Lopey's Adventures

Why I'm not allowed to have children...

2009-07-24T20:26:00.003-05:00

Reason 1. Letting a 6 year old weed wack. To my defense, he wanted to mow lawn but I wouldn't let him...mostly because I like to mow...and that if his mother found out she would probably kill me. Adam did do a good job wacking weeds...lots of nice circles all over the back yard...

Reason 2. I let Adam play with lots of water...swimming in the wagon, water balloon fights, water gun fights, hose fights... lets just say we had a lot of fun with water even though it was only about 70 degrees.

Teaching an old dog new tricks

2009-06-20T20:04:00.002-05:00

After 8 years I finally gave in and enrolled my dog into a basic training class. She is the oldest dog by 7 years. With three weeks of class under our belt, Ellie May can do a sit/stay, down/stay, heal and about turn. Although these all happen in her time and when she wants to do them. I think she just likes to go to because it gives her one-on-one time with me, and she gets to go for a car ride once a week. As for me I'm learning a lot. I always new Ellie May ruled me and I let her get away with things because she's cute and I love her. Now I have the instructor telling me I have to be firmer and make her listen to me.

Ellie May has always been a pretty good dog. She goes potty when I tell her too, she isn't a destructive chewer (unless she's mad at me and I have something with a zipper or buttons laying on the floor), she sleeps most of the day, she very gentle with the old folks when I take her to work and well...she just plain cute.

I guess the only thing I'm hoping for with going to class is that she'll learn to love Russ and play with him (she doesn't really care for other dogs, she likes cats) and that we'll graduate in August.

What happened to May?

2009-06-20T19:39:00.003-05:00

What happened to the month of May? Seriously I don't remember it, but I'm sure having fun in June. I got to meet my cousin, Mara, from Australia. I have been in touch with her for about a year over facebook and I was so glad to be able to put a personality and voice with the pictures. She spent last weekend with me. I gave her a nice tour of the cities, although I had no idea where I was going and I got lost with the detours. I was able to take her to the Walker sculpture garden, the Dome, the new Twins stadium (from every direction!), midway stadium, a cement plant, Lake Nokomis and probably a dozen other places that I can't remember right now.

We went out on Friday night with my sister Katie and a couple of her friends to the VFW in St. Paul...good country band there and we danced a lot and we also went to Pickle Park to ride the bull. Saturday night, Tonya and I took Mara downtown for a night of gay bar hopping which turned into spending most of the night at a drag show at the '90's. Mara had never seen one before so we had fun getting watching the performers and then getting pictures with them.

Sunday Mara came to my softball games. She had never seen a softball game and I was able to work it so she had a chance to hit and do a little fielding...natural talent, must run in the family!!
I also took her to Maple Grove for some shopping and Cold Stone ice cream before we headed to Edina to pick up my aunt/her mom, Martha and drive them to Hastings.

Now that June is half over, I can finally get to some projects done around the house. Today I mostly finished the patio ( I ran out of pavers), mowed my lawn and the neighbors lawn, weeded the garden, watered my dead flowers in the hopes they'll come back and gave Ellie May a good brushing and trimmed her nails. What will I do tomorrow? Oh yeah, the folks are coming to watch me play ball. Should be fun!

Loving the Job...

2009-02-27T21:42:00.002-06:00

I know I have only been working there for a month so my feelings could change by this time next year, but I really do love my job. First of all I can't complain about the hours...7-3 Monday- Friday. There aren't too many jobs in health care that have these hours, so I'm very fortunate. Secondly, I love working with the elderly. They are so funny. I laugh everyday by what someone says. I hope that as I get older I'll just speak my mind too! I can see why my Mom worked in a nursing home for 20 years.

I think it's funny when people ( classmates and instructors) ask me me "where do you want to work?" and I respond with "in a nursing home." I get some odd looks. I don't know why because its a place where you have the most job security. I may not get paid as much as a nurse that works in hospital, but I have job security. That to me is more important than money. Ok I just like working with the elderly and that's the most important thing overall.

Getting back to the job...I'm still getting used to working daylight hours. That's the biggest change for me. I'll eventually go back to nights once I finish school. But for now I'm glad I get the opportunity to work during the day. I also like only having six residents to care for. I do miss working in a larger facility...ok I really miss working nights at URC. I had a really good experience there and worked with some really great people.

All in all, I love old people and I'm looking forward to living in the home.

blogging late at night...

2009-01-12T02:44:00.000-06:00

2009 is off to a great start. First of all I got a job. That was the most important thing I wanted to happen since I had such great luck finding one at the end of 2008. I was a little scared after I interviewed because:
1. I only had two rejections and we all know the rule of three's.
2. I wasn't nervous going into the interview.
3. This was the first time in a long time that I didn't have any "pull" on the inside.
4. I didn't remember applying for the job.
5. I only applied to this place once

So I was extremely happy when they called me back and offered me a job. I am now employed at Legacy Care Home in Minnetonka. I was offered the lead CNA position (I have some great references!) It will be a change for me since I'll be working Monday thru Friday 7a-3p. I have a job with normal hours! YAY! Although deep in my heart I'll always be a night shifter.

I'm not one to really say that one year is better than another, because 2008 was a pretty good year also. I mean, not everyone can take six months off! I like to think of it as a blessing in disguise. I got to spend a lot of time with my family in '08 that was long over due. I have worked so much in the past that I believe that God was telling me to slow down and focus on what matters.

Twenty days in the back country was what I needed to get my mind ready and to become at peace with myself and creation around me. Spending three months living with my parents is what I need to form and better understand my relationship I have with them. I no longer feel uncomfortable when I go home. During my time at home I also got a taste of what life is like with kids. I had the opportunity to pick my nieces and nephew up from school, play with them, make supper for them and make sure they did their homework. It's hard work and I only had to do it for two months. I have a lot of respect for single parent households. I know I could never do it...thank god I'm gay!

These last three months I became closer to God. I learned to lean on Him and to trust Him. I learned that patience is not that hard as long as you trust in Him. There were so many times that I wanted to give up and I was ready to give up, but this little voice kept telling me to hang in there, something will happen. Well my sisters also kept telling me that God has a plan for me and that He will put me where he wants me. They have been a pillar of strength for me these past few months. I guess family is always there for you no matter what the distance.

With 2008 being over I guess I would say it was pretty darn good. I grew as a person and that's probably the best thing that can happen over a year. Now I'll be up for learning new skills in 2009.

Oh and before I forget...I did get a third rejection letter. Always believe in the rule of three's!

My voting expirence

2008-11-04T21:09:00.004-06:00

I never thought voting could be so difficult. I went to my polling place this morning, stood in line for a really long time (45 minutes) only to be told that I was not able to vote. The reason why, I have not been a Minnesota resident for more than twenty days before the election. The lady was really nice though so I really can't say anything bad. She let me use my bank statement as proof that I live in Robbinsdale. But according to my yellow slip of paper that is currently my MN drivers license, I have only been a resident for 16 days. Rejected...

I was feeling a little bummed because I also missed the deadline for the absentee in South Dakota. But I got over it, and thought you know it really doesn't matter if I vote because I know nothing about the candidates (except for the presidential ones) in MN, and they are the ones that I really should vote for. I haven't lived in this state for about ten years; I know very little about politics and don't understand half the stuff I do know about. The only things I know about the people running for Senate and Congress is from all of the negative ads on TV that I usually mute. I know its bad of me, but seriously should I really be voting for people that I know nothing about?

I did go back to the polling place tonight with Tonya to try again, and I got registered. The guy that made me fill out the paper work just looked at my address on my yellow paper and confirmed my name with my SD license. Good thing I was wearing a red shirt...wait that only works in SD. Anyway I did my part and voted...for all the independents cuz they need votes too.

I heart Amy Ray

2008-10-25T15:44:00.005-05:00

My first night here and I get to see Amy Ray. How do you top that? Tonya and I saw her last night and all I can say is AMAZING. Every time I see her perform I am taken away. I love the Indigo Girls and I've always had a thing for Amy Ray and loved all the songs she has written (except for Faye Tucker, I really don't get that song.) So seeing her solo and live is like a dream come true.
We had great seats at the Fine Line and the food was awesome. The service wasn't the best. It took forever to get our drinks and then the waitress took them away before we were even done. It was really odd. Maybe she thought that two beers and a water was too much alcohol for us...who knows. I really didn't care, I was there to see and listen to Amy.
All in all it was a great way to spend my first night being in the cities and that I passed my MN drivers license exam.

I heart Amy Ray!

Adventures in unpacking...

2008-09-26T15:34:00.008-05:00

Why do I have so many clothes? Where did they all come from? These are the question that I kept asking myself as I was unpacking this past weekend. Seriously, I had five totes and at least five boxes that were filled with clothes. If you know me you would know that I'm a jeans and t-shirt kind of girl. I don't buy clothes very often unless it's in the form of a jersey or scrubs. So why do I have all these clothes? The only answer I can come up with is that somewhere deep inside my brain I think I am going to wear them again some day. I know logically that I'll never wear these clothes again, but yet I keep holding on to them. All I know is that it will be a happy day for Goodwill...and me! :)

On a happier note, the darkside has regained it's strength with Darth out of storage. Not only is my boyfriend out of storage; he is at the last home he'll ever be in. He's gotten a little beat up from being moved around since 1999. He is happy to be back with me and I am happy that I get to see him every day. I missed him a lot! I was also able to unpack all of my other Darth Vader collectibles; didn't realize I had so many...but it does answer some questions...

Overall I'm very happy that all my stuff is out of storage and in the house. I just have to remember that I can spread out and I don't have to live in my room and that I can actually UNPACK since I won't be moving anywhere for at least a couple of years.

Adventures in the homeland

2008-09-16T17:47:00.006-05:00

I've been home, i.e. living with my parents, for almost two months now and I still haven't started working yet. I have gone to interviews and orientations, got med certified, have had two background checks (I passed!!) and peed in a cup. Now you would think I should be earning a paycheck. Nope not here in MN, or should I say Willmar. I guess after you get hired
employers can make you wait until they need you to work and then they will call you and try to set up times so you can get trained and all of that fun stuff. In the meantime, I have been helping out my parents, providing cheap babysitting services for my sister and helping a friend of mine do some maintenance to his deck.

Here's what I've learned these past two months:
1. How to make and can tomato juice (45 qts so far)
2. How to replace rotten boards on a deck (not very hard, but there were some issues)
3. How to get drill bits and screw drivers out from under a deck
4. How to apply wood prep to a deck
5. How to walk on a deck after wood prep as been applied (again some issues)
6. How to pluck a goose
7. How to clean a goose
8. How to pack a van so less trips could be made from storage

I'm still hoping that I'll be working soon, but part of me thinks I should just start applying and follow up on some jobs in the cities. I have a feeling that once I start working in Willmar I will be turning in my two week notice.

On the bright side, I have a house in Robbinsdale and all my stuff was moved from storage to the house this past weekend. I also realized that that I have moved in every season and in rain, in snow, and in temps over 100. I just have to move with temps below 0 and all will be balanced in my life.

So even though I haven't been earning a paycheck I have been learning skills that will help me in the future.

Flying home

2008-09-04T14:57:00.002-05:00

July 27/28, 2008

10p: I'm back at the airport. I should have planned my trip better so I could have spent more time out here with my relatives. But when I booked my flight back in March I was thinking I would have a house and be starting a job Aug. 1. I did have some call backs on a couple of jobs and I have a couple of interviews set up. Right now all I want to do is see my dog...and I wonder why I'm still single. I am also looking forward to playing with my nieces and nephew. I'll spend a couple of days with them, than hopefully it will be back to the cities and working.

1:30a: I'm on the plane! I'm once again on the aisle and towards the back of the plane (row 18 instead of 22.) I'm just waiting until we are airborne and I can turn on my music and fall asleep. I'm already annoyed with the people in my row. They started bitching about the flight before the doors were even closed. The first ten to 15 minutes were about the flight being 15 minutes late, now they are comparing why American is so much better then Sun Country. All I can say if you don't like flying Sun Country then why are you? It's not like it's the only carrier that goes to San Francisco. I guess if I didn't like a certain carrier I wouldn't fly it. All I care about is that it gets me from point A to point B and that it's the cheapest. I sleep anyway so it's not like I need to be entertained or fed. I just hope my row buddies are not the type that need to go to the bathroom every 15 minutes or get up and walk around. That could cause me to put on the fake smile and in my head be cursing them out for waking me up.

Driving back

2008-09-04T14:26:00.003-05:00

July 26, 2008

We are off to Modesto to visit my Aunt and cousins. I feel like a kid again traveling with my parents. It's been 14 years since I've been to the west coast with them. Wow I've been out of high school for almost that long! It's nice to be driving with them. It feels like old times. It seems weird that we are headed through Yosemite and places Mugs and I were hiking through during the first week. Hard to believe it will only take us about 5 hours of driving to go through what I did in three weeks of hiking. It is fun to see other backpackers and knowing what they will be seeing in the up coming days. I'm still in shock of what I did. Never thought last year at this time I would be here now. I guess it just shows life is short. Other then my "just keeping swimming" motto, my new one is taken from my life is good shirt "Do what you like, Like what you do" That's it for now. Back on the plane tomorrow night and back in the homeland on Monday morning playing with my doggie.

I should be on Mt Whitney

2008-09-02T19:03:00.006-05:00

July 25, 2008

I should be summitting Mt. Whitney; instead I'm sitting in the motel room watching TV and reading. What an exciting life I lead! I so want to be out on the trail. It's painful just to walk around the room, there is no way I would have made it to Whitney. Mom and Pops will be here at some point today. I hope they find me or at least have gotten a hold of L or Kate. They know where I am. My cell is completely dead. I never thought I would need to use it. Guess I was wrong. Of course I did call my sisters, my aunt and a bunch of my friends. I also spent time texting. I guess my phone was right, I do only have about 3 hours of battery life when in use. I could have waited with some things, but it gets really boring here when there is no one to talk to and my walking is limited. I would never do well on bed rest. L and Kate have been great with calling me a couple times a day. I've also been able to talk to some friends. I think I talked to Tonya tonight for about 3 hours. SO that's a glimpse into my life in the motel.

9p: My parents found me!!! Then about 15 minutes after they arrived in my room, Mugs called and said she was at Whitney portal. I was happy to see her and Bob and Andy. I was also heartbroken and sad knowing that I wasn't able to join them at the top. I wanted to be there eating a burger and having a beer with them. Too many thoughts going through my head now. Some day I'll finish the trip.

Here are some pictures that Mugs took since the parting. Enjoy

mileage: 1 block...had to go to the grocery store

JMT Day 20: Charlotte Lake to Onion Valley

2008-09-02T17:58:00.005-05:00

July 23, 2008--My last day

1:30p: I left Charlotte lake at 7:30 this morning and made it to Onion Valley around 1:15p. Now I'm just waiting for a ride to Independence and then hopefully into Lone Pine. I have to hitch a ride, but so far no one has entered or left the campgrounds. So I'll just sit here. I did meet some guys last night that were going to be hiking out today and offered me a ride into Independence. So If I don't get a ride before I see them, then I'll just see if then can still give me a lift. If all else fails, I can camp here. On the bright side, I don't have to wear my boots anymore!!! YAY!!!

6:30p: I made it into Lone Pine. I am very thankful for being able to hitch rides without an problems. Dave gave me a ride form OV to Independence and as I was sitting at the bus stop, Ranger George and his wife stopped and gave me a ride into Lone Pine. George was the ranger that told me I have two choices; Hike out to OV or continue on the trail and I would be leaving by Medi-vac. I'm glad I choose to walk out.

I am very grateful for the people I have met and the kindness they have shown to pick up and give a complete stranger a ride. People have talked about "trail magic" but I never had any...unless you count the two rolls of tape mugs and I found. But I believe that meeting these people is also part of the trail magic.

I am so glad I was able to do this trip. I am happy to be off my feet and to take a shower (the very first thing I did when I got to the motel.) I still wish I was hiking but I went as far as I could. I didn't give up mentally and I had to quit due to medical reasons. I'll be back someday, hopefully next summer, to finish the last 40 miles and to summit Mt. Whitney.

I didn't take any pictures from here on out. Mugs took my camera with here so I really don't know what they are of. I'll do my best at labeling them.

Picture:

4. My favorite type of trail. I was just happy that I didn't wreck a knee or an ankle. We usually encountered these trails on the passes, or on steep portions of the trial.

6. View from Forester Pass

Mileage 9.9/191.5

JMT Day 19: Rae Lakes to Charlotte Lake

2008-09-02T17:11:00.006-05:00

July 22, 2008

5:30p: I got up on time today. Mugs didn't have to wait for me. I was actually packed up before she was. I didn't sleep very well last night. I was really hot and tossed and turned all night. I know I had a fever and it broke, which leads to the next conclusion...I have an infection. As I started to doctor them up I noticed that my sores are draining green pus and I have about a 2 inch long blister on the bottom of my left foot which is also infected (I had to drain that one also, not a pretty site.) Mugs headed up to the Ranger station to see if anyone was there. No one was but on her way back to camp she ran into Bob and Andy. They came to check out the situation and gave me some neosporen (ours was stolen by the bear.)

Knowing that I now have infections has but a damper on my spirits. I have to hike out tomorrow before they get any worse. I don't want to. I am so close to the end and I really want to finish the trip but I know I can't. Mugs told me to stop acting like a nurse and hike out. It's either damaging my pride or losing my feet. I can always come back and finish. This is seriously one of the toughest decisions I've had to make. I can't even describe how much I want to finish, not just for my self, but for the people who told me I won't make it. It's a hard decision. I think I spent at least two hours crying about it this morning and then off and on along the trail knowing that this would be my last day out here.

Mugs and I decided this morning that we were only going to go to Charlotte lake and I would hike out to Onion Valley from there. We made it to Charlotte lake about 4:30 and talked to Ranger George. I was also able to get a big basin to soak my feet in. I'm just glad that I made it this far. Even after today my feet are looking worse then they did this morning and I only had to hike 6 miles. I think it's a good thing I'm hiking out tomorrow.

Pictures:

1. Me taping up my feet. My feet are really swollen and didn't fit in my boots. Fun Times!

2. & 3. Middle Rae lake with the painted Lady in the background. Pix 2. you can see the frost on the ground. 32 degrees when we woke up

4. Fin Dome

5. Me standing next to South Rae Lake

6. South Rae Lake

7. Mugs on Glenn Pass (11,978 ft)

8. View of the lakes (north). We just came from there

9. View to the south of Glenn Pass. Whats to come

10. Me soaking my feet at Charlotte Lake

mileage: 6.5/ 182

JMT Day 18: Pinchot Pass to Middle Rae Lake

2008-09-02T16:31:00.004-05:00

July 21, 2008

9a: 4 more days left! Where has the time gone? So far we've hiked about 2.5 miles from camp. Mugs is not feeling well. Very nauseated and crampy. I think she has a little dehydration. She didn't drink much yesterday. I just glad that I drink about 5 liters a day. My biggest fear is dehydration and then the chance kidney stones increases and I really don't want to deal with that. I actually feel pretty good so far, but then again I've only been hiking for about an hour. We need to make it to Rae lakes tonight. It should be a nice 11 mile hike. I'll be dead by 5p, but no passes to go over today. We'll make it. We always make make our deadline. I also don't want to start hiking over 11 miles a day. It gets long, especially the last 2 -3 miles.

My blisters are starting to turn in to pressure sores. They really started to bother me last night and I really don't notice them unless I'm going downhill. My goal is just to keep them from getting larger and infected. By Friday night i won't have to wear my boots anymore. My feet can be free in sandals.

I still can't believe that we'll be done on Friday. I'm looking forward to sleeping in a bed and seeing my doggie on Monday, I really miss her. I just hope she doesn't yell at me too much or that she holds a grudge against me. She's probably enjoying life with Nana and Papa and getting fat. Well Mugs is ready to hike again, so off we go.

8p: My feet look horrible. I think I'm getting infections. I cleaned them really well tonight and soaked them again in salt water. I guess I'll just have to wait until morning to see how they are.

We have a beautiful campsite tonight by middle Rae lake. WE can see the Painted Lady from our tent. I can't wait to see what it looks like at sunrise.

Pictures:

1. Clouds rolling in over the Mountains

2. Where we stopped so Mugs would rest and rehydrate

3. Me crossing the "golden gate bridge" of the sierra

4. The castle mountains

5. Flowers

6. More flowers

7. And more flowers

8. Giant mushroom

mileage: 13/175.8

JMT Day 17: Upper Palisades lake to Pinchot Pass

2008-09-02T15:21:00.004-05:00

July 20, 2008

Today we hiked about 12 miles. We made it over Mather Pass and Pinchot Pass. Nice accomplishment. I was very tired by the time I got into camp at 7:30p, but I don't have to go over Pinchot. My feet are really bothering me tonight. All I want to do is sleep.

Pictures: (out of order)
1. Half way up Mather Pass looking north. Can barely see Palisade lake
2. Pinchot Pass looking north (12,130 ft)
3. Pinchot pass looking south
4. Pinchot pass again
5. Sunset over the mountians
6. Me on the south side Mather Pass (12,100 ft)
7. Mugs on the north side of Mather Pass
8. Mugs on the trail heading south after Mather Pass
9. Sunset on the mountians south of Pinchot

mileage: 11.9/162.8

JMT Day 16: Middle Fork Junction to Upper Palisades Lake

2008-08-31T01:48:00.005-05:00

July 19, 2008

We were up at 7 and on the trail by 8:45...not to shabby! The first couple of miles sucked when I had to hurdle downed trees. Not an easy task when you have a 40lb pack and short legs. It took some creative maneuvering. I also managed to get lost during this time. Well not really, just off the trail. I was just happy that I have a good since of direction and can remember odd things. I knew that as long as I stayed to the east of the river I would be ok. After about 15-20 minutes of trying to find the trail rather then blazing my own (I'm all about leaving the wilderness as is and not disrupting it too much) I thought it might be a wise idea to actually find the trail. So I climbed up on a rock to get a better view and found what looked like the trail about 50 yards to the east. Once again I had to climb over more downed trees and headed towards the trail. My sense of direction was right and I was once again on the right path. Not a detour I would advise or would ever want to do again. It was my most adventurous morning by far (other then looking for the lost bear keg.)

This afternoon we hiked up the Golden Staircase, which as the last section of the JMT to be built. Not a bad hike if you consider it was 1500 ft of elevation over 1.5 miles of switchbacks. Little did I know this part of the trail was full of trickery. There is nothing like hiking up the side of a mountain and think you are getting close to the top because the sky getting closer and you are running out of rock, only to get to the top and realize that what you thought was the top wasn't the top at all and now you are hiking up switchbacks again but now you are heading west instead of east. At this point all I could do was utter a few bad words, curse the trail builders and continue upwards. I tried my very best to stay pleasant, but you can only sing "just keep swimming" so many times before the bad words begin to fill your brain again. This positive side of the Golden Staircase is that I enjoy hiking uphill rather then down hill...and the views are breath-taking.

Mugs and I decided to camp at Upper Palisades lake rather then try to summit Mather Pass tonight. We could have summitted, but we weren't sure how far we would have to hike past Mather to get to set up camp and more then likely we would have been doing this in the dark.

We found a nice little area that was sheltered by trees and a stream not to far. Almost like it was calling our names from the tail to stop for the night. I just wanted to get out of my boots and eat. My feet really don't hurt to bad tonight. Two more toe nails fell off and I noticed that I have two red and tender areas below my great toes on the side of my feet. I think they are the cause of yesterdays 11 mile down hill hike. More mole skin and tape for me!

Mugs just pointed out to me that we are on our last week out here. Only five more days to go! This past week had just flown by. It seemed like it took forever to hit the 100 mile mark and today we are close to completing 150. Still seems unreal to me that I have come this far and the trip is almost done. By the end of the week I'll be sleeping in a bed. That's what I'm looking forward to the most...well actually what I'm looking forward to the most is indoor plumbing.

Pictures:

1. Where I'm headed...Deer meadow

2. Trees left after the Palisades fire...this is the part of the trail where I got lost and had to climb over a number of trees

3. Hiking the Golden Staircase looking back at where I just was

4. At the top of the Golden Staircase looking east. Palisades Mts in the background. First peaks over 14,000 ft

5. Bruce striking a pose

6. about one mile to go to Upper palisades lake. Lower palisades lake in forground

7. Mugs at camp

Mileage: 8.4/ 150.9

elevation: 8070 ft to over 10,000. I lost the page with the rest of my elevations for the trip. However for the rest of the trip we don't drop much below 10,000 ft

JMT Day 15: Sapphire Lake to Middle Fork Junction

2008-08-30T00:52:00.004-05:00

July 18, 2008

My feet hurt! We hiked about 14 miles today. Granted most of it was down hill. It seemed like it took us forever to to walk from Big Pete Meadow to the Bishop Pass junction. 2 miles down hill took us almost 3 hours to hike, then we turn around and hike 3 miles in an hour and a half. Somewhere the mileage had to be off. It just doesn't make sense. It almost reminded me of when we went over Donohue Pass to Garnet Lake. That was a long down hill also.

Muir pass was cool. It's weird to see pictures in books of the Muir hut that's on the pass and then I am really there. Same with when I was checking out the JMT website and saw the hut. I guess I never really thought I would have a picture of me in front of the hut also. It just make me more excited to summit Whitney. I am so looking forward to that. Only one more week left. Hard to believe that it's a week away.

Time to read the trashy novel and hit the sack. I made an awesome supper tonight; beef strogenoff with real beef (thanks to the hiker bins at muir ranch) and fresh wild onions. Good stuff!!

Pictures:
1. Wanda Lake, north of Muir Pass
2. Me taking a break on the steps of the Muir Hut (11,980 ft)
3. Mugs looking for the trail in the snow. Helen Lake in the background
4. Helen Lake
5. Looking back (north) to Muir Pass

mileage: 14.9/142.5
elevation: 11,000 to 8070 +980/ - 3910

JMT Day 14: Goddard Creek to Sapphire Lake

2008-08-29T23:02:00.005-05:00

July 17, 2008

3:30p: We made it to Evolution Lake. I've been hearing a lot about it and how pretty it is up here. Everyone is right. Again it's something you just have to see. A camera can capture it, but it doesn't do it justice. We have hiked about 9 miles already today but we are going to keep going. Too early to stop. I like to hike until at least 6p. We are going to try to make it to Sapphire Lake, about 2 more miles. The original plan was to get over Muir Pass, but that would be 6 more miles up hill and I would be hiking in the dark. Yeah, if you know me that not a good combo. I would rather do the Pass in the morning when I've had a good nights rest. We have five more passes left to go over before the summit of Whitney. Now I've gotten into the count down of the passes rather then the mileage. Ok I just like to count things down; days, mileage, hours, rice packets left to eat...

7p: According to the book, there is suppose to be campsite around sapphire lake. We saw them but there was no way I was walking down the side of a mountain without a trail. Mugs and I took off our packs and tried to find the safest way down and we decided that even if we could make it down, there was no way we would make it back up with packs on. We decided on a ledge just off the trail to spend the night. Just big enough for the tent. We had to use rocks to stake the tent down because of the lack of space and the sand isn't very deep. We are praying that there is no lightening tonight since we are the highest point.

Oh I also heard my first rock slide tonight. Mugs saw it.

Pictures:

1. Me crossing evolution Creek (I didn't fall in this one!)

2. McClure Meadow looking at were we are going...south

4. McClure Meadow again looking south

5. Looking north down at McClure Meadow

6. Shadow of the mountains on the westside on the mountians to the east

7. Evolution lake

8. Sapphire Lake

9. Evolution lake with mts in background

10. Our campsite. It looks flatter then it really is, but where i was standing it slopped down to the tent.

mileage: 10.1/127.6

elevation: 8480ft to 11,000 ft +2500ft/-0

JMT Day 13: Piute Creek to Goddard Creek

2008-08-29T22:26:00.004-05:00

July 16, 2008

Wow, nine more days and we still have 100 miles to go. We took it easy today--hiking only 5 miles. Mugs has a friend who is a cook for the CCC (California Conservation Corps) crew stationed at Goddard Creek. We stopped to visit with her for a bit and she invited us to stay for supper. It's taco night, I'm not going to pass up tacos and it beats having rice and tuna. Mugs and I have been slacking a bit with hiking these past couple of day so we are in for some long and bigger mileage days ahead of us. Staying tonight at Goddard Creek a good idea since it will put us at the passes in the mornings or evening. You don't want to go over the passes during the afternoon because there is a greater chance of storms at that time.

I also had some time to soak my feet in the river. It felt so good! The cold water rushing over them. All I can say is it felt wonderful to get all the tape and mole skin off and to let them air out. I have noticed that my feet are getting better. I'm still going to lose two more toe nails, but my heels are not blistered anymore. They are still are tender but new skin is growing and getting tougher. They haven't bleed yet. I don't want that to happen. I can deal with the blisters and nails falling off, but that's it. I'm determined to finish this trip. Too many people have told me I won't make and I've doubted myself at times, but I'm going to summit on the 25th.

Being that we ended early today (2pm) I got a chance to finish the book I brought along. I have been looking for the book "Prayers for Bobby" for a couple of years and could never find it. I was told by a friend of mine that I should read it. Well I found the book at Barnes and Nobles in San Fran so I bought it. The time must have been right for me to buy it, because there was only one copy. Anyway I finished the last two chapters tonight. I just couldn't put it down. The book brought tears to my eyes and at one point I thought I woke Mugs up with my sniffling but she never heard me. I mean it's not even woman's week and I got emotional over a book. Weird things happen out here on the trail.

Time for bed. We need to get camp packed up by 6 and bkft at the CCC camp with Kim at 6:30 then back to the trail.

Picture:
1. View of the trail. I was waiting for the Ewoks and speeder bikes to come out. I can't believe I only took one picture today. I thought I took more. Must have been to busy hiking.

mileage: 5.5/117.5
elevation: 8050 to 8480 +430 ft/ -0

JMT Day 12: Marie Lake to Piute Creek

2008-08-29T21:45:00.003-05:00

July 15, 2008

HALF WAY TO WHITNEY!

It was raining this morning so we slept in until 7a. We still made it over Seldon Pass, but we're an hour and a half behind schedule. We did have a nice surprise this morning, we got passed by Bob and Andy. We hiked with them most of the day since they are also going to the Muir ranch to resupply. It also rained on us again this afternoon. Only an hour this time and we were dry by the time we got to Muir ranch.

Our packs are heavy again. They don't seem as heavy as day 1, so I must have gotten a little stronger. I'm just happy we have a full food supply and more calories. My energy level should go up now because I'll be consuming more calories and I get to eat good snacks! You don't know how much I've been craving fruit! Even though its dried, it's still good. It's weird because I'm craving steak, sushi and lettuce. I can understand the sushi and lettuce, I crave those things when I'm in civilization. The steak worries me because I don't really care for steak and maybe eat it twice a year. But like I said before this trip has changed me and maybe this is just another way that it has. I'm becoming a red meat eater!

Tonight we camped along side of the river, about a mile from Piute Creek. We are camping with Bob and Andy. We've been hiking with them all day and decided why not. They found a really nice place to camp off the trail. Mugs and I usually camp not too far from the trail. It has always been within sight. We made a camp fire and played spades until 10:30p. Another late night, but we are in good company so it's worth it.

Pictures:

1. Marie Lake from our campsite

2. Mugs on the trail in front of me as we left camp that morning

3. Sunset over the Mts at our campsite with Bob and Andy (camara couldn't capture how beautiful it really was)

4. Amber glow on Mts

mileage: 7.5/112

elevation: 10,540 to 8050 +350 ft/ -3000 ft

JMT Day 11: VVR junction to Marie Lake

2008-08-29T17:15:00.004-05:00

July 14, 2008

A long day of uphill and when we finally get to the downhill it starts to rain. So for three hours we got to wear the rain gear. First time I've worn it in the rain (the very first time I wore it was at VVR when we were doing laundry, that way we could wash all of our clothes and still have something on. PE majors are smart sometimes!) The rain was nice, but it brought the mosquitoes. I think I swallowed about 100 of them. Can you get west nile from swallowing them or do they have to bite you? Something I may have to look up when I get back to civilization. Another fun part of the day, other then the fun with mosquitoes, was that as the rain was starting to lighten up, we got to wade across a creek. I enjoy wading across the creeks since it gives me a chance to get out of my boots and the water feels good on my feet. However today as I was just about across the creek, only a couple of feet from shore, I tripped over a rock and fell in. Now I got to enjoy the rest of the hike cold and in wet clothing. The best part of my fall was not only did I manage to soak myself, my boots that were around my neck also filled up with water. I had to dump the water out of them when I made it to shore before I put them back on. I did make it to the campsite at 6:30p and the rain had quit by that time. Overall still a pretty good day. Got in 3 extra miles.

Pictures:

1. a deer that followed me hiking up bear ridge. He was about 6 feet in front of me at one point.

2. Flowers on the trail

3. More flowers

4. View of the mountains form our campsite at Marie lake

5. A little lizard on the rock

Mileage: 12.9/104.5

elevation: 7,900 to 10,504 +2990/-0, but we did drop 1000ft after bear ridge only to hike 1000ft back up towards Marie Lake

JMT Day 10: Vermilion Valley Resort

2008-08-29T15:59:00.005-05:00

July 13, 2008

Yesterday was wonderful!!! It was fun to hang out with the guys we've been leap frogging with along the trail. Ok, really they pass me every day. I have even met some more people from Minnesota. I'm beginning to think that this is the year for Minnesotans on the trail. Oddly I haven't met anyone from California yet.

Last night, Mugs and shared a combo platter of protein. BBQ chicken, ribs, tri-tip, and a hot link. Not to mention the macaroni salad, baked beans and a slice of homemade peach pie. It tasted so good. I am so glad we split a plate because I would have never been able to eat that much.

We got to VVR around 2 yesterday and mostly just sat at the restaurant/bar until 10:30 last night. The resort is not what you would think a resort is. The "cabin" we are staying in has 4 sets of bunk beds and it's just a big tent with a wood floor. Reminds me a lot of girl scout camp. We shared a cabin with Alex and Justin and then two other girls, Jess and Kaylyn who we met yesterday. It was nice not having to pitch the tent and sleeping on a mattress, a very old mattress.

More hikers showed up throughout the day, including Bob and Andy, who we have met many times on the trip and ate lunch with on our way to Duck Pass. Bob and Andy thought we missed the boat since they didn't see us at all on the trail. Little did they know that as they were sitting in the rain waiting for the boat, we were drinking our free beer at the resort nice and dry.

Yesterday (Saturday night) after we were done eating we stayed at the restaurant/bar and talked with all of the hikers. This is just what I needed to recharge my batteries. In all my life I don't think I have ever sat with a group of guys and drank beer and talked. I've done this with women, but then again I know more women than men. Fun new experience for me. I had to step outside my comfort zone and experience something new. That's what this trip is about, doing something new.

Today, Mugs and I decided that we were not going to spend an extra night here. We decided that we will catch the boat around 2p and just hike the 2 miles out to the junction of Bear Ridge. This way we can get an early start and hopefully end closer to Muir Ranch were our resupply is.

My feet are getting better. I think taking the past 24 hours off has helped them. I won't know for sure until I start hiking again later this afternoon. Everyone we met last night took off this morning. Mugs and I are hoping we'll catch up to them eventually. I guess we'll just have to see. We have more uphill days ahead of us, but we can sneak in a few extra miles on the downhill days. But then again, it all depends on how we are feeling.

My attitude is still positive, although I have had my moments where I've wanted it all to be over. That's mostly because of the blisters I've had. The trail it's self isn't all that difficult. I probably won't do this trail again. I would like to come back and do some parts again, but not for 20 days. It gets a little long. I have fallen in love with hiking/backpacking and want to do more. I just don't want to enjoy nature for 20 days in one shot.

Well got to get my feet taped up so we can head out of here. Almost half way done. I'm hoping for less mosquitoes, but tougher elevation lies ahead...

8p: We finally left VVR at 4p. There were thunderstorms and rain so they weren't running any boats. Mugs and I only hiked the 2 miles to the junction. We'll be up early tomorrow and hike up Bear Ridge then hopefully get about half way to Muir Ranch. We are going to try and hike a few extra miles tomorrow since most of our uphill will be in the morning and the rest of the day will be down hill. Possibly an eleven hour hike tomorrow. It make me laugh when I start thinking about counting my days in the hours I hike rather then the mileage. Jess and Kaylyn said they treat every day like a job...thy only walk for 8 hours a day. I guess that wouldn't be too bad, but I don't think I would want to be out here for 30 days. As long as I can average 10 miles a day I doing fine.

As for me I feel refreshed. It was hard leaving VVR, but I'm also glad to be back on the trail. Mugs and I made a campfire tonight and we got a new book...a smut book. Ten chapters, ten days, coincidence? I think not. Ahhh how sisters bond on a 20 day backpacking trip...they read smut books...

Pictures:

1. Me in the "limo" heading back to the trail

2. Our campsite at the junction, our tent is the yellow dome in the back

Mileage: 2 miles/ 91.6 miles

elevation: not much

JMT Day 9: Squaw Lake to Lake Edison, Vermilion Valley Resort

2008-08-29T15:38:00.003-05:00

July 12, 2008

On the trail by 7 and made it to the boat by 1p. Pretty good for a 10 mile day! We were actually lucky to get to the boat just as it was about to leave. Mugs an I didn't have to wait. We literally walked from the trail right onto the boat without stopping. We also caught up with Alex and Justin, who we have been leaping frogging with since Reds Meadows. We shared a campsite with them and got to know them a little. We also camped by them at Squaw lake. So it was nice knowing at two other people there. Our boat captain, Phil, told us that tonight is "protein night" and that we have the option of staying in a cabin with a bed for free. That's it for now. Time for a real shower and laundry.

Pictures:

1. Sam at Silver Pass (10,750 ft)

2. More Mountains from Silver Pass

Mileage: 10/ 89.6

elevation: 10,300 ft to 7,900 ft +450 ft/ - 2850 ft

JMT Day 8: Duck Pass to Squaw Lake

2008-08-29T15:14:00.003-05:00

July 11, 2008

Today was another long, uphill day. We also got off to a slow start again. Mugs and I decided that we really need to be on the trail by 7am, otherwise we are sluggish all day. Well at least I am. My feet seem to be getting a little better. I still have blisters, but overall I think they will get better as time goes on. Today was not a good day mentally for me. We have been out here for 8 days and for some reason I just couldn't get into the groove today. I felt like I was walking through wet cement all day. It could be because I'm not eating enough and it's really starting to take a toll on me. Tomorrow we'll be at VVR so I'll have a chance to recharge my batteries and get some rest form hiking. I really do enjoy being out here, today is just a bad day. I also miss my doggie. This is the longest I've been away from her since I got her 7 years ago. It's weird not having her sleep next to me or by my feet. Probably the reason why I still can't sleep through the night. Well I'm going to bed. Mugs and I want an early start so we don't miss the boat to VVR.

Pictures:

1. View of squaw lake from our campsite

2. the mountains around us

3 More of the mountains

- the mountain pictures are hazy due to the forest fires north of us.

mileage: 9.3/ 79.6

elevation: 10,170 ft to 10, 300 ft +168 ft/ - 1,148 ft

JMT Day 7: Reds Meadow to Duck Pass

2008-08-29T13:58:00.004-05:00

July 10, 2008

After a slow start (slept til 6:30a on trail at 10a) we made it to Duck Pass. Well almost there anyway. This morning we walked through part of the forest that had wild fires in 90's. I actually think it was the summer of '92 because we were on a family trip to CA and planned on going through Yosemite but couldn't due to fires. Anyway, back to my thoughts, it's hard to describe what it's like walking through the burnt wilderness. For me it was a very quiet walk just thinking how powerful mother nature can be. It was weird because when I was hiking through this area all I could think about was how I felt when I went to Oradour-Sur-Glane in France in 1995. (Quick french history, Oradour-Sur-Glane was a town that Nazi troops invaded in 1944, and killed 642 people. They then set every building on fire.) I know that these two fires are different...one cause by nature the other by humans...but it was still the feeling of being helpless and sad for the destruction that went on. I never knew I could be so touched by nature, maybe I really am changing throughout this trip.

We entered into the John Muir Wilderness today. We were previously in the Ansel Adams Wilderness since Donohue pass. All I can say is less mosquitoes then Ansel Adams, but more flies. I really wasn't feeling the best today either. I think it was because I ate a cheeseburger and chips last night and my body is 1, not used to "real food" and 2 I ate more in one sitting then I do in one day. Not good on the digestive track. I did use the facilities and felt much better by the time Mugs and I hit the Deer Creek. Since it was only 3:30p we decided to add another 5 miles and camp at Duck Pass. Four and a half hours later I made it. Not bad for an uphill journey. We are still a day ahead and Saturday night we'll be at VVR. YAY! I am so looking forward to that.

It's hard to believe that I've hiked 70 miles. My feet have seen better days, but I think they are getting better. My legs, back and shoulders aren't as sore anymore so I must be getting stronger...and my pack is getting lighter every day. I am also hiking at a faster pace. Today I was only about 5 minutes behind mugs. Maybe by the time we hit Mt. Whitney we'll actually be hiking together at the same pace.

Pictures:

1. aftermath of the fire

2. aftermath of the fire

3. one of the red cones. Also a volcanic formation

4. What I saw from the trail

5. More Mountains from the trail

6. The amber glow on the Mountains before bed

mileage: 11.6/ 70.3

elevation: 7715 ft to 10,170 ft +2455 ft/-0 ft

JMT Day 6: Garnet Lake to Reds Meadow

2008-08-29T12:47:00.003-05:00

July 9, 2008

WE MADE IT!!! well only to Reds Meadow but we got a shower and went up to the resort and got a cheeseburger for supper and bought some snacks for the next 6 days. The hike was mostly down hill today so not too bad. We made pretty good time. Left at 8am and got to Reds around 4:45p. The last couple of miles we just flew, both of us were craving a cheeseburger and a shower. The water for the showers are pumped in from hot springs...a little too hot for my liking, but using soap and being clean was well worth the scalding.

We had the chance to hike through Devils Postpile on our way to Reds. Here's a little info that I got on Devils Postpile. "Fewer than 100,000 years ago, basalt lava erupted two miles upstream from today's postpile. The lava flowed into the valley and pooled to a depth of 400 feet. The mass of molten lava then began to cool uniformly from top to bottom.
As it cooled and contracted, stresses built up in the basalt rock causing it to fracture. Each crack branched when it reached a length of about 10 inches, joining other cracks to form a pattern on the surface of the flow. Under ideal conditions, surface cracks deepened to create the vertical, hexagonal columns you see today.
Some 10,000 years ago a glacier flowed down the Middle Fork of the San Joaquin River and overrode the Postpile formation. The moving ice quarried away one side of the postpile, exposing a sheer wall of columns 60 feet high. Evidence of the glacier - the polishing and scratches of glacial ice - remains atop the postpile." In my words, it's a awesome rock/lava formation and should be seen by the naked eye. Rainbow falls is also in this area, but Mugs and I decided that cheeseburgers/showers were more important then hiking another 2 miles to the falls. Plus after being on the trail for 6 days, we really don't smell the best.

After looking at our itinerary, the rest of our days will be 10+ miles, but we are a day ahead of schedule. We are still shooting for lake Edison, VVR, for Saturday with a layover day on Sunday, but Mugs and I talked about it and I think we are going to sleep in on sunday and do a short hike Sunday night. This way we will still have some extra time to play with and possibly take it easy or cut down on mileage by hiking an extra day. We have an extra day at the end if we need it (coming off Whitney on the 26th) but I still want to summit on the 25th. Of course I'm also the one who wants to push it and try to get done on the 24th but logically thinking that won;t happen because after 10-12 hours of hiking my feet hurt and I'm also not the fastest hiker.

Pictures:

1: Garnet Lake with Mt. Banner in background

2: Devils Postpile

3: More of Devils Postpile in black and white

4: Bad Mugsy!

mileage: 13.4/58.7

elevation: 9680 ft to 7715 ft +0/ - 1970 ft

Elevation

2008-08-29T11:53:00.005-05:00

I didn't explain my elevation very well. So I will be posting our starting elevation and our ending elevation. I will still post the plus (starting pt to highest pt) and minus (highest pt to lowest pt) since every night Mugs and I went through our elevation so we would know what or next day would be like and its in my journal.

JMT Day 5: Donohue Pass to Garnet Lake

2008-08-27T18:20:00.006-05:00

July 8th, 2008

7p: It's been a couple of days since I've really taken the time to write. My excuse is that I'm tired. Which I really am and I've really gotten into the book I brought along. Mugs and I have been doing really well with getting up at 6a and on the trail by 7:30. We usually hike until 6p, so about 10 hours of hiking if you figure in the breaks we take during the day. Lately I haven't been sleeping through the night. I'm tired, but I still wake up two to three times. I just lay there and look at the stars. There are so many out here. It's surprising how much more you can see when there is no civilization. The only bad thing was that last night I could here airplanes all night long. We must have been in a flight path and being at an elevation over 10,000 ft probably makes a difference too.

Last night we slept on granite slabs about a mile below donohue pass. A wonderful experience and not many bugs. Always a plus in my book. Tonight is a different story. We are sleeping in a cess pool. The mosquitoes are so thick you can see them. We barely had time to eat and get settled before we were in the tent just to get away from them. Other then the mosquitoes we have some cool views of Banner Peak.

As for me, well I made it through day 5. Still liking the hike. Not what I thought it would be...I guess I really didn't know what to expect. My only complaint are the fact I'm covered in mosquito bites (deet is great but wears off, and the bear stole our other bottle so we are trying to make this one last), the blister on my right heal is getting larger, and I will lose the two toe nails on my right foot and possibly one on my left. But I'm a quarter of the way done! YAY I made it this far.

Tomorrow we are going to try and push for a 13 mile day. It's mostly down hill and if we can make it to Reds Meadow we'll be a day ahead, which means we can spend an extra day at Lake Edison, Vermilion Valley Resort, if we want. A day off is looking really good right now. It will also be nice to get out of my boots for a while and let my feet rest. I'm looking forward to eating real food also. Yes I know rice is real food but it gets old. Mugs and I also figured out that we are only consuming about 1000 calories during the day and spending about 3000. So we really need to get some more food or should I say higher calorie food. We have noticed that we are slowing down a bit and it's probably because we aren't eating enough. Now if I only had this problem when I'm at home I wouldn't have to worry about getting out to exercise.

Pictures:
1. Donohue Pass (11,060 ft) looking towards the northwest
2. Me in the snow on the south side of donohue pass
3. Mugs taking in the views of Banner Peak and Mt. Ritter
4. looking back at Donohue Pass
5. Banner Peak and Thousand Island Lake

mileage: 8.9 miles/ 45.3 miles
elevation: 10205 ft to 9680 ft + 855 ft/ -1420 ft

JMT Day 4: Tuolumne to Donohue Pass

2008-08-27T17:47:00.006-05:00

July 7th, 2008

Long day hiking. First time we had to wade across a river. Decided to wade across tonight instead of tomorrow morning. We are going to try to get as close to Donohue Pass as possible. We are spending the night on some granite slabs just below the pass.

Pictures:

1. Looking sexy in my morning gear

2. View of Lyell Canyon and whats to come

3 Looking down at Lyell Canyon

4. Higher elevation looking back at Lyell Canyon

5. Yay for zoom...ok I just really liked the Mts!

6. Looking west from our campsite below Donohue Pass

Mileage: 12.4/36.4

Elevation: 8680 ft to 10250 ft +1530 ft

JMT Day 3: Sunrise lakes to Tuolumne Meadows

2008-08-27T16:44:00.006-05:00

July 6, 2008

The mosquitoes were horrible this morning. I had to wear long sleeves and they were still eating me alive. It's a good thing I'm not allergic to them otherwise I would be really crabby right now and would have scratched all the skin off my arms. I don't think that is a spot where I don't have a bite.

We made really good time today. Hiked 10 miles in about 8 hours. Most of it was down hill so it goes a little faster. We got into Tuolumne about 3:30-4p. Mugs set up camp and I went to find the bathroom. So far we've been lucky to have actual bathrooms at our campsites. This will all change tomorrow, then we'll be true backpackers! We headed down to the river for a swim and to wash some clothes. It was awesome! The water is so clear and fresh. A little on the cold side, but very refreshing.

Mugs and Cies went to a "Know your animals" presentation. I stayed back. I developed blisters under two toenails on my right foot and I still have the blister on my heal, so I cared for my feet instead of learning about animals. It's getting to dark to write and Mugs has my headlamp, so I'm going to lie here and look at the stars and question life. Nighty-night

Pictures:
1. Mugs and Cies heading out of camp towards Cathedral Pass
2. Me on the trail heading towards Cathredral Pass
3. The meadow we just walked thru
4. Mountains
5. I think these are the Cathedral Mts
6. More of the mountian range from Cathedral Pass
7. Mugs, Sam and me on Cathedral Pass
8. Sister bonding in the tent

mileage: 10.9 today, 24 overall
elevation: 9320 ft to 8680 ft + 250 ft/-990 ft

JMT Day 2: Clouds Rest to Sunrise Lakes

2008-08-27T15:52:00.005-05:00

July 5, 2008

2p: We woke up to a surprise. I guess bears were in our camp last night. They played with our bear kegs and must have liked the one with all the snacks because it was gone. We spent about 3 hours looking for it and couldn't find it, so our calorie consumption was just cut in half. Now all the good food is gone and we are left with eating rice and oatmeal until we resupply. This is probably a good thing for me, but to so good for Mugs. We'll get through it.

I'm not as sore as I thought I would be today. My upper back and shoulders hurt the most, but I'm also not used to carrying 45lbs on my back. Although my pack down about 7.5lbs since the loss of the bear keg. I'm still enjoying the hike, but it's only been 1.5 days but we are 6 miles ahead of schedule.

8p: I made it through another day. We hiked into camp about 6p, ate supper (rice) and chatted with our neighbors. Found out that they are also from MN and are just doing a 40 mile high Sierra hike. Nice guys. I didn't stay long, to tired and I wanted to get some reading and writing done before the sun set. Plus the mosquitoes are out.

As for myself, I'm still enjoying myself. Mugs and Cies are about 15-20 minutes ahead of me. I don't mind. I just hike at my own pace and take my time. I just figure if it takes me 10 -12 hours to hike then it takes me that long. This is not a race, just have to summit Mt. Whitney by the 25th and so far we are a half day ahead of schedule. Tomorrow we are getting up early and are shooting to be on the trail before 10am. I wouldn't mind starting earlier just so we can get in a few extra miles each day. I may change my mind about this later on, but for now I'm feeling good, not too sore and just have to deal with the blister I developed on my right heel.

There were some awesome views today. I didn't take any pictures during the last two miles although I should have. I'll take more tomorrow as we hike out of camp.

Pictures:

1. Half Dome

2. View of how clear the water is. Still have to filter it.

3. The three Brothers

4. Me and Sam taking a break

Mileage: today 6.6 overall 13.1

Elevation: 7190 ft to 9320 ft +2130 ft

JMT: Day 1, Happy Isles to Cloud's Rest

2008-08-22T14:32:00.006-05:00

July 4, 2008

1p

Mugs woke me at 0415 for my last shower. It will be a few days maybe weeks before I get another one. We left San Fran at 0530 for Yosemite where we will start our hike. This was a nice three and a half hour nap for me. I was out with Kate late last night. Once we got to Yosemite we had to get our permits and park Andy's (Cies) car and head out to the trail. We're off!!! My pack was heavy and my shoulders hurt, but the hike itself wasn't too bad. We walked across a wood bridge, saw Nevada Falls (amazing!) and headed upwards...this sucked! 2.7 miles and 2500 ft in elevation later my heels were killing me. I was ready for a break! We stopped for lunch at the top of Nevada Falls and I took a 15 minute much needed nap. Our next destination is the Cloud's rest junction, about 4 miles and up another 2000 ft.

7p

Well I made it though the first day. I hiked into camp at about 630p and now have supper going. UMMM rice! I'm sure I'll be sick of it by day 20. So far the hike isn't too bad...well I haven't done anything worse. I have all day to hike 10 miles. I think I can do it. The elevation is hard on me, but I'll get used to it. "Just keep swimming" is about the only thing that goes on in my head as I'm walking up hill (I so glad I watched finding Nemo before I left! :) ) I'll be sore tomorrow but well worth it. I made it through the toughest day. As for the views, WOW!!!! I can't even describe all the things I've seen so far. Pictures do no justice. I'm just hoping my pictures turn out. It is so peaceful out here, and when I'm not singing in my head I'm having some decent conversation with myself about what I want in life, who I am and what I want in the future. It's very peaceful out here. I so glad I decided to go on this trip.

Mugs and Cies filtering water

above: View of the trail

Right: Half Dome. Some day I want to come back and climb it.

Mileage: 6.5 miles / 6.5 miles

Elevation: 4035 ft to 7190 ft

+ 3155 ft

My final days in San Fran

2008-08-22T14:13:00.004-05:00

June 30- July 3, 2008

I really didn't journal much this week. Mugs kept me busy site-seeing, taking in a Giants game (the A's were on the road :( ) , hanging out with her friends and packing for the trip. The week flew by fast and I can't believe that tomorrow we'll be hiking. My last night in a bed til July 25th. Tonight I am going to a movie in the park with Kate. Should be fun. I am so glad I got to hang out with her a lot while I've been here. Here are some pictures of my last week in San Fran.

A mural of my favorite book on mission street

Kate and I at AT & T park. Home of the Giants. My dad's favorite team

It's the "Full House" house

San Francisco Pride Parade

2008-08-22T13:28:00.007-05:00

June 29, 2008

Too my disappointment the San Francisco parade is pretty much like the Minneapolis parade, with a lot more dykes on bikes. I guess in my head I was thinking it would be a lot different. I've been more impressed with the Minneapolis parade. I did take a lot of pictures. I would like too expirence it again. It was also kind of neat that to see the Parade in San Fran after they had just passed the right to marry. So historic parade,glad I could be a part of it. So here are some pictures of the parade.

The balloon people where awesome

You don't see this every day!

It's Cyndi!!!

OK I have a bunch more pictures but I'm not going to post all of them. I'll just tempt you with these!

Stumbling upon Pride

2008-08-22T12:34:00.004-05:00

June 28, 2008

Today I got to play with a friend of mine I haven't seen since high school. Kate and I meet for lunch and happened to stumble across Pride. It was kind of neat to see that it's pretty much the same as Lorhing Park only smaller. After we stopped for a bite to eat (I had some spilling issues!) we headed towards a park (can't remember the name) to have a couple of adult beverages since I'm going to Castro Street next week with Mugs. And to our surprise we were among more gays then I've ever seen in my life. Seriously, thousands and thousands of people. I did met a girl from South Dakota so I guess wasn't the only lesbian that lived there. All I can say it was an adventure and saw more naked people that I really didn't need to see (I LOVE clothes!) We also heard the Dykes on Bikes. We couldn't see them due to the mass of people. It was a good expirence for my first San Francisco Pride. I hope I can attend this one again in the future.

I made it

2008-08-18T22:09:00.000-05:00

June 27, 2008

I made it safely to San Fran, even though I was in the back of the plane on the aisle. I got in at 0130 or 0330 MN time. Mugs (Molly's nickname which is actually it's short for mug-wump) let me sleep until I woke up, 0900. She took me around her neighborhood, Nob Hill. Did a lot of walking up and down hills. She had errands to do and I got to roll up all her loose change at the bank. For some unknown reason, they didn't have the little machine that counts. We had to hand roll it all. You would think Wells Fargo would have one of these machines. They have them in SD.

It's kind of fun seeing the non-touristy stuff....taking it all in!

The adventures begins

2008-08-18T21:49:00.000-05:00

June 26, 2008

Sitting at the airport waiting for my flight to San Francisco.

My sister, Molly, and I have been planning our trip to hike the John Muir trail for about 5 months now. I can't believe that in a few hours I will be in California. It seems like this time took so long to get here, but now that it's here I know the time will go by fast. These past couple of weeks have gone by fast. Although I am not a Minnesota resident yet...still have the SD DL and plates! I have sent out so many resumes and job apps that I'm not even sure what or where I applying anymore (ok all CNA jobs or health field related but I can't keep all the names straight!) It's all a blur.

Wow I think my flight is full of gays. It is PRIDE weekend so it shouldn't be such a shocker. Their probably all thinking the same about me...going to San Fran for PRIDE. Which I am going to (hopefully :) ) but I'm mostly going there to see my sister and to backpack/hike, and take in a little culture.

Well I'm about to bored. I probably won't write on the plane since I'll hopefully be using that time to read and sleep. I am a little upset with my reservation since I always request a window seat and towards the front of the plane and for some reason I'm in the aisle and towards the back. I hate the back, It's the least stable and in the event of a crash which section is always the first to break off...the back. I still love flying and airplanes even when I think of horrible things that happen.

I have the time...

2008-08-18T21:32:00.000-05:00

Since I'm still unemployed, I thought I would get started with blogging my adventure from this past summer while it's still fresh in my head... well somewhat fresh, I have been home for almost a month. I'll be receiving my camara by the end of the week so I'll have pictures to post. I did keep a journal of my trip so it's just a matter of transfering everything from that book to here. I also intend to use this site for future adventures I may have.

Update on my life right now... still at a standstill. I'm currently looking for jobs in my hometown, spending time with friends and hanging out with my sister Katie and her children, Nicholas, Marah and Holly. Not sure as to when I'll be moving to the metro area. I hope to be living there by October, but who knows...