I had my first bad blister problems on the big San Bruno hike 2 weeks ago. And last weekend the blisters on the back of my heal and under the ball of my foot were bothering me again. I can’t have that in the canyon, so I took in lots of advice from fellow hikers …
Angel Island send-off
We had our final “team hike” yesterday; it was a sendoff event with a short hike and potluck/picnic on Angel Island. The day started with an informational meeting on everything we need to know for the Grand Canyon trip. I got the trail assignment I wanted: The Grand View trail — the toughest of the …
What it’s all about
A friend told me her boss’s child died of leukemia this month. Heart-wrenching. Tragic. Unfair. What adjective could possibly fit? I only hope that my little contribution through this hike will make a difference, save or help one life. Maybe even one day find a cure and save hundreds of thousands of lives – every …
Dress Rehearsal: Mount Diablo from the top down
Saturday’s hike was our “big one” – the six hour dress rehearsal for the Grand Canyon at Mount Diablo. We hiked from the top down, and back up, with all the gear we expect to have in the canyon, including 128 fl. oz. of water (that’s 4 liters), lunch, clothing layers, rain gear, cameras, hats, …
Stair Clinic – Lyon Street Stairs
This morning was yet another early morning wake-up. I have to admit, I look forward to being able to sleep in on my weekends again! Today we had a special stair clinic to get some incline work in at the Lyon Street Stairs in San Francisco. The stairs are at a 35% grade and go …
Buddy hike: Tennessee Valley and the Coastal Trail
Our latest hike was a buddy hike: a smaller hike with our buddy group instead of the entire team. It was also a shorter hike – only 4 hours. I think they are being nice to us the weekend before our big simulation hike next weekend at Mt. Diablo – hiking down and back up …
Still time to bid on art
There’s still time to bid on one of the Colin Toke pieces that were donated to raise money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. The auction for the following piece has been extended until Wednesday, August 19 at 3 p.m. Pacific/6 p.m. Eastern. Auction extended until Wednesday April 19 at 3 p.m. for the following …
Deciding on a Canyon trail
We had to choose our canyon trail this weekend. My choice – the most difficult of the trails, the Grand View trail. It requires coach’s approval so I don’t know just yet if I’ll make it on the trail, but I’m keeping my fingers crossed. The trail begins at 7400 feet and we would go …
Saturday’s hike: Pleasanton Ridge
Our good-weather good luck seemed to have run out yesterday. Our 5.5 hour hike at Pleasanton Ridge began with sun, but quickly turned to pouring, driving rain. The kind that stings your bare skin. I had my waterproof jacket and discovered my backpack was at least somewhat water-resistant as the water beaded up on the …
Buy art – help the cause
Part of the Bowl-a-thon was a silent art auction. Sadly, the art for one of the artists arrived in the mail the Monday after the event. So I now have 3 great pieces of artwork, donated for the benefit of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, that are in need of a home. These are signed …