One of My Chicks

On May 2, 2014 I posted this. Those of you that read it, will remember. Well, I wanted to share one of Mother Hen’s chicks, that hiked the Pacific Crest Trail in 1998. Here are a few photos that Mark compiled into a little mini book after his experience.

Here he is cleaned up and ready to go. Did you notice that fabulous smile?

Oweee!

Here he is looking like a mountain man. My chick is forty years young now and I am the old one..lol!

I have been keeping up with some of the hikers and reading about their experiences on the trail. I am learning new terminology and reading a lot about blisters, dehydration, hunger and wind, and I cannot forget the snakes. I really admire these individuals. There are not porta potty’s along the way, so one must get creative.There are no conveniences on the trail, but there are trail Angels (people) who provide space to camp out on their property and offer water, showers and food. As Memorial Day approaches I am thinking about how fortunate we are here in America, to be able to take on a challenge like this. There is no one taking away our freedom to hike the trails throughout the United States. Things are getting shaky even here in the US, but we are a blessed country and we should count our blessings everyday. As I write this, there is a pregnant woman from another country in prison because of her faith, and they are holding her young son behind bars too. This should not be. Thank God for the privileges we have, and for all of those that serve our country, and to you, I say ” Thank You.”

I am Proud to Be An American

Expeditioner’s

We met and talked to these young men on Saturday as they prepared to take off to hike up Vivian Creek Trail. All of them are from Southern, California. The mother-hen in me comes out when I see the young people backpacking as I get concerned for their safety and warmth. Sunday morning was about 20 degrees so I wondered about their night on the mountain. I asked my husband to drive to Big Falls which is a few minutes from us to see if their vehicle was there or not…When he left it was about six pm and he said he passed their Jeep on the road. While at the parking lot he talked to a couple that had spent the night up on the mountain and said the trail was very icy. What adventuresome individuals…

 

Weighing Heavy

Young man preparing to hike Mt. Shasta

And this is without water…

 

Mosaic Monday

We took some much needed time away from unpacking and trying to get organized. We packed up a few sandwiches, water and apples. I was on the lookout for color and anything of interest. Our hike began here…

Along the way we met this young couple. If you follow my blog you will see that I like to photograph hikers and people of interest. Cory and Rob are a picture of health and I am always so very pleased to meet outdoor enthusiasts.  Rob’s backpack was very heavy and it made me wonder how much weight I  could carry.???

Way to go!

We saw different shades of lichen and I was thrilled to have gotten the shot of the butterfly. We have observed a lot of birds lately carrying  twigs. It’s that time of year..

I am linking with Mary at Little Red House for Mosaic Monday

Movers and Shakers

In my  sometimes very ordinary life..as in middle aged-grandma that works part-time in a library and has three cats, life can at times seem to be very routine. So, it is during our times of getting away for a few hours that we often  encounter some special individuals that for today I am calling movers and shakers. These people have no problem getting out of their comfort zone. I  enjoy talking to them and of course taking a few photos with their permission. After church on Sunday we packed up a lunch and drove out to Forest Falls. In our particular area we cannot just walk out our front door to see spectacular fall color..We have to drive a few miles to observe the changes of the season.This young lady immediately caught my attention as we pulled into the parking lot where we were going to have our lunch. I think her gear must have weighed at least almost half of her weight..What a cute couple! Emily and Dave were preparing to head towards the Vivian Creek trail where they would hike to  High creek in the San Bernardino Mountains.                                                                                                                                            Off they went and just about this time a couple of young  men showed up and  appeared to be trail weary and happy to see their vehicle. They had completed 26 miles. All of this makes me think about  of the men and woman that have been trail blazers in history. Those that ventured out of their comfort zone to seek out a new land whether by land or by sea. To conquer new frontiers. It took courage, strength and determination. I admire them!                                                                                                                                                 Have you blazed any trails lately? I think we are all capable of being movers and shakers, trail blazers in some way. It doesn’t have to be on a dirt trail but in whatever creative ability or skill you may have..It is endless, cooking, photography, writing, music, art, dance, parenting , gardening, teaching etc. Even the lady bugs contribute!