I’ve been super fortunate to have the opportunity to be back at camp this summer. This will be my 5th summer working for this amazing girls summer camp in Maine, and my 3rd summer as their camp nurse. There is something about summer camp that attracts wildly fantastic individuals…people who have great stories and experiences…people who don’t scream (like I do) when spiders crawl out from behind couches…people who jump into cold lakes at night and dance like maniacs at campfire…I love being surrounded by these people.

So these past 10 days I’ve been at camp for our pre-camp training. A lot of meetings, cleaning, reviewing health forms, etc. But we’ve also been able to enjoy a lot of the fun parts about camp as well, like singing in the dining hall, nights out for ice cream in town, and the ever-so-special campfire “talent show” where anyone who is brave enough can sing or dance or tell a story or joke, or even read a book or a poem that they love. This is a super special activity that I’ve always loved, and this past Friday night at campfire was the moment that my kids finally realized how awesome their summer was going to be.

I wanted to share a poem that one of the counselors shared with us. It really struck a chord with me and I have been listening to it over and over again since I got home. I’ll post the YouTube link to the artist, and I really suggest you click on it and listen to this in his own voice, but I’ve written it below as well. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.

There Will be Days Like These- by Miles Carter

There will be days like these. Days that feel pointless, and nights that seem unending. Sunrises that exist to save you from them, and sunsets to remind us that change is beautiful. We all have our feats, So Walk. Walk on a path guided by your heart, and steered by your soul. Walk each step with purpose and the next with conviction. Show us who you were, are, and will be. Embrace your path; it exists as an autobiography continually written upon. Your past is not who you are, but rather, context for who you will be. Your flaws do not make up your being, but serve as reminders that you are human, broken in a way that is beautiful, leaving no room for normalcy; You Are Special. And your circumstances do not define you, but they will facilitate the story telling where you came from. And on days when these circumstances serve as blockades, when your time feels out of reach and beyond your control, realize there is power in your perspective. The world, is yours. A life lived in another man’s context is not a life worth living. These are words that may have been said to you but you may not have heard, so let me reiterate. The world is yours. It isn’t outside of you, it lies blanketed in your perspectives. You cannot live another man’s life, in the same way you will not last living within the context of another man’s reality. Your life will not be defined by those who have not lived it, So Live. And in the event that you forget how, Go Outside. Our earth will train you in this art; watch the roses, how they grow amongst thorns. They will show you beauty despite your imperfections. Sit under autumn trees, they will teach you the importance in letting things go

The following account of whatever day this is contains numerous swear words, so parental guidance is suggested.

Today sucked. I don’t know what the hell today even was, but it definitely was NOT a lovely hike. Here’s what I learned today (so far):

1. If it looks boring on the map, it probably is.

2. If you’re going to sing to occupy your time on the trail, do so with a bug net.

3. No one cares enough about this section of the LT to do any trail maintenance.

4. Don’t even bother looking up–it’s not like there’s a blaze anywhere and honestly you’re likely to break your face if you take your eyes off the ground.

5. If you try to pee with your pack still on, you’re likely going to be all over yourself.

6. Once you’ve peed all over yourself, what’s the difference in trying NOT to anymore?

7. Stop looking- you’re never going to get to the shelter.

8. Ridge walks can suck it.

9. Bug spray is made by big pharma and it doesn’t actually do anything but provide a placebo effect…which goes away pretty quickly.

10. Music helps me not kill people (not that there was a single person out here today…that’s more just a general statement about how much I need music in my life).

So that was my day in a nutshell. I don’t even have any pictures to share. I will say THIS:

The Long Trail Inn is the best place ever. I sat around last night listening to live Irish music, and this morning they served me a gigantic FREE (hikers special) breakfast. And they call you by your trail name. And they have hot showers. It was a little piece of awesomeness.

Here’s to pretending I’m back there right now.

Ladybug 🐞

Hell yes, Killington. Hell yes. I’m 104 Long Trail miles in…but at least 5 or 6 additional miles with hiking in from Mass and all the bouncing around and vista viewing I’ve been doing. Today I finished at Rte 4 and hiked the additional mile up Rte 4 to the Long Trail Inn. If I’m honest, it’s the first time I’ve ever used a compass to find my way. I knew the trailhead was west from the bar…so I went east and here I am.

Today was an absolutely GORGEOUS day. I went up and over Killington first thing this morning. Beautiful weather, outstanding views, and now I’m propped up at a bar drinking Guinness and waiting on my turkey club. Life is freaking awesome.

Last night was my first night at a shelter on my own. I didn’t love it, but then again I didn’t get eaten by a pack of wolves, so it couldn’t have been that bad…I even slept a few hours. I woke up nice and early and packed up to head up the mountain.

It’s been a few days (including Tuesday) that I’ve seen anyone on the trail. In fact, it’s been MILES….maybe about 35 miles. But today I saw people!! Real people! It’s strange going days without speaking to anyone. I’ve done a lot of singing…the Beatles, Brandi Carlisle, Hamilton…today I rocked out to the Annie soundtrack and, quite honestly, I killed it. AND no bears or moose bothered me.

I spent more time today following moose tracks than I did human foot prints. A bit nerve wracking, but I think it was my Miss Hannigan impression that kept them away…

I am just so happy that I came back out- it’s really been an awesome day and it’s going to be an awesome night. Food…beer…hot water…no chipmunks trying to kill me in my sleep…

Happy trails,

Ladybug 🐞

What a freaking mess these last few days have been. It’s now Thursday, and I am 94 miles along the LT. My rest “day” turned in to a few extra, and I even tried to come back out on Tuesday. Now I’m at an adorable little hobbit shelter just below Killington, and I feel like I should backtrack.

So Monday was lovely. I rested- spent time with Clint and the boys- worked on my plan to move forward. Many of you have reached out with words of encouragement and even to set up some days to come meet me out here. That has meant more to me than anything. I appreciate how much you recognize that completing this trip is wildly important to me, and I just want to say thank you to those of you who have offered support and company!

I was ready to come back on Tuesday morning after a nice 36 hours at home. So I packed everything up, and tied my boots. Clint was going to join me for the day, and then hike out in the afternoon. Big Animal shuttled is down to the trailhead where I first left.

Tuesday was a lovely day, until the wind started whipping and the rain started falling, but other than that- it should have been a really nice day. I loved having Clint out with me, however the whole time we were out, all I could think about was how I’d soon be alone. I went over and over in my head that THIS was going to be my biggest challenge…the mental aspect. Physically, this has been totally manageable (aside from the numb leg and trap 😂). For me, I struggle with being alone and mainly, fear. Fear of what??? Honestly- fear of everything. I have crippling anxiety.

So by the time Clint and I were close to his car, I broke down and told him I can’t go on. I sat in the parking lot and cried…a lot. This felt like failure. I’m strong- I’m a freaking black belt for Pete’s sake! I have my DOCTORATE, and pushed TWO kids out WITHOUT MEDS. Are you freaking telling me that I can’t even stand to be alone for a few days, doing some of the things that I feel incredibly passionate about? Hiking and camping? No bueno.

I continued to mope over Cabernet, tempura udon, and gyoza. And then I continued to mope all day yesterday. This trip was supposed to help me become a better wife and mom, but instead I felt at an all-time level suck…at everything.

I read a post yesterday written by a 24 year-old and with terminal cancer. I’m sure some of you have seen it before, because it’s come up a few times over the years on my news feed. But one thing he said really hit me. He said (this is not an exact quote), “Don’t let fear control you. If you do, you will miss out on so much of what life has to offer.”

YES. YES YES YES. So get out of this bed and get the hell back on the trail, Lauren. This is all you’ve wanted to do, for so long, so go freaking do it.

I drove myself down this morning. I figured it would be less embarrassing if I have to leave again. But today’s hike has been great- it’s beautiful out, the streams are FLOWING, and I’ve had to ford two rivers. And now I’m hear at my hobbit camp laying on my sleeping pad in the sun. It’s still early.

Tomorrow I’ll go up and over Killington. It’ll be a really long day as I’ll gain 2,000 feet of elevation in only 4 miles. Yikes. But for now I’m going to soak this up and try to not let my anxiety talk me out of one more night out here. I just want to enjoy this…the quiet, the streak flowing below my site, the birds, the giant amount of chocolate that I brought with me- I just want to take this in.

I don’t have any service, so this won’t be posted until likely tomorrow.

Happy trails,

Ladybug 🐞

Actually, it’s been freaking awesome. Did I mention that yesterday morning I woke up to a SLUG in my boot?? Man, I took one look at that and almost chucked my boot into the pond. That was it for me.

But today, I woke up after sleeping in a BED that didn’t smell like a sweet blend of sweat, deet and privy, and cooked some eggs for breakfast. I spent some time planning the next few days, and even got up to Burlington to spend some time at my favorite spot, Outdoor Gear Exchange.

After discussing my numb leg and tingling arm, I was fitted for a new pack and sent on my way with best wishes for the rest of my trip. New bug spray, new pack- I feel like a million bucks.

After a lattes and an hour at OGE, I was fortunate enough to be asked on a lunch date to my other favorite spot, Two Brothers Tavern in Middlebury. Bloody Mary’s, laughing, French fries…honestly… you had me at Bloody Mary’s.

It has been so nice to see Clint and the boys- so refreshing. And I’ve watched the mountains all day. There have been moments where the sun and the clouds were both so perfectly aligned along the mountains that I could see every crevasse. They look so beautiful fro down here and I keep staring at them, longingly, knowing in my core how different life is in the mountains…how trivial everything other than pure survival seems. I realize that it’s been over a week that I’ve felt anger or anything stronger than agitation. I realize that my neck hasn’t been aching in days. I realize that I feel refreshed and happy…excited, even. I don’t know that I’ve been excited in months.

Back to reality and I’m looking at a living room full of gear and resupply bins. I’m thinking about nights on my own- days on my own. I feel nervous and worried. I’m wondering if what I’m doing is okay…if leaving my kids and husband is okay. “Is this okay???” I keep asking them.

Clint has been nothing but supportive. He WANTS me to do this. He has listened to me cry and despair over my many reasons why it is, or is not, okay to leave the kids for a few days- or weeks- to do this. “What if this is the last dinner I make them? What if they can never eat strawberry shortcake again because this is what I made them the night before I was attacked by a bear?” “Really? When was the last time someone was attacked by a bear on the Long Trail?” He asks me. “Siri, when was the last time someone was attacked by a bear on the Long Trail in Vermont?” “If attacked by a bear in Vermont, fight back,” Siri says. “WTF, Siri…” I mutter.

Then I practically beg the kids to tell me that they don’t want me to go. “Seriously, I WON’T go if you don’t want me to!” “Who cares?” (Sam, obviously). Ty states that he just wants me to be there for graduation, because he knows they’re going to sing a song that I love (shout out to Golden Girls theme song….hell yes, Bridge school. Hell yes…).

I feel like this last year stole something from me- like it made everything I worked so hard for… less remarkable. And for some reason I felt, “well, if I can’t be exactly who I want to be right now, at least I can do this.” This was my mentality. And this mentality helped me get my doctorate…my black belt…my life as I know it…so obviously this mentality would help me achieve this goal, as well. If my life wasn’t going to be what I wanted it to be, then I would make all the shit worth something. “Well even if things aren’t perfect, at least I got to do this.” And THIS was the Long Trail. This hike has been the apple in front of the cart for MONTHS, now. I’ve been planning this trip, and counting on this trip, for well over six months at this point.

I will say this. I have been OVERWHELMED by support by my friends and family these last few days. Since my last post, more than a few of you have reached out to join me, or just shout encouragement (and offer edible arrangements) for the trail heads. I have spent more than my share fair of time weeping from the love and imagining the feeling of the finish line. So, thank you. In this time that feels really confusing and uncertain, I have felt a lot of love and support, and I really truly appreciate it. It seems a little ridiculous…”Come on, just go home for a few weeks a shut up already!” But it’s so much bigger than that. There are some real fears and challenges being faced here, and the words of encouragement go a long way.

The plan for tomorrow was to hit the trail with Clint. I’m going to talk about it with the kids again in the morning and we’ll go from there. I’m actually really looking forward to getting back into the mountains- and when Ty asked me to wait a few days, there was definitely a pang of…not disappointment…but of something.

I’m attaching some pics from my amazing day, and also some really great reminders from the trail.

Happy sleep,

Ladybug 🐞

(above…my house trying to prepare for my trip.)

 

(above…an outline of my new plan.)

(above…how I work on my outlines for new plans.)

(above…my feet, and pants, and leg room in my tent.)

(above…the fun rock scramble from Baker Peak)

(above…waiting for a resupply)

(above…trail magic.  Thank you, GMC volunteers!)

(above…THE. BEST. TRAIL. FOOD. EVERRRRR.)

(above…the two of us…naive, in our sleeping bags after recovering from hypothermia.)

(above…the screen shot from the moment Clint Bierman gave me a very INAPPROPRIATE trail name…)

(above…in our shelter waiting for the rain to stop.)

(above…waiting for our gear to dry!)

(above…a nice little haven to rest our feet upon…)

I went to a dark place last night and today. I crashed hard last night, slept through the rain and thunder and lightning- and I haven’t slept like that since I’ve been out here. But I woke up this morning a blubbering mess- not wanting to get out of my sleeping bag, scratching at all my bites, not wanting to move a muscle- but knowing that I had to. I packed down my campsite in tears, and started my hike in tears, as well. It was the first time I’ve been thankful for the solitude of the trail.

There is a reason people take rest days- and the above woe-is-me tale is one of them. Julia and I did not plan for rest days, and that was definitely a downfall. I don’t know what we were thinking when we imagined we could just push through for these four weeks. So, as one does when one is completely defeated and broken, I scoured the map for the closest route from which to evac, and I vowed to never hike again.

There are a lot of reasons that I started this hike, but being alone and being without my family, were not any of those reasons. And yet here I was, feeling super alone and missing my family.

I texted Julia to get her to pick me up, and it turned out she was already waiting for me at the trailhead with coffee and muffins (#awesome). I told her I needed a few days off and she told me she understood. I still had four miles to hike, and I was super slow paced this morning. But knowing that she was there, and that I could, in fact, take a few days off, suddenly lifted my spirits. I started to think that maybe I could finish this on my own, and that maybe it wouldn’t be too bad. Maybe I wouldn’t have to give up on this.

Once I knew I had the chance for a rest day (and a shower, because I literally HATED my own smell), my mood brightened. Then I walked into this beautiful evergreen forest. If you know anything about me, being able to walk through an evergreen forest and smell the pines is literally one of my favorite things about being alive. Nothing brings me more solace. I felt rejuvenated and happy, once again, that I was out there. There was an incredible rock garden and waterfalls- it was a lovely 7 mile hike out to a friend, some coffee, and muffins.

I’m writing this post from my bedroom. I have showered (thank God), and covered myself in steroid cream for the bites. I keep singing that John Mayer song, “your body’s a wonderland…”, except I am instead singing, “your body’s a minefield…”. My body is a complete minefield. I am covered in black fly bites and bruises and blood- it’s awful.

So I’m dressed and about to do some laundry. I’m having a glass of wine. And I’m soon going to take myself out for some beloved Sabai Sabai. And then I’m going to look at the map and figure out what I’m going to do for the rest of this hike. I went into this knowing I’d have one of my dearest friends alongside for the ride, and now I have to get into the headspace of finishing it on my own. I could not find that mindset out on the trail.

I hope to be back out on the trail by Monday, and to be out for a few days before we have to go to Maine. I’m going to reach out to a few friends to join me for a few miles, or for a night at a shelter (hoping they’ll cook something delicious for me), because hiking is something I love to share. I love being in the woods and laughing and having deep conversations- and it’s hard to do that on my own. So if you’re reading this, and interested in joining, let me know! But for now, I’m really going to soak up this rest (and wine…and pad see ew…).

Happy rest,

🐞

I’m lying in my crappy tent that I ditched a few days ago because it kept falling down on me and the rain fly doesn’t actually fit the tent. But I’m lying in it because it’s lighter than the one I bought to replace it…the one I also ditched a few days ago. So, here we are.

By now you’ve likely read, or heard, that my LT companion, Julia/Big Animal, has left the trail. It was hard saying goodbye to her, and last night was a pretty crummy night. And, if I’m honest, this morning was pretty shitty as well. The truth is, I don’t know why I’m out here anymore. Do I want to be out here on my own? There’s a reason why everyone I meet on the trail is in their 20s…or retired. What do I think I’m doing? And why am I doing it???

I’ve thought about this a lot today. I got started on this journey because the last year has really sucked. It was a bad year. And I lost myself in it. I got so caught up on everything that was happening TO me, that I forgot that I could actually make things happen on my own. And in losing myself, my kids lost me and my husband lost me. Every day a since has felt like a struggle, and I’ve felt distant from everyone because of how distant I’ve been from myself. So I made this plan to come out here into the woods to get back to my roots. This is where I feel whole, and calm, and where everything in my head just shuts off. I thought I’d come out here to reconnect with myself, so that in turn I could reconnect with my family and my life. But now I’m out here, nearly 40 years old and surrounded my 20-somethings who run circles around me. And who are literally joking about 4-20 right now and laughing and all I can do is sit in my crappy tent and mope. I can’t even bring myself to go out and make friendly conversation… that’s not why I’m here.

So I made a plan last night to just push through. I’d go as far as I could, every day, and try to finish by my cut off date. Julia and I had planned our trip in two 2-week runs so I could still make my training in Maine in between. But am I honestly going to come back out for another two weeks on my own? No. So I’d have to finish now.

But that will suck. I’m looking at 18-20ish mile days. I’m looking at “grinding it” (a term Julia and I learned on our third day from a group of first year college students on break) over Mansfield and Camels Hump and Jay Peak. That all sounds terrible.

So then I thought, could I “grind it” for these next few days so I can take it easy as I get further north? Sure, I thought! Let’s give that a try!

I met today with the idea of attempting 19 miles AFTER a resupply…and that doesn’t include the 4 miles to actually get to the resupply. I honestly don’t know what I was thinking. Instead, I finished the day with 18 miles under my belt, and that brings us back to my mope-session in my crappy tent.

It wasn’t a terrible 18 miles- it was a terrible last 3 miles. But this morning I summited Bromley (gorgeous at 8am), and then I followed that with three other peaks. I think my favorite was Baker Peak. It was a crazy rock scramble to the top, and then gorgeous views. I really like crazy rock scrambles.

From there, it was mainly all downhill…literally. So it should have been fine. I took a break in a huge, rushing river…hiked through bear territory singing Ani Difranco at the top of my lungs (so as not to creep up on any bears and scare them/me)…and honestly I didn’t see another soul until I got closer to my campsite. Now I’m camped next to a gorgeous pond (Little Rock Pond) and my body is basically broken from pushing it to this point. Julia, you’ll be happy to hear that now MY thigh is numb with burning pain if I lift it!

I’ve thought a lot about my family, too. Do I want to be out here, away from them, on my own? It was different when I was with a friend- it was more like a fun vacation. Now I’m just out here. Is this really going to make me a better parent? A better wife?

On top of all of this, thru-hiking the LT has been a dream of mine for as long as I’ve lived in Vermont. And to think about walking away from it ‘makes my soul feel crushed. I don’t want to abandon ship- I want to keep going. I don’t want to walk away. In fact, when I got to camp today and threw myself on the ground, a friendly ATer chuckled and said, “That’s how we all felt in Georgia.” I replied, “Dead? And questioning everything?” He smiled, “Yes. Just make sure you finish because it will feel amazing.”

I’ve talked to a few of you and have heard many of you say that I should stick it out and rock this hike- “you got this!” I’ve also heard some of you say that it’s okay if I bail and that no one will judge me for it. Well, I’ll probably judge me for it…but I know that’s something I’d just need to get over. But I think the best advice I got came from my own husband, and I think I’m going to listen to him. Clint said to me last night, through my sobs, “you just need to take it one day, and one night at a time. Get through the night, and if you do, get through the next day. And if you get through the next day, then get through the next night. Keep doing that until you don’t want to do it anymore. And I’ll come get you any time you want to leave. Except for next Wednesday- I can’t get you next Wednesday.”

I don’t know that Clint has ever given me such good advice, and his words really struck a cord. He doesn’t want me to leave, because he knows this is good for me and where I need to be right now. As hard as this is for him and the kids, he wants me to keep going until I literally feel like I can’t go any further. So that’s what I’m going to do. Except screw these “summit 4 peaks” days…this was insane and not what my body can handle any more at “my age.” But it can handle a lot- and I can handle a lot. So I’m going to get through tonight and if I’m able to move in the morning, I’ll get through the day, as well. And if I need to come back for a few days after Maine to finish the trail, fine. I can handle that.

So you can see that there has been a lot going on in my head today…and I suspect the next week or so will be pretty similar. Hopefully by the time I am finished with the trail, I’ll have it ALL figured out. 😂

On a side note, as I start this new chapter of my LT journey, it’s only fitting that I was unintentionally bestowed with a new trail name today. As I put my pack on today after my resupply, and placed my red pack cover over it to keep it dry, my friend said, “you look like a ladybug!” It’s perfect, because I saw a ladybug on my very first day out here and took a picture of it for my mom. We are absolutely positive that my grandfather came back as a ladybug (18 years ago???), so this name couldn’t be any better. And it made me think that maybe I should keep going. So I’m still wearing my glitter every day, don’t worry about that, Julia and Laura- but I’m not feeling as “mighty” right now, so this change is welcomed. I’m sure my “mighty” will come back soon enough, and at that point I’ll have to combine the two names for one super-human amazing name for the finish.

I don’t have any service, so this won’t be posted tonight, and I can’t upload any of the gorgeous pictures that I took today- so I’ll get those us ASAP. In the meantime, I’m going to view every vista, overlook every overlook, and take all the pictures in the world so I can remind myself exactly why the hell I’m out here.

Happy trails,

Ladybug

It’s been a day. Made it to the shelter with almost 60 miles under this pack belt. Feet are in need of some serious love (and moleskin)!

Last night we stayed at Stratton Pond, which was absolutely beautiful. It’s the largest pond on this end of the LT. It was lovely to sit beside it and hear the peepers and the geese. If you’re ever in this area, I would highly suggest this hike.

It rained last night, but today has been pretty gorgeous. Humid, even. The trails are super muddy, and at this point, what’s the point in trying to stay out of the mud??? I don’t know that I’ll ever get this dirt out from underneath my nails.

We had our first river forge today- although it was completely unnecessary so we had to turn back to forge it again. The takeaway? Check for blazes before crossing a river…

It’s been a long day, but just before hitting the shelter, a man with a whole bunch of bananas strapped to his belt came by, and that’s the first fruit that I’ve had in a week. Just enough for the extra push to the top.

I wasn’t able to post any pictures yesterday, but there’s better service here so I’ll try now.

XO

We’re in approximately 47 miles as of today. We have 228.2 miles to go. We have a lot to catch you up on…

On our first day, we hiked to a beautiful pond with a lovely little tent site. We set up camp and were happy when the peepers came out. Until, we realized, that the peepers were there by the thousands and almost quite literally made our ears bleed. I’m not able to upload the video, but we’ll post it at some point.

Our first night was a bit hectic with the locals who gave us a run for our money, and we packed up camp at 10pm to hike 4 miles to the nearest shelter. We got there at 2am, but not without first running into a coy wolf. You’ve heard this already.

Day two was fairly easy- although as I write this now I actually can’t remember day two at all…so it must have been fine.

Day three was a nice blend of brutal climbs and pouring rain. Meltdowns were had.

Day four was lovely, tied together with another challenging dose of local townie drama. We’re over it. Thankfully, the state police and forest service law enforcement agents were very kind and reassuring that we shouldn’t have any more issues. At this point, we’re both a bit fed up with the men around here trying to make things uncomfortable for women hikers. But that’s a whole other rant.

I mentioned in my post last night about the herd of buffalo rummaging through our campsite (aka, probably a small fox and maybe a deer…). Well, one of those monsters TOOK MY CROC from under my tent vestibule WHILE I WAS SLEEPING. Which meant that it came VERY close to my face. My croc turned up on the other side of my tent, but it was all very Blair Witchy and I did NOT appreciate it.

Today was our first resupply. Clint, Ty, and Sam joined us this morning with Otter Creek Bakery cookies, REAL coffee, and all our other pleasantries like baby powder and toilet paper. We stocked up, and hit the trail to climb up and over Stratton.

We gained a lot of elevation today, and our feet are wrecked. But at the top of Stratton is a fire tower, and seeing as both of us have a wild fear of heights, we decided to climb it. You can see the video of me reaching the top on Julia’s Facebook page. It’s slightly embarrassing.

We’re now resting with some Jack Daniels (thanks, Clint!) and a fire. Life at this moment is super good. There really isn’t a whole heck of a lot to complain about, other than some wet boots and black flies.

On another note, Julia finally got her trail name today! Ty actually gave it to her…Big Animal. Named after the gigantic Brontosaurus we saw in the woods on our night one midnight scurry. Thanks, Ty!

We’ll be sure to post more updates as service allows, and we want to send a SUPER huge thank you to The Bierman Boys for showering us with trail love today!

XO

The Mighty Sparkle and Big Animal

There is so much to tell about our trip right now. We’re on day 4, and have gone just over 40 miles so far. But first, the reason I’m up right now using all my phone battery is because there is some animal (and by animal, I mean dinosaur) rummaging around our campsite.

I love animals. I do not like animals that rummage around me night in the dark when I am just separated by a very thin piece of tent material. So… I’ll never sleep. Which means I’ll stay up listening all night and panicking about what this T-Rex (aka probably a squirrel) is doing, and how close to ME it’s doing it.

Gah! Nature…

Our first few days have been VERY eventful, and if you’ve read Julia’s Facebook updates, you’ll know why. We had a creepy encounter with some locals, came face to face with a giant coy wolf at night, and then it rained and rained all day yesterday. Today was gorgeous and a really nice part of the trail. But now we have the Brachiosaurus traipsing through our site.

So I don’t know how to customize this page from the middle of the woods somewhere near Stratton, so you’ll have to live with the friendly business pictures, etc. I’ll get to that at another time. For now, let me see if I can upload a pic or two..

Oh and for Pete’s Sake…there’s the thunder. 🤦‍♀️

XO

The Mighty Sparkle and She-Who-Has-Yet-To-Agree-To-Any-Trail-Name-I’ve-Given-Her