Good Morning..    I can't believe the time has gone by so quickly.  I've not been hiking as much as I would like to due to more work than usual.  That's not good but I do need to keep saving up for the hike.  My gear is looking good.

Made it to the REI members sale last Saturday.  I was in line at 5:30 with all the other eager members looking for a deal.  I got what I went for.  A pair of Merrill boots like the ones I have and love. Everything in the sale are returned items.  My boots were returned because they were too small for the woman who wore them once. $25.00.. an unbelievable price!  We all were allowed in the store in small groups at a time for only fifteen minutes.  What a scramble that was.. ha.  I went for the boots first and didn't see anything else that I didn't have already have.  No need to try and hoard things because of the price. 

I've been following the White Blaze and Trail Journal/forum sites everyday.  It appears that the rainy weather is causing the drop out of hikers.  It's been a wet year so far and may be "naturally" what it will be next year as well.  It doesn't rain much here (at least right now) but I would like to hike in the rain in my rain gear to see what it feels like with the extra bulk of a jacket and pants. Sharon and I got caught in a rain storm once on the trail.  We weren't dressed for it. got drenched and laughed about it once we were in the warm, dry car again.  There won't be any warm, dry car to jump into.  I hope that I will be able to keep my sleeping gear and inside of the tent as dry as possible.  I'll be looking for techniques that people are using that helps.

I'm feeling more positive about starting with the crowd in the beginning of April.   March starts may gain a little time, but that month later has to give a better chance of better weather.  Won't know until it happens.  Will need to learn some "sun" dances.. ha.

I hope to write more often.  I'm sure I will as time brings me closer and my excitement rises. I'm trying not to over talk the trail and drive people crazy.. ha.  It's coming up more often even if I don't initiate the conversation. 

Yes.. I'm going to do this.  God please guide me in my planning and the decisions I make. Though I am not a church going person, I do believe in God and that there will be times to ask for "strength" and times that the beauty around me can will bring God closer to me.

Hummingbird..