Prep for Trek - Part 2

Another Saturday... another hike with Mike the Mountain Goat. This time we took it easy only 2.5 miles one-way with a 1000 ft incline. Thanks Michael. Dog Lake really was a great hike - challenging yes, but still much more manageable than Lake Blanche. Our Youth Pioneer Trek is scheduled for August 3-5. We will be walking 14 miles in one day. I am more than a little worried that I'll be left on the side of the trail or, worse, have to be pushed/pulled in a handcart. I think this is the last time that we'll have this opportunity (we are on the cusp of "too old" right now). And I feel so blessed that we'll trekking on hallowed ground - Martin's Cove and Rocky Ridge. Wish us luck and say a prayer or two please. 

Walkie Talkie

It is unusual. How many people like to stand in front of 45 people and talk for three hours? I can actual feel readers shudder at the horror of it all. But I am admittedly unusual - actually I prefer the word: unique. As a public speaker, I get to see someone's face transform when they grasp a new concept or feel the energy in a room as conference attendees get excited about organization, time management or social networking. It's simply invigorating and throw in the fact that I get paid to talk, well...what's not to love about that? Plus the added bonus is that this particular conference was in Monterey, California. I've included a few pics so you can imagine the sights, sounds and clam chowder that I sampled as I walked around the beachfront.

Prep for Trek

"We like nature... why?" I sat on a rock and wept. We we're only 2/3 of the way up a trail, my feet were on fire, my right knee was screaming and the mosquitos were biting. Michael the Mountain Goat had hardly broken a sweat and I, oh I, despised this 2800 ft ascent in 3 miles to Lake Blanche. Michael went on ahead and took these amazing pictures with the iPhone. And miracle of miracles - I trudged on and arrived at the top myself. It was breathtaking and I felt elated that I had made it to this beautiful place - getting ready for the Pioneer Trek at Rocky Ridge is no easy feat or should that be...feet?