY!</strong> <br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVkc9Hjy3i9XoHf1HQuJDoY_a7zHwL3p_wUT-XS3shkVnUsxpSNxymijZXmO9I2lKAH_TeebKUSxplUiyDOtSRoAhB4wzm38ASm77Ck7RIUStW8qVbK17KF25aK6ex2-YppdolilUxYkw/s1600/New+Balance+1540.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVkc9Hjy3i9XoHf1HQuJDoY_a7zHwL3p_wUT-XS3shkVnUsxpSNxymijZXmO9I2lKAH_TeebKUSxplUiyDOtSRoAhB4wzm38ASm77Ck7RIUStW8qVbK17KF25aK6ex2-YppdolilUxYkw/s1600/New+Balance+1540.png" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Trail Shoes - New Balance W1540</td></tr>
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After coming off the trail in 2013, I felt a mild burning sensation on the bottom of my feet. I had no idea what was causing this phenomenon, and since it was very mild, I ignored it. A few months later, there was no ignoring it anymore. The mild burning soon coalesced into my heels which had become a sharp pain in the center of each heel. When I stood, I would have to hold onto something for the first few steps. Walking was a little easier for a time, as soon as my feet warmed up, the pain was much reduced. By December, I couldn't even walk comfortably, so all thoughts of training with my pack was out. I took the month of December off so my feet could heal, I told myself.<br />
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During this time, I poured over everything I could find online about Plantar Fasciitis. I found out more than I ever wanted to know, and then some. My mood would swing from total despair of even starting my hike, to massive exhilaration when my feet <em>seemed</em> a little better. Most of what I could find out did not seem like good news for me. <br />
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I found some exercises that helped minimally, the best one involved using a towel (I use a small dog leash) to bend my feet backward in the morning before getting out of bed. Walking is much easier first thing in the morning when I do that. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXtvIyvTw1HjeCPNebhLM9PFYpK11nPtvIXIOkGbsxKmNv4pQF4o29-giRkx_SvdOX5v6_MywCHVgVpL4q6XtkXcsS2LXEA6bwaHpO9mmaF0ZT5S1LGK0fjtUHiB1VMDbM5ASKie5W57k/s1600/Orthotics.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXtvIyvTw1HjeCPNebhLM9PFYpK11nPtvIXIOkGbsxKmNv4pQF4o29-giRkx_SvdOX5v6_MywCHVgVpL4q6XtkXcsS2LXEA6bwaHpO9mmaF0ZT5S1LGK0fjtUHiB1VMDbM5ASKie5W57k/s1600/Orthotics.jpg" /></a>My mom then suggested going to the Good Feet Store. She had heel spurs, and their orthotics worked well for her. Being tight on money, I resisted for a while, then realized I needed to look into anything that might work if I was to complete my dream. So off I went, and after telling the salesman everything about my hike, he put me into an orthotic. The cost? $355.00! I walked on it for a week, with no lessening of the pain. I must interject here that I also have a job where I stand for 8 hours a day on a hard surface. Fortunately, the store allows people to try the orthotics for a period of 30 days, and you can try different ones to ensure you get the proper fit. Back I went, this time I saw a different salesman. He took one look at my orthotic, and said that I wouldn't be able to hike in it. Hello, I said I needed to be able to hike when I first went in. The pressure was on to get me to buy two more orthotics that went with the one I purchased at a cost of $600 more dollars, in order to get the full benefit of their product. I just couldn't swing that.<br />
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To make a long story short, (don't you just love when people say that) the people at the Good Feet Store finally listened to what I needed and supplied me with the right orthotic after 4 tries. I will be able to hike in them, and along with taping<span style="color: red;">*</span> my feet, my heels feel so much better. Not perfect, but much, much better. <br />
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<span style="color: red;">*</span><span style="color: black;">I watched numerous videos on taping feet for plantar fasciitis, and it works remarkably well. Just that little extra support in front of my heel makes all the difference in the world.</span><br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip4TxawtJwUdHmJXMNSU1o5PlW3YAWkYOmPGFZIJPW2Mu5qiGb64DQmQpZ814iFmz_gQ_Ko9PqZRVKvWzeJdeq6gFqD1Wvg2ZpZ3ME_vO44M7Qox3z26j6n6EZj18FkURq7tcghanEjPQ/s1600/New+Balance+Shoe+(Current).png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip4TxawtJwUdHmJXMNSU1o5PlW3YAWkYOmPGFZIJPW2Mu5qiGb64DQmQpZ814iFmz_gQ_Ko9PqZRVKvWzeJdeq6gFqD1Wvg2ZpZ3ME_vO44M7Qox3z26j6n6EZj18FkURq7tcghanEjPQ/s1600/New+Balance+Shoe+(Current).png" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These will be waiting in the wings if the 1540's don't work out</td></tr>
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Further research into what type of shoes were good for PF patients showed me that New Balance and Saucony were the preferred brands for actual PF sufferers. And since my most comfortable shoes are an old pair of New Balance, that is what I set my heart on. Alas, the W1540 style that was most recommend, cost $160.00 a pair. No way can I buy 4 pairs at that price. I settled on a $100 dollar pair of New Balance that I got on sale for $50.00. The price is right, but the support is lacking. <br />
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What do you know? At my last visit to the Good Feet Store, I asked about the New Balance W1540 that they had been selling for $175.00. Since this is the end of the year, they were on sale for $100.00! I thought about it for a couple of days, and then bought 3 pair. Now I should be set, I have the shoes and orthotics that I need, and along with taping, I should be good to go on my feet. My feet are awesome now, still a little sore, but I'll take that over the bad pain any day.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04113995154883333519noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3000567814094280018.post-81094380995252621192015-01-15T18:42:00.000-08:002015-01-24T14:26:46.342-08:00A Map of the Pacific Crest Trail<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNLLcP-OuABYiYXldtEh5-e5XZWg-SNF7dJYUkjb5KA7WM6hC8HWU3h0SHXc9NHLyow0SzXCh8CoNfUrgBic-jTFOmysLVtyvsXCfk0XLj9Gm0RPRy0pMASvKANF0ZhNL7KP4d61YPM9Es/s1600/pct_map_high.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNLLcP-OuABYiYXldtEh5-e5XZWg-SNF7dJYUkjb5KA7WM6hC8HWU3h0SHXc9NHLyow0SzXCh8CoNfUrgBic-jTFOmysLVtyvsXCfk0XLj9Gm0RPRy0pMASvKANF0ZhNL7KP4d61YPM9Es/s1600/pct_map_high.jpg" /></a></div>
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People have asked me to show a map of the PCT, so they can see where the trail goes. This is the PCT map, and a few fun facts to go along with it. I blew it up extra big so you can get a feel of the terrain and the basic areas where the trail is located. </div>
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What is the PCT? </div>
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<span style="color: black;">The Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) <span style="color: red;"><span style="color: #990000;">(No, it is <strong><em>not </em></strong>the Pacific</span> <u><span style="color: #351c75;">Coast</span></u> </span><span style="color: #990000;">Trail)</span> is a 2,650 mile hiking trail that runs contiguously from the Mexican border at Campo, California to the Canadian border near Manning Park, BC. 2,650 Miles is the specified length of the trail but not the actual length. The true length from Mexico to Canada is 2,655.4 miles and the trail travels beyond the Canadian border to Manning Park making the total trail length 2,663.5 Miles.</span><br />
<span style="color: black;">The PCT is a designated national scenic trail. It traverses three states (California, Oregon and Washington), climbs nearly 60 major mountain passes, descends into 19 major canyons, passes more than 1,000 lakes and tarns, 3 national monuments, 7 national parks, 24 national forests, and travels through 37 federally mandated wildernesses. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75;">The seven national parks are:</span><br />
<ol><span style="color: black;"> </span>
<li><span style="color: black;">Sequoia National Park</span></li>
<span style="color: black;"></span>
<li><span style="color: black;">Kings Canyon National Park</span></li>
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<li><span style="color: black;">Yosemite National Park</span></li>
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<li><span style="color: black;">Lassen Volcanic National Park</span></li>
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<li><span style="color: black;">Crater Lake National Park</span></li>
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<li><span style="color: black;">Mt. Rainier National Park</span></li>
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<li><span style="color: black;">North Cascades National Park</span></li>
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<span style="color: black;"><strong><span style="color: #351c75;">Elevation Gain:</span> </strong>314,711 feet</span><span style="color: #351c75;"> </span><br />
<span style="color: black;"><strong><span style="color: #351c75;">Lowest Point:</span> </strong>Cascade Locks, Oregon (140 feet)</span><br />
<span style="color: black;"><strong><span style="color: #351c75;">Highest Point:</span> </strong>Forester Pass, California (13,153 feet)</span><br />
<span style="color: black;"><strong><span style="color: #351c75;">California Length:</span></strong> 1,698.8 Miles</span><br />
<span style="color: black;"><strong><span style="color: #351c75;">Oregon Length:</span></strong> 456.8 Miles</span><br />
<span style="color: black;"><strong><span style="color: #351c75;">Washington Length:</span></strong> 499.8 Miles</span><br />
<span style="color: black;"><strong><span style="color: #351c75;">California Elevation Gain:</span> </strong>192,339 feet</span><br />
<span style="color: black;"><strong><span style="color: #351c75;">Oregon Elevation Gain:</span></strong> 49,647 feet</span><br />
<span style="color: black;"><strong><span style="color: #351c75;">Washington Elevation Gain:</span></strong> 72,725 feet</span><br />
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<span style="color: black;">Most PCT thru-hikers begin their journey at the US/Mexican Border in late April at the Annual Day Zero Pacific Crest Trail Kick Off (ADZPCTKO). The goal is to depart early enough in the year to get through the Southern California desert before it gets too hot and with hopes of arriving at the Sierra Nevada when the snow pack has melted sufficiently. Once through the Sierra Nevada, the race is on to make it to Canada before weather conditions make sections impassible.</span><br />
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<span style="color: black;">Amazing Fun Fact:</span> <span style="color: #351c75;">Fewer people have completed a thru hike on the PCT, than have climbed Mt. Everest.</span> <br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04113995154883333519noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3000567814094280018.post-69765493240129913782015-01-10T15:30:00.000-08:002015-01-24T14:27:52.183-08:00Do You Believe In Miracles?<div align="center">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyocabD_3yUJxbEZed1AlO4G8ybahrme058jG0_nqu7K6Hct8cp3WZvr9AKHi4R9Wc2UrTUAPpgCUn14vreuHCIKb8acgnO92jPjkzsK6HHN6nw03MIWPtg0FnLUel8U6pYAz6bqWH4vU/s1600/My+favorite+girl+praying.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyocabD_3yUJxbEZed1AlO4G8ybahrme058jG0_nqu7K6Hct8cp3WZvr9AKHi4R9Wc2UrTUAPpgCUn14vreuHCIKb8acgnO92jPjkzsK6HHN6nw03MIWPtg0FnLUel8U6pYAz6bqWH4vU/s1600/My+favorite+girl+praying.jpg" height="320" width="212" /></a>Miracles!</div>
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Some may believe in them, and some may chalk them up to coincidence. I choose to believe that God has a plan for my life, and when I am following with His plan, miracles do happen when there is a need for them.</div>
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This is the story of the miracles that happened to us in 2014 that led me to be able to hike the PCT this year.</div>
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<strong>Oct. 2013</strong></div>
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My plans for thru hiking in 2014 were coming along, I just had to attempt it one more time on my own terms, by myself. I <em>had</em> to see if I could get my long time dream done. Then Mark (my husband) started experiencing deep depression, and after a fight, he decided he couldn't go on with life another day. He took our gun, and went down to the railroad tracks to end his life. When he wouldn't answer my frantic phone calls, (I didn't know at the time he wanted to kill himself, he just left the house after giving me the keys to the safety deposit box and I knew he had the gun with him) I had a good friend call him, they talked a while, then Mark simply hung up. He just ran out of things to say. Another hour passed; then he returned home. I convinced him to go to the emergency room and my heart sank when he looked over at me and said, "You know this means the end of your thru hike, don't you?" I nodded my head, it sure appeared that way. The hospital bills would be enormous. We didn't have that much left from our savings. <strong>Miracle #1</strong>- The doctors released him that night into my care. They never do that for someone who might kill themselves from a gunshot. We didn't recognize the miracle at the time, it would be three more months before we discovered the full extent of this miracle. </div>
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We only had to pay the hospital $1,000 for this night, but we needed to keep as much of our savings as we could since we were both out of work. It was suggested to us that we apply for charity care through the hospital, so we did, though we didn't believe we would qualify with the amount of savings we had.<strong> Miracle #2</strong>- We qualified! The hospital bill was paid in full, and my hopes rose again that I was PCT bound.</div>
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<strong>Jump ahead to Jan. 11, 2014</strong></div>
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My phone rings. Mark is on the line telling me he is headed to the hospital, this time with a heart attack! The hospital is just minutes from the house, so I head there, all kinds of fears rising in my mind as my traveling companions. <strong>Miracle #3 </strong>occurred at the church were the Salem Free Clinic was holding appointments for health exams. Mark didn't have a doctor or health insurance at this time, so the free clinic is where he went when we discovered that a routine blood test for Life Insurance showed that he had abnormalities in the blood work, and that he couldn't get his insurance raised.</div>
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After examining Mark, the doctor mentioned to his nurse that he wished he had an EKG machine around. To which the nurse replied, "There is one right around the corner." Sure enough, they had an EKG machine, (which had never been there before) and they promptly connected it to Mark, then told him he needed to get to the hospital right away, Mark was critical. Since Mark had driven himself to the Free Clinic, the doctor did not want Mark to drive to the hospital, so he took it upon himself to get Mark there.</div>
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As we went through the normal emergency room procedures, we were discussing how we were going to pay for this visit. <strong>Miracle #4</strong>- The nurse who was in the process of checking insurance heard us, and let us know that since we applied for Charity Care in October, just three months earlier, we were covered 100% for this visit also. (Charity Care at this hospital covers 100% for six months, we had no idea) What an amazing turn of events. I think I just stood there with my mouth open, not able to comprehend what had just been handed to us. The cost of an intensive care room for a week, 5 bags of blood to replace the 2/3 of the blood he had lost due to ulcers, plus the nursing care, meals, medications and the angiogram and a second heart attack in the hospital, well, it adds up to hundreds of thousands of dollars. Mark decided to apply for disability while he was still in the hospital. We were warned that people rarely get approved on the first try, usually it takes multiple tries before someone gets approved. But we had to try. And we didn't think we had a shot.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Feeling Much Better</td></tr>
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<strong>Miracle #5</strong>- Mark is coming home from the hospital, time to get his medications filled from our pharmacy. Oh no, the cost will be over $200 a month. We just don't have that kind of money anymore. "Wait, let me enroll you into a pharmaceutical plan, and we'll see what happens," said the pharmacy technician. What happened, was that our medications now cost us $50 a month! Still expensive for us, but much more doable now. And on top of that, friends from church got together to put a care basket together for us, which included 3 checks for, you guessed it, $50 a piece. We now had the first 3 months paid for. Thank you all for being part of our miracle.</div>
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This is the time when I realized my plans for thru hiking in 2014, and probably for ever, was over. My thoughts now had to turn to finding a new permanent job, and my dream as far as I knew was completely over. I cried some bitter tears for my loss, (dreams die hard) then got on with my job hunting. I was very busy taking Mark to all his various doctor appointments in those first couple of months, and filling out job applications. I have a wonderful job record that reaches back for ever, but I kept coming up empty when applying for anything and everything that even remotely looked like something I was qualified for. Even praying over every application didn't seem to be helping. I had a friend help me with my resume; still nothing came up. I had a terrific job interview over the phone with not 1 vice president, but 2, of a company in Phoenix, but it didn't pan out. All of this actually turned out to be <strong>Miracle #6</strong>, but I wasn't aware of it at the time. Which goes to show you, even the times God says no can be part of your miracle.</div>
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<strong>Summer of 2014</strong></div>
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<strong>Miracle #7 </strong>was probably the hardest set of circumstances we would have to go through, but it was also the miracle that seemed the most powerful in our lives. At this time, I had no job, was taking care of Mark, and our savings were dwindling fast. We were soon down to the point where we weren't going to be able to make next months mortgage. Mark's brother Vern, had lent us $5,000, but that had already kept us afloat for the last few months. Throughout the summer, we were both leaning heavily on God through prayer and thoughts. My prayer was always the same, whatever you want us to do or go, let us know and we'll do it. The hardest part was not knowing what that answer would be. Are we going to be able to keep the house, or are we going to have to sell? If we sold in order to keep our equity, it would mean we would be homeless. Our plans at this time would have been to live in campgrounds for a while, as we sorted out what to do next. We both love our house, but if the answer was sell, we were willing to do it. A great peace came over us, we knew God had the future, He just had to reveal to us what it was that He wanted done. That was the part I had trouble with, just having to wait to see what was going to be required of us.</div>
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Towards the end of the summer, we got together with a real estate agent, and had a listing drawn up. At our last meeting with her, we were still up in the air about what to do. She suggested that while she was gone on vacation for a week, we could figure it out. The week passed, and we knew we had to make the phone call to put our house up for sale. Nothing had changed. Remember the disability we had applied for in January? We still had no word of approval or disapproval. Mark was on the phone every week it seemed, trying to find out. But just before he called our real estate agent to give the go ahead and list our house, something made him call the disability people and they said, "Weren't you told? You have been approved!" We were now going to receive $1,800 a month. Our mortgage is $1,000/month. We were going to be able to keep our house, plus have some left over for living expenses.</div>
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It became very obvious to us that God had a plan and work for Mark here in Salem, Oregon. Mark is involved with prison ministries here, and that is what God wants him to continue doing. But what about me? I still didn't have a job, and no answers seemed to be coming up. I then thought of the Bible text of Matthew 7:11,<span style="color: red;"> "If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?"</span></div>
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<span style="color: black;">So I thought I would give it a try, and my prayers changed from asking for a permanent job, to asking to attempt to hike the PCT one more time. It seemed like a good gift to ask for. I need to do this for a multitude of reasons, and God understands what those reasons are. I asked that I be led to a temporary job for the winter, so that I could finance another hike. And after almost a whole year with no job prospects, and having hit up all the temp agencies in the area, two days after that prayer, I had a temporary job lined up with a temp agency. It was the perfect job for me as temp jobs go, God gave me many good gifts. Now I was free to plan for my upcoming hike with God's blessing. </span></div>
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I though you would like to know the whole story of this miraculous year we have had. What we take from this is: God is Good all the time, and All the Time, God is Good. No matter what circumstances appear to us to be, if our faith in God is strong,<span style="color: red;"> "Everything works together for good, for them that love God, who are called according to His purpose." Romans 8:28</span></div>
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Since I have a little less than 3 months to go until I hit the trail again, the posts will be coming fast and furious now as I get ready to hit this crazy trail one more time, and finally achieve this long time dream. Hang on tight, it will go fast!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Tribute to Mark</td></tr>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04113995154883333519noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3000567814094280018.post-87588090783465623822014-12-25T19:27:00.001-08:002015-01-24T14:29:40.508-08:00My Complete Gear List<div align="center">
Since I just attempted a thru hike a couple of years ago, I have most of my gear set for this next year. I didn't come off the trail because of poor gear choices, I was very happy with what I brought along. Here is the list of items that will be going with me:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpIYJivuhVYxqdXMWyw0CwnnpvJoaZBmO56jmehg34cy_At_96dCZMXkven5BkPaQEdv3DfsI0wDI6d9S2-R5qHB0MJlYuqTLQe1yanGmX8D6Et2WOWQld_g-V4ljqoBHwN1QJdEjeNx0/s1600/2013-07-31+15.40.16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpIYJivuhVYxqdXMWyw0CwnnpvJoaZBmO56jmehg34cy_At_96dCZMXkven5BkPaQEdv3DfsI0wDI6d9S2-R5qHB0MJlYuqTLQe1yanGmX8D6Et2WOWQld_g-V4ljqoBHwN1QJdEjeNx0/s1600/2013-07-31+15.40.16.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a><br />
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<strong>Sleeping System</strong></div>
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*Light Heart Gear Solo Tent w/Wedge</div>
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* REI Sub Kilo Sleeping Bag</div>
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*Neo Air Mattress (not purchased yet)</div>
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* Tyvek Ground Cloth</div>
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* Cocoon Silk Sleeping Bag Liner</div>
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<strong>Packing System</strong></div>
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*Osprey Aura 50 Backpack</div>
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*Sea to Summit Ultra Sil Pack Cover</div>
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*Sea to Summit Stuff Sacks</div>
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*Bear Vault Bear Cannister (From Kennedy Meadows to Sonora Pass only)</div>
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<strong>Cooking System</strong></div>
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*JetBoil Titanium Sol Stove</div>
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*A Folding Bowl from REI</div>
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*An old Lexan Spoon from REI that I have used for years<br />
*A Light Weight Cup (not purchased yet) for coffee</div>
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*A Bic Lighter</div>
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<strong>Water Collecting System</strong></div>
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*MSR Sweetwater Filter</div>
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*3 Liter Platypus Bladder + 2 Soda Bottles</div>
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*Aqua Mira for emergency water purifying (e.g. if my filter breaks or clogs too badly)</div>
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*Life Straw</div>
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<strong>Mobility System</strong></div>
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*Wilderness Press Guide Books (the pages torn out for each section)</div>
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*Ipad Mini and Iphone<br />
*JetPack (personal, secure Wi-Fi)</div>
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*Ipod Shuffle<br />
*Paperback Book</div>
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*Suunto Core Crush Multifunction Watch</div>
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*Suntactics sCharger 5 Solar Charger</div>
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*Black Diamond Trekking Poles</div>
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*Microspikes if needed for Fuller Ridge and the High Sierras</div>
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*Mammut Headlamp</div>
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*Permits and I.D.<br />
*Half of a ThermaRest for a Sitting Pad</div>
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<strong>Clothing</strong></div>
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*Sunglasses</div>
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*New Balance Trail Runners</div>
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*Dirty Girl Gaiters</div>
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*Buff</div>
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*WigWam and Darn Tough Sock, and Ininji Toe Socks</div>
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*Patagonia Puffy Jacket</div>
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*Marmot Mica Raincoat</div>
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*Sierra Designs Rainpants</div>
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*Sport Skirt</div>
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*Leggings</div>
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*Camp and Fording Sandals</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhabCVQ8aHeIGNLTKZEFemlVjVQkb21bE6naX7wdalD0oI79WVALAqmCe0RSG09lCFHTOGJq2JC3UYlX-B3k2bj8MMfdL9fJNzbLMbrGaEV4mKqWhLY6hAYT99ewttWv4Tkcv2_phWH00Q/s1600/pct+99+(50).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhabCVQ8aHeIGNLTKZEFemlVjVQkb21bE6naX7wdalD0oI79WVALAqmCe0RSG09lCFHTOGJq2JC3UYlX-B3k2bj8MMfdL9fJNzbLMbrGaEV4mKqWhLY6hAYT99ewttWv4Tkcv2_phWH00Q/s1600/pct+99+(50).JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crossing Rock Creek in the High Sierras - 1999</td></tr>
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*Down Pants (for the Sierras and Washington) Suggested by my friend RoadRunner<br />
(Not purchased yet)<br />
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*Gloves<br />
*Mosquito Head Net<br />
*Short Sleeve Shirt</div>
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*Long Sleeve Desert Shirt</div>
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*Sports Bra</div>
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*Base Layer Long Sleeve Top</div>
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*Hat (to be determined)<br />
*Personal Hygiene Products (TBD)</div>
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<strong>Emergency Items</strong></div>
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*Mylar Blanket</div>
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*Duct Tape wrapped around trekking poles</div>
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*First Aid Kit to Contain: Alcohol Wipes w/needle for popping blisters, Ibuprofen, Prilosec, Glucosimine/Chondroitin, Wide Ace Bandage, 2 Rolls Sports Tape, Large Telfa Gauze Pads-3"x8", Large and Medium Self Adhesive Bandages-4"x3" and 4"x2", 10 Bandaids, 3M Steri Strips-1/4"x4", BandAid Butterfly Closures-Medium, Triple Antibiotic Cream, Domeboro Burn Dressing, and Hypergel Wound Dressing<br />
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As I was musing on my last blog about what was working and what wasn't on the trail, I complained that the Tyvek was too noisy to set up where I wouldn't disturb people. I received a great tip from Where's Chris <a href="http://pctwhereischris.blogspot.com/">http://pctwhereischris.blogspot.com/</a> about how to wash my Tyvek so it would be quieter and the tip worked, my Tyvek is very quiet now, and will be included on the trip. I truly love the hiking community, they are so full of good sense and are willing to help anyone who asks. Thank you so much for all those who have given me helpful tips.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04113995154883333519noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3000567814094280018.post-79482759926007149422014-12-06T18:53:00.000-08:002015-01-24T14:30:58.299-08:00A Few Ramblings... and a Confession<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<u><span style="color: #0066cc;"></span></u>As I think about the trail each day, thoughts and ideas pop into my head. Here are a few of these thoughts.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9gjFyhgs_zlJ3jks10mDufihe0nZPobSPWjefIEFc6hFtSmZdNgD-ffykdmJUCO3DCUdb9i-MAvrf3fYM-bwGjmvlWpgxy_X_6wsY4CBciZtXjj0aD0XdjChEywlvnQdZdZ4i26JEMf8/s1600/bigfoot.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9gjFyhgs_zlJ3jks10mDufihe0nZPobSPWjefIEFc6hFtSmZdNgD-ffykdmJUCO3DCUdb9i-MAvrf3fYM-bwGjmvlWpgxy_X_6wsY4CBciZtXjj0aD0XdjChEywlvnQdZdZ4i26JEMf8/s1600/bigfoot.png" height="200" width="200" /></a>What is the truth about Bigfoot? I used to be a full fledged believer in this mythical beast. There have been numerous sightings and footage over the years, not to mention all of the countries that have their own tales of a big hairy beast roaming their lands, so I figured there must be <em>some</em> merit to these stories. Then my thoughts travel to the PCT. Now there is where a story of Bigfoot just begs to be told! After all, the PCT travels through prime Bigfoot country, the Mt. Shasta area and the Northern Cascades, just to name a couple. But where are the Bigfoot stories? I have searched journals high and low, but what do you know? No stories. There have even been sightings in Northern Washington of great hairy beasts that have turned out to be Grizzly bears, but no Bigfoot. My conclusion: Bigfoot may only be a tale to be told around campfires to scare the little kids when they hear the next bush rustle. I am now becoming a skeptic around the whole Bigfoot story. Just saying.<br />
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I am obsessed. Literally. I have OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) to a certain degree, but not enough to make my life miserable. My books in the bookcase are all alphabetized, and woe to the person who messes them up. My anxiety goes through the roof. So who better than me to calculate all the mileage I need to hike each day, than myself. I confess (not the title confession though), I am working my way through all the guidebooks and figuring out my mileages for each day. This is something I enjoy tremendously.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRGnUyCdrrYRmWbaECuAH_c6H0ATPlzdxqCBmDSyT8IrfB6pG_dMFuuqAIn9FGTVqeUhUNLv23lAfxeZ44uOqN6v_PU2YPdB7CVMWqX6v1OG6VdlPQyyhdI6pB7gaAXKysZUihPzrOox8/s1600/2014-12-06+17.06.55.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRGnUyCdrrYRmWbaECuAH_c6H0ATPlzdxqCBmDSyT8IrfB6pG_dMFuuqAIn9FGTVqeUhUNLv23lAfxeZ44uOqN6v_PU2YPdB7CVMWqX6v1OG6VdlPQyyhdI6pB7gaAXKysZUihPzrOox8/s1600/2014-12-06+17.06.55.jpg" height="298" width="400" /></a></div>
Nothing is set in stone yet, I am going over and over the mileages and will have my final draft done in March. Now what do I do when I'm on the trail and something messes up my mileage for the day? Maybe it will be some trail magic I wasn't expecting and I stayed over long past my two or three hours allotted for the day. Maybe I'll be slowed down by fallen trees on the trail, or I can't find the trail due to snow. What then? I still don't have the answer for this, it causes me some anxiety as I mull it over and over in my head. Throughout life, I have learned to be flexible and that all things do pass at one time or another, and I have to find another way to do things. So it will be with the trail. A good day will allow me to get my mileages done, and a bad day will see me coming up short. Either way, I intend to enjoy the scenery and people around me and still make it to Canada by the end of September.<br />
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What is Mark going to do while I'm gone?<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk7eMo_TubM7DgVCRjfqlsr1X51moagyT1DZeRjS5nuKd_LE9k1KLyDvdzoDbl_38y6cfE-q87DVdEr18eHz_W1TrC6X9VkaNu9IighJO2kkjLy_uUmheZewTtVVsdJcYB1N9ljmYat1U/s1600/boot+foot+prints.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk7eMo_TubM7DgVCRjfqlsr1X51moagyT1DZeRjS5nuKd_LE9k1KLyDvdzoDbl_38y6cfE-q87DVdEr18eHz_W1TrC6X9VkaNu9IighJO2kkjLy_uUmheZewTtVVsdJcYB1N9ljmYat1U/s1600/boot+foot+prints.jpg" /></a>Well, we have two different scenarios going on. Our first thought was for Mark to follow along in the SUV and resupply me along the way. That would be fun for both of us, plenty of trail magic to go around for me and those hiking with me. He would also be having fun camping out with our new tent and with our dog Angel. I would give him a detailed plan for each section, and he would use his GPS to find areas to meet me.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWJ14B6yCTiLSFKLtfxoD4rmuOUcld6ep3cQ9qnPK7dELompIJYVmmg_zDsDfifz7pvZOsdiWcWZ3eg_PzDjkQoWk0otPTMnxHPvONl0VA56YF3EpQebUAD7p65dFSJgXM16AEpPivfQk/s1600/MP900148934%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWJ14B6yCTiLSFKLtfxoD4rmuOUcld6ep3cQ9qnPK7dELompIJYVmmg_zDsDfifz7pvZOsdiWcWZ3eg_PzDjkQoWk0otPTMnxHPvONl0VA56YF3EpQebUAD7p65dFSJgXM16AEpPivfQk/s1600/MP900148934%5B1%5D.jpg" height="210" width="320" /></a></div>
But jobs have been difficult to find, and I am a couple of thousand dollars short for my trip. We are now thinking that Mark might have to stay home and resupply me from there. He would still take me down to the Southern Terminus, and follow along with me through Oregon for resupply there. This also would be a good plan, for then he could continue doing his prison ministries, which he enjoys very much. I am still looking and will continue looking for a temporary job to last until March, so we'll have to wait and see what happens. <br />
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These are just a few of the ramblings that tumble through my brain at all hours of the day and night.<br />
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Now for my title confession.<br />
I have been a hater, and I'm not proud of that fact. Just mention Cheryl Strayed or the book "Wild" and my eyes rolled and my thoughts turned ugly. I have not read the book. Now here has been the reason, just hear me out. As I have read interviews she has given, the words thru hiker gets thrown about with abandon. The last time I looked, 1100 miles does not a thru hike make out of 2650. To a lot of thru hiker aspirants, (I know, we have talked) that constitutes a multi section hike, not a thru hike. So she always seemed like a phony. I had the chance to talk with her the night before starting our attempted thru hike in 2013 at a book signing, but didn't go over to do that. Jealousy is an ugly word, and it's effects are even uglier.<br />
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My thoughts have taken a turn though. I have to look at her with a great deal of admiration (Much better feeling than jealousy). She walked 300 more miles than I did in 1999. I know what it took for us to do those miles, and it was hard. And in 1995 and 1999, the trail was a much wilder place. There were much fewer trail angels along with fewer hikers with which to socialize. Trail magic was few and far between, and the mental fortitude that it took to continue on for all those miles deserves a huge hand of applause. HYOH (Hike Your Own Hike) is used all the time, but I think very few times it is really meant. Cheryl did her own hike and was very fortunate that she was able to capitalize on it. I in no way intend to deprive her of that accomplishment, even if I could. I would hope that people reading about me would give me that same consideration in the future. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8rwr5XmMMrfoeXDwmtFGsBBihYkNCpxrAQh7qhqijCED_2oXh85L23scUkSryu00_NPSm4yrGi7plwc4pH4GmmQG2zN9jzxZKYGL9jJmNURJN2tmIjpVjqKfW7v5Y4_PY1LFYUfNfT-0/s1600/2014-07-22+16.12.24.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8rwr5XmMMrfoeXDwmtFGsBBihYkNCpxrAQh7qhqijCED_2oXh85L23scUkSryu00_NPSm4yrGi7plwc4pH4GmmQG2zN9jzxZKYGL9jJmNURJN2tmIjpVjqKfW7v5Y4_PY1LFYUfNfT-0/s1600/2014-07-22+16.12.24.jpg" height="239" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My own kind of Wild</td></tr>
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I am going to see the movie, and view it as a really great story and wonderful PCT scenery and not worry that she didn't complete the trail. I hope to get a charge out of another PCT story on the screen as much as I get reading trail journals and use it to keep my adrenaline going for the next few months as I plan my own PCT hike. I probably won't read the book, but I'm not against it like I was some time ago. I think that we as human beings make mistakes and prejudge people too quickly, and given a chance to think it through and do some research, we find that our first assumptions aren't always our best option. I know mine aren't.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij31bxcufwbEHvPeqenJ3jN5V0Mm5xWoKlC1UKj63R12WowmV0DysssdJQfm0WhcIsNsqCdLD1SjxzlKsFkqHyaz8xluNdhGL2ftFYrlQSV5h0IAIFDdgnCD20_P9Xhjhmvihs7hqtaYs/s1600/pct+99+(13).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me in 1999 with a pack similar to Cheryl's, fording either Tyndall Creek or Wright Creek in the High Sierras.</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-AsmIzzYxrnDS9z6ks0L0HQtcgRZ9Cm8BS8wqK7JwYUX1lpsM8SzT3zNwDbWvocrzvYPXyFvZF0pf68t24EddZ9lL-sCIhdMzammd9COXeMJeH3hJLi6KhazjMdSGxD8ofTkIY5zSy6U/s1600/2014-12-06+16.58.24.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04113995154883333519noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3000567814094280018.post-13334026889266592212014-11-06T15:35:00.001-08:002015-01-24T14:32:19.096-08:00The Big Three<div align="center">
An important element of a long distance hiking blog would naturally be a list of gear that a person intends on using. That would be this entry for the "big three" items; tent, backpack and cooking system. I will also include a list later of gear that I would highly recommend, when I hit Washington, that will be with me on completion of the trail.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5PxbBhtWlmX6IecpSxcxGG9OuL4CbwagK_84ot8T_5hPNqerUlARvl5TcUYdK_KMT7wqVg88naaBsqpSJIQPHTR7fR1EGiQa-wDnVyod7w9_HAqk1IOuPGZ5iJa4vUclJTOyBD_oHXzY/s1600/wedge01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5PxbBhtWlmX6IecpSxcxGG9OuL4CbwagK_84ot8T_5hPNqerUlARvl5TcUYdK_KMT7wqVg88naaBsqpSJIQPHTR7fR1EGiQa-wDnVyod7w9_HAqk1IOuPGZ5iJa4vUclJTOyBD_oHXzY/s1600/wedge01.jpg" height="131" width="200" /></a>My first item that I'm super excited about is my tent. The LightHeart Gear Solo tent is what I will be carrying. You can check out these tents at <a href="http://lightheartgear.com/">http://lightheartgear.com/</a>. My main reason for really loving this tent is that, for all intents and purposes, it is a double wall tent, which means there is no condensation dripping on me in the morning. It weighs 29 oz. and has enough room inside for me and my pack. I can sit up comfortably inside and I use my Black Diamond poles to set it up, and they work beautifully. It requires two poles, one on each side of the tent. This is an ingenious design which is easy to set up and is very stable in all kinds of weather. The low profile also helps in high wind areas like Tehachapi. As I was seam sealing, I also added sealer in a few rows along the floor for a bit of traction to prevent me from sliding all over the floor as I sleep. I had the manufacturers add the awning, to enable me to cook under it in inclement weather.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifRlI0LqJlkLQkTDlEy2zwuKeASrmVfDKOoZ4aOWT2sLxieFZoyTTshHxhBkQqjlysJF3MdyXiX-_sFYwt4MWMK7UGs5QwsyJfOKGFjzjfXD72Kg0GhW4T1kKDg6JKO1glHi68Ond5Ofk/s1600/2013-04-21+18.43.20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifRlI0LqJlkLQkTDlEy2zwuKeASrmVfDKOoZ4aOWT2sLxieFZoyTTshHxhBkQqjlysJF3MdyXiX-_sFYwt4MWMK7UGs5QwsyJfOKGFjzjfXD72Kg0GhW4T1kKDg6JKO1glHi68Ond5Ofk/s1600/2013-04-21+18.43.20.jpg" height="200" width="149" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">LightHeart Gear Tent in action on the PCT 2013</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcH8vbbi57dBRGK5B_jvfQjJ21gM86VGQ6xoyNSyFNgliXD-X5eXkTmlUHhjLMe1QLRLE27vKcyEl2ytD8Eh8PdjEdCayExdDSYVRsPw9DofHJzeHpAmviQzEuRKoAM0_q1aK4gJPygjc/s1600/Osprey+Pack.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcH8vbbi57dBRGK5B_jvfQjJ21gM86VGQ6xoyNSyFNgliXD-X5eXkTmlUHhjLMe1QLRLE27vKcyEl2ytD8Eh8PdjEdCayExdDSYVRsPw9DofHJzeHpAmviQzEuRKoAM0_q1aK4gJPygjc/s1600/Osprey+Pack.jpg" height="199" width="200" /></a></div>
My backpack will still be the Osprey Aura 50. The main reason I will still be using this pack: <strong>comfort</strong>, pure and simple. It fits me well and causes me no pain or hot spots. The one drawback that I could do without is the inside is really tight. The frame is held off my back allowing air to circulate around me and the pack, but it curves in towards the pack, thus restricting volume inside. I can still fit all my gear inside, including a bear canister which rides just under the removable lid nice and secure. I just have to take a little more time to cram everything in. You can find this pack at <a href="http://www.ospreypacks.com/en/group/womens/aura_series">http://www.ospreypacks.com/en/group/womens/aura_series</a>.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiN6DyPcPGJgfWBqosSg1XeKeZt2iScXJe_jdRfWE00MST2Z0xFiaEHEx3b03WX5g0uEt99_99hEQpWOlivvRVl8HpvPdzq6Sx4KJzVUJpaSeSncwC1QHrW6UaljcmS_NW2-qT_aVCwNs/s1600/2013-04-16+11.42.09.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiN6DyPcPGJgfWBqosSg1XeKeZt2iScXJe_jdRfWE00MST2Z0xFiaEHEx3b03WX5g0uEt99_99hEQpWOlivvRVl8HpvPdzq6Sx4KJzVUJpaSeSncwC1QHrW6UaljcmS_NW2-qT_aVCwNs/s1600/2013-04-16+11.42.09.jpg" height="238" width="320" /></a></div>
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So this brings me to my cooking system. I do intend on bringing a stove just for those nights when I need something warm to eat. That stove will be the Jetboil Titanium. It has worked well for me, and though it was intended for just boiling water, I have cooked in it and have done just fine. A close eye on it is all that is needed to keep food from burning. The main reason for bringing this stove would be to protect the environment from wild fires. As a ban for alcohol stoves is almost universal through out most of California anymore, I have gone with the next lightest stove where the flame is well protected and the open flame is kept close to the pot and way above the ground. I do not worry about the fire jumping out and starting brush on fire. Of course, I pay close attention to where I cook and the type of surface I place my stove on.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL_ozW25S5syoLB6StH11N93fWALlUZQweSgdn5utkqNN2woEsnOQmYvVAELY1RwNi5R6_eS6r-OM0mxFuawkYz73X9bNqyEKFHMO1m0-7CiyREpLmJSAkKyMqUKwKBWHC_amCOtXchNA/s1600/sol-ti-web-waterboilonly-1200x840.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL_ozW25S5syoLB6StH11N93fWALlUZQweSgdn5utkqNN2woEsnOQmYvVAELY1RwNi5R6_eS6r-OM0mxFuawkYz73X9bNqyEKFHMO1m0-7CiyREpLmJSAkKyMqUKwKBWHC_amCOtXchNA/s1600/sol-ti-web-waterboilonly-1200x840.png" height="224" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN7Q4SmktdcU-liTKM12EhB-BKWQTBrZFG0iRcSEnBKrYyhwHfmFFKHadnXh0v3LXts8yoRfGguJj0p3dVbaeeNu52ke7cssZWzomuDy01gtRebcCy-xmfMWIKa5EW7DDGJ2AYpszsLeg/s1600/msr_sweetmicro.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN7Q4SmktdcU-liTKM12EhB-BKWQTBrZFG0iRcSEnBKrYyhwHfmFFKHadnXh0v3LXts8yoRfGguJj0p3dVbaeeNu52ke7cssZWzomuDy01gtRebcCy-xmfMWIKa5EW7DDGJ2AYpszsLeg/s1600/msr_sweetmicro.jpg" height="170" width="200" /></a></div>
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As an afterthought, I will also include my water filtration sytem. I have been using the MSR Sweetwater filter. This picture will show you why.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwz-MA3ykCSFXJbMXyjhYmiJxIk4mP7SDErrIF6tl-7Kv9UaWeArmDB7JCR1qrIQqoMNl5latLHMccCERakgj0xj5-F3AVTL9_g0-ZFiVMsn9pN9_HzpCeQMunP7FlRbUFuJ95FSePBTg/s1600/2013-04-21+12.45.07.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwz-MA3ykCSFXJbMXyjhYmiJxIk4mP7SDErrIF6tl-7Kv9UaWeArmDB7JCR1qrIQqoMNl5latLHMccCERakgj0xj5-F3AVTL9_g0-ZFiVMsn9pN9_HzpCeQMunP7FlRbUFuJ95FSePBTg/s1600/2013-04-21+12.45.07.jpg" height="239" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The only water source for miles around at Sunrise Hwy.</td></tr>
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I have found that for me, filtering doesn't take long, and I am happy not to have to filter all the floatie things through a bandana after treating with chemical treatments. The Sweetwater also filters out everything that might make me sick, and I have never had stomach issues on a backpacking trip. So for now, I will stick with what works for me. On this trip, I will be bringing along Aqua Mira as an emergency treatment, as the ceramic filters do tend to get clogged up and/or break. I do know how to clean my filter, to give it as long a life as possible. Even though it is a bit more weight than the chemical treatments, it is well worth it to me when I come across a water source like the one shown above.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04113995154883333519noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3000567814094280018.post-63070857077392420732014-10-24T20:37:00.001-07:002015-01-24T14:33:54.932-08:00A New Trail Name<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I am Pocahontas no longer. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9VTm4q-E8zxf0E7r-Nw0DSE7vGqyX2Z3pm6Jkz9fV9_wzbQsg6iw03rvtJFsVMpHNzExEVofnHLsTlw6eZ4hMadOpWJM0RxREhZ4fmnUHA6P6rPX0v043pRJtNyo7ImN2fMQQUvujKZc/s1600/2014-05-16+10.25.49.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9VTm4q-E8zxf0E7r-Nw0DSE7vGqyX2Z3pm6Jkz9fV9_wzbQsg6iw03rvtJFsVMpHNzExEVofnHLsTlw6eZ4hMadOpWJM0RxREhZ4fmnUHA6P6rPX0v043pRJtNyo7ImN2fMQQUvujKZc/s1600/2014-05-16+10.25.49.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: black;"> See, my hair is shorter now.</span><br />
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<span style="color: black;">This is the first time I have had short hair since freshman year of high school in 1980. I have always loved my hair long, and it was easy to care for it while hiking with a backpack. All I had to do was comb it out each morning, and braid it. Super simple, and it kept my hair from getting all tangled and also interfering with my pack.</span></div>
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I decided to cut my hair this last summer as a result of Lego's heart attacks. I thought I was going to have job interviews and wanted a more professional appearance. But fate and God had another plan for me, and I now have the means to attempt this through hike one last time. </div>
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Now, I am in need of another trail name. Pocahontas was bestowed on me by Ron (the same Ron who helps out Ziggy and the Bear at Whitewater) who was through hiking with us in 1999. He took one look at my braids and dubbed me Pocahontas.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At Cajon Pass - 1999<br />
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I never really liked that name, I wanted a cuter or more unique name, but being new to trail names, I went ahead and accepted it and the name stuck with me until now. </div>
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Now I am on a quest for that perfectly unique trail name. I have a few rules I will be firm with: I must be named on the trail by fellow hikers or trail angels. I will not accept names thrown out before hand by friends or readers. I want a true trail name that exemplifies me or something I have done along the trail and one that I love. I will not settle for a mediocre name anymore.<br />
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I am really excited to see what my new trail name will be, I think about what I would like it to be, and then discard those, making myself wait for that one name that stands out for me from my fellow travelers as they get to know me. Just as soon as I find out what my new trail name is, I'll let y'all know.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04113995154883333519noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3000567814094280018.post-75839576954130978102014-10-04T18:57:00.001-07:002015-01-24T14:35:20.375-08:00Happy to be Planning for the Trail Again!<div style="text-align: center;">
What do you know? I get to jump on this roller coaster of a trail once again! It sure is great to be back, planning for a through hike, and starting up the preparations one more time. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not feeling well on the trail in 2013</td></tr>
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How did this all come about, you may ask? The last time I blogged, it looked like I was going to have to go back to work for a very long time, and no breaks were in sight where I could leave for 5 months and hike this trail. My husband, Legasorus, Lego for short, had two heart attacks this past January,(<span style="color: #274e13;">see story here</span>) <a href="http://thirdtimesthecharmpct.blogspot.com/">http://thirdtimesthecharmpct.blogspot.com/</a> and throughout this year, our situation has been touch and go for a while. In upcoming posts, I will write about all the miracles we have experienced up to this point, that brought about this change and my ability to hike this trail again. The story is super cool!<br />
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Please come back as often as you wish for more stories, videos, gear lists, and some great tips for new thru hikers and old ones alike. I am going to be a touch more honest about some of the harder parts of thru hiking, and some of the more embarrassing aspects that can crop up. It is not all fun and games out there, and my body can do some real stupid stuff at times. One thing I won't do is whine about my circumstances, stuff happens and I will deal with it. At the same time, I'm not going to hide the embarrassing things either.<br />
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I'm Linda by the way, formerly known as Pocahontas. I will not be going by this trail name this time around. So for now, just call me Linda. I'm happy to have you along for the ride. It will be worth your time.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04113995154883333519noreply@blogger.com0