This little fellow is less than a foot behind my left foot in the photo below. 

We just hadn't seen him yet!

Our very first Trail Angels.

Okay feet... just 2665 miles to go.  (Remember the giraffe print gaiters.)

The first afternoon. 

Very unlike my previous hike when it was 106* and the only moisture on my face was tfrom the tears streaming down my cheeks!

Sorry this is sideways... I will get better at this blogging thing!  Anyway... a yucca in bloom.  Some are pale pink, others are creamy yellow.

Blue flax.

A yucca spike budding out.

Your friendly hikers!  Hawkeye and Kombucha.

Me on the right, our trail across the center!

Tim's first Trail Magic!

Still smiling after 100 miles!

3rd Gate Water Cache. 

Keep in mind that these jugs are hauled up by a trail angel, 4 at a time, hauled by foot. 

Increadible!

Eagle Rock. 

Mile 106.2. 

We spent the night beneath his right wing and some animal stole one of my giraffe print gaiters.  I bet it thinks it looks pretty snazzy wearing it around the prairie!

For more of a written description check out Tim's blog http://lifeistheadventuretoday.blogspot.com/

109.6

Miles into the tail that is!

We have made it to Warner Springs, CA.

The weather has been amazing.  The day I started in 2009 it was 106* F.  The day Tim and I started it was 56* F.  Last hike, water was scarce, the heat intense, everhthing surrounding me was brown.  I night hiked much of the first 100 miles.  This time, all of the creeks are flowing, springs have water, and everything is green and flowering.  We are so lucky!

We will post photos soon.

Putting a few resupply packages together and moving out of the apartment!

The guys had fun on their last bowling night!

A friend is someone who understands your past, believes in your future, and accepts you just the way you are.                                                             - Unknown

As we drove away from Decorah in a downpour of rain, backpacks stowed in the trunk, our friends were on my mind.  While the realization that we will be on the trail and hiking in less than a week thrills me and sets a wavering vibration off in my tummy, a low, throbbing baseline of sadness plays as well.  Our friends and family, and especially Rio, will be missed.  It is the people (and animals :) ) in our lives that add the bright, vibrant, tones and melodies that enrich our experiences.

I hope each one of you knows how amazing and appreciated you are! 



Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Nature's peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow their own freshness into you, and the storms their energy, while cares will drop off like autumn leaves.

                                                                      - John Muir