I have had someone to hike with and camp with every day and night so far. I've met some amazing people and run into people I've talked to on Facebook in our JMT groups.
Thank you to Mike and Jill for their kindness and prayers on my first day. And also for checking out my blog and posting encouragement for me.
Hiking with Keith and Dan "The Ant" was great. We spent two days and two nights together until they exited at TM. They were a HUGE source of support for me those first two days.
I met CaliKota. Go check him out at CaliKota.com. He's freaking fantastic.
Ran into Mike Muir (yes, a real Muir... John's great nephew) at the TM store. He goes "Is your name Keirnan?" Um.... Yes?!! Ha. He recognized me from my positive energy. :) We are also friends on Facebook, so he recognized my face too.
Also ran into Evan and Diane who I actually met at A16 in San Diego. We've been hiking together for a few days now with their friends and 2 really awesome Japanese guys. A couple more days and then I think we are parting ways.
I've also ran into several people who I know from our Facebook groups, which is pretty neat.
The trail has not been easy. My knee is killing me. I have open sores on my sides from my pack and on the back of my heels. And I have an infected fingernail. And of course my back feels crappy from carrying a pack. I'm having trouble eating enough food and drinking enough water. I've shed a few tears here and there and seriously questioned what the heck I'm doing. But it is all par for the course.
Oh... And I smell SO BAD!!!! I offend myself.
But let me tell you, the views I have seen have been awesome, and I know that the best is yet to come. I'll leave you with a few pictures.
I do not know when I will have reception again. So... Until next time! :)
(Beautiful sunset tonight)
(The Ritter Mt range)
(1,000 Island Lake)
(Keith and Dan)
(My main hiking group for the last few days).
(Mike Muir)
