August 15, 2008

I stayed up late last night knowing that I wouldn't be able to sleep. I watched the Olympics and dreamed about my own goals. I left with my husband at 5:00a.m. to drive to the airport in Columbus. Here, I kissed my loving and supportive husband goodbye. I tried to fall asleep on both of my flights but just couldn't.

I was met at the Medford Airport by 30-30, my PCT hiking partner and friend. He and I were picked up by a trail angel named, "Are We There Yet?" This great lady...also a hiker...drove way out of her way to greet us and take us first into the town of Etna and then to Etna Summit, the beginning of this year's hike. We met thru-hikers named Jima and Janine and we all took group photos. As we hiked on, "Are We There Yet?" watched with envy and waved a huge goodbye and good luck to all of us. This section of the trail had recently been opened after a devastating fire in the mountains. Nine fireman had just lost their lives fighting the fire. The firemen ranged in age from 19 to 29. The town of Etna flew their flags at half mast. I prayed for their families as I began my hike in the smoke-filled mountains. 30-30 and I hiked just 7 miles because my day had been a very long one traveling from the midwest and climbing to an elevation of 6,200'. We cowboy camped on a ridge which disp!