The Gift of Friends

This weekend marked 3 weeks until the AT Hike. My friend and co-hiker, Liz Brown gave me a homemade insulator for my food packets. This will help my dehydrated foods to "cook up" faster during supper on the trail. Thank you, Liz!....... I love the thoughtfulness of friends.
Saturday evening Jim and I spent a childless evening in Buxton at the Pendleton's with the Raymonds, Brunks and Redlons. Thank you, Buxton Crowd!........ I love laughing so much it gives me a headache.

Double the Load

Atira tried out her new bicycle training wheels on the Brunswick bike path today while I walked about a mile with a loaded backpack. My last trek I only carried a little over 20 lbs. so this time I doubled it to 40. The pack worked well to distribute the weight and I must have had all straps adjusted correctly, as my back felt fine during and after the walk. I noticed a major difference in how my calves felt however. The added weight was working them much harder and my pace was not as fast as last time. That was the bad news. The good news is that I won't be carrying that many pounds on the trail. The next step is to get out walking on uneven terrain.

When Things Don't Run Smoothie

My Pioneer Club kids (Tell calls them my "fake" kids) are working on a Good Foods badge and tonight I planned to help them make blueberry smoothies. I picked up all the ingredients this afternoon but as usual I was running late tonight and left the house without the orange juice. Thanks to Jen Hodgdon, who was able to supply my missing o.j., the activity continued until each ingredient could be viewed through the glass blender, awaiting transformation into a tastebud's creamy dream. Only one slight problem. In my haste to leave the house I had not noticed that my blender was missing the blades. Try crushing ice without them. No blades, no smoothies. no happy kids. Thanks, Jen Keach, for hopping in your car and driving the 45 seconds to your home to pick up yours for us to borrow! A happy and yummy ending for all.

Recipe for one:

• 1 cup blueberries (fresh or frozen)
• 7 oz vanilla yogurt
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons orange juice
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup ice

3.5 Weeks

I've been lazy about about posting lately but I'm not slacking off on my hike prep....still going to the gym nearly every day and began doing my 100 daily crunches at home today. The crunches were one of my New Year's resolutions, so starting them in March is not too bad for an old procrastinator like me!

Falconry

Thanks to my friend Cara, our family, along with other homeschoolers, enjoyed hearing from Maine falconer Larry Barnes yesterday morning. I knew very little about the Peregrine Falcon and this ancient form of hunting and Larry provided a very informative presentation. Later, we headed to the Morrill's home to devour Heidi's homemade pizza. We ended St. Patrick's Day with Crazy Hat and Hair Night at Pioneer Club.

5 Weeks

There are 5 weeks left until the Appalachian Trail hike. The family hit the Brunswick Bike Path this afternoon with Jubal, Nate Fisher and I getting a good three miles in with partially loaded packs. The wind made the walk quite chilly but it felt good to begin training outside the gym. I was very satisfied with the way my body felt after the workout. After getting a text from our friend Greg, Jim and I headed to NorthFace in Freeport to check out their sale. We found a couple good mummy sleeping bags for only $30 each. I have to sleep with my feet outside the covers so I'll keep looking for a bag for me that has a foot vent. Across the street, at Bean's we found a few more needed items as well as discovering a few unusual trail items. While looking at plates, cups and utensils, I discovered some trail weight flasks and margarita cups. Seriously?! Who is mixing drinks while hiking?

Boots

With the Appalachian Trail hike less than six weeks away, Jim and I have begun to gather together all of the needed supplies. I have weak ankles and don't really want to be miles from civilization with a sprain so good quality hiking boots that have high support are a priority. Another foot issue is my right baby toe which sticks out significantly further than my left. This is due to my annual summer shoe boycott which inevitably results in at least one broken toe a year. Why it's always the right toe, I have no idea. I was very excited to find a perfect wide width, high ankled hiking boot at Bean's but had to have it shipped to the house because the color I wanted was not in the store. They arrived today about 30 seconds after I reminded the boys that they were coming. How was that for timing? I've been breaking them in and have also loaded up my backpack with about 20 lbs., wearing it around the house to gradually get used to carrying the weight. Eventually I need to work up to about 35 lbs. The time is ticking away and I'm getting quite excited for this adventure.

Focus

I found in the gym tonight, a solace. The exercise tempered some extreme emotions, allowing for better focus and a clear mind. My mind and heart are wrapping themselves around some difficult things. Music is balm for my soul and Chris Tomlin's Indescribable really grabbed me this evening. People have the ability to completely falter, fail and disappoint. God alone is unchanging. He is the Powerful Creator, worthy of all praise. How amazing that the One who holds the universe together, hears my cry.
All powerful, untameable,
Awestruck we fall to our knees as we humbly proclaim
You are amazing God
Indescribable, uncontainable,
You placed the stars in the sky and You know them by name.
You are amazing God
Incomparable, unchangeable
You see the depths of my heart and You love me the same
You are amazing God (Chris Tomlin)