A new adventure!

The young men are off the Pacific Crest Trail for 2010. They had a great adventure. They learned a lot about planning, hiking, people, timing, blistered feet...and about themselves. I am very proud of them. I do not know anyone else who hiked 300 miles this year with a 25-50 lb. pack on their back. However, I do know quite a few who got up and did the same thing they did yesterday. Myself included. Jack, Brad and Erik are off to other adventures and they are moving in different directions. I would like to brag about them and tell you what they are up to...but I will let them tell of their own future adventures.

Here are some highlights and interesting situations from the PCT adventure that I was told about:

- drinking frog water: During the hike through the desert where water was scarce, they ran across a trickling little stream that was mountain fed. By the time the water reached the desert, the water was green in color, hot, and full of frogs....but it was water. They purified it and when taking a sip Brad could only dream about drinking an ice-cold-berry-Gatorade as the hot-frog-tasting water slipped down his parched throat.

- the young men camped at a KOA campground for a few days while letting their blistered feet heal. They met other campers and were invited to evening meals. One group of campers in their fifth wheels adopted the young men. On their last day at the KOA the young men were planning to hike a few miles to the local supply station to replenish their back packs when an older new friend suggested they borrow his brand spankin' new F something ton pick up to get their supplies. What nice people you meet on the trail!?! Of course....they borrowed the truck and were extremely grateful.

- They had a great time with their cousins Doug and Megan in Southern CA.

- They met a ton of people who were on their 2nd to 5th time attempting the PCT.

- They met the nicest people all along the trail.

- They had time to reflect on their lives.

This will be the last entry in the 2010 Pacific Crest Trail Blog! Happy adventures to you all. Hope these young men were an inspiration to start your own adventures!

I've been away.....

I haven't been able to enter anything on this BLOG because we went on vacation...to Mexico. I'm back. Had a great time.

The young men are in Big Bear City, CA. The photo is one of them walking on a path in a beautiful green meadow.

The next photo is their sleeping quarters on the desert floor.

I can't imagine waking up at dawn, loading up a 30-50 lb. pack, putting it on my back and walking 20 miles. At dusk, the pack is unloaded and the sleeping quarters are rearranged for another night of no fire and cold food for an evening meal. It's quite an accomplishment to do this most days....and enjoy it.



This photo is of the bottom of Jack's feet. Not a pretty site. I think he mentioned that he lost most of the skin off the soles of his feet. The next photo is Brad's feet.

The young men have been laid up a bit while allowing their tender feet to heal. Their spirits have been good. They are still enjoying the good life.



They have found a fairly vacant youth hostel in the ski resort area of Big Bear City and are resting, enjoying the town, the people, and the tranquility.



This adventure has been more about the journey than it has been about the destination. I have received many warmly written comments and emails from complete strangers who have met these young men on the trail. I am very proud of them. This is only the beginning of their adventures in life. Sometimes it takes a catalyst like this Pacific Crest Trail hike to allow someone to reflect and really move toward a more desireable adventure.

As I continue to write more on this BLOG about these young men you will learn more about some of their new adventures. Please stay tuned.