I have this elevation profile stapled to the back of the garage door. Specifically put it there so I don't need to be staring at it. Unfortunately, I have found myself going into the garage more often than not lately and just pondering what the heck I'm into. Ups and Downs. Then I have that constant voice coming from the distance (that would be Kevin!) telling me, "Get Serious!" It's up, lots of up! Ari has to throw a few little digs in, "Oh you have to go up the Golden Staircase!" Enough. I got it. I'm going UP.
Us Ladies are currently into the "freak out text of the day" mode. I have to say, I have begun to look forward to these texts. some examples…. My pack is too heavy. Am I really going to eat this? How many calories do I need? My walking sticks weigh too much. I really want my Kindle. What about some playing cards? Oh, Kevin would not like this! Oh what would Rik and Paul think about this?? The dreaded "pack shake-down" from Kevin - you don't really need this? and my favorite…..I hate hiking in the heat!
So, yes. We appear ready. Have got all my "lists" checked and re-checked (I'm a big list maker.) Said my goodbye's to my family and friends. Did as much training hikes as possible. At least I seemed to be the one walking these days as Kevin is riding my horse. I am going to really miss my DOG. That is so weird, but true. Kevin and Bodie will be staying at our cabin at Tom's Place (near Mammoth) for the entire month of my walk. He will be doing 2 of our resupplies for us. Red's Meadow and Onion Valley. The Onion Valley resupply will require us to get off the trail at Kearsarge Pass and hike down to Onion Valley. Not so desirable, but needed as we can't possibly go from Muir Trail Ranch with 9 days of food in the F####@******* Bear Can. Which, by the way, I DESPISE. Now I truly understand why the PCT group had their "Burn the damn Bear Can Party" at Sonoma Pass, when they could finally get rid of that pain in the back monster.
I feel like I have the right gear, will be cozy and warm, will, hopefully, have enough calories that I don't BONK. Done that, Been there, don't ever want that to happen again. Aside from taking a deck of cards and my Kindle, I have followed the direction of Kevin. I feel like he is the best role model one could have. He walked 2700 miles with 23 lbs. I can do this.
Thank you to my good friends, Dana and Nancy for taking care of my horse. I know he will be in good hands. Thanks to my family for understanding that I need to do this, even if Erin can't get her head around to, why? First, her Dad goes off and walks from Mexico to Canada and now her mom is walking the Big Mtns of the Sierras for a month. Shane….BE SAFE. Fighting wildfires is in your blood, I see that, but please be SAFE.
Kevin….you are my rock. I am so proud of what you accomplished last year. I only hope to be able to experience a chunk of what you did. Your trip changed me. The people on the PCT changed me. I only hope I get a little of that in my walk.
Our itinerary is written down. Whether that happens just that way, well? We really have no controls over nature (fires, weather, etc) nor how our bodies will do day after day, but it's written down. We will try to keep to this, as best as possible.
From there we will hike down to Red's Meadow for our resupply. Along the way we hope to run into Kevin and Bodie. They will leave Red's Meadow and hike North for a couple of days. The dog can get as far as the Park Boundary which is Donahue Pass. Then they will accompany us back to Red's. It will be nice to have their company. And to make it even nicer, my brother, Bob may be joining Kevin for the little 4 day excursion.
I know that many of you have asked to follow along with the cool map that Kevin did with his big walk. I am not going to set my tracker on the DeLorme as he did. Takes up too many batteries and I am NOT carrying any more weight with solar charger/batteries. So I am going to text him via the DeLorme satellite every night when we get into a camp. He will know that I'm ok (Erin and Shane you can call/text Dad). I will not be able to update my blog until I get back as there will be no opportunity to do so. I am keeping a journal and will update when I can. Thanks for you interest in following my journey and thanks for all your encouraging words.
A special thought goes out to my dear friend, Susie. Just about 2 weeks ago, she began her JMT trip and unfortunately ended after 3 days with a very, very broken wrist. Shit happens. It can happen to any of us. Thank goodness she's okay. Surgery and a nice steel rod made her all better. No JMT for her this year, but promised her that Kevin and I will join her next year for sections. Really Susie, we will. :)
also… keeping good thoughts for a healthy recovery for my lovely sister-in-law as she bravely fights cancer. I hate CANCER.
Maureen
aka Mischeif
