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!