
Three generations of men in this family are preparing to hike the 215-mile John Muir Trail together next month.
Two of them are here; the other (Tim’s dad) drives from WA to meet us in CA in about ten days.
I went with Tim and our son yesterday on their first training hike, which took us on a 5.3 mile in-and-out (or 4.8 mile, or 5.8 mile, or 7.8 mile, depending on which web site or whose Health App tracking you believe) from Taylor Canyon to Malan’s Peak, in Ogden, UT.
Normally, a hike of that length — even one as strenuously uphill as this one — would take us 3-4 hours, including long stops for meals and views. But because both boys were testing new backpacks and various pieces of gear, this one took us six. Yeah, ouch.

Apple, meet tree.

Everyone’s so happy and unsweaty and excited!




Clearly, we’d had it with packs and poles, dropped them where we arrived, and kept walking to the edge…




Upon our return home, all three of us took advantage of the hot tub here at Century Park, to soothe our aching muscles before going to bed.
Gear switch (because I don’t know where else to put this): We were featured recently on Heartland RV’s Facebook page. Check out the interview here!

Beautiful scenery makes those tender knees worth it; but, 215 miles. Whoa!
Right? There’s a reason I’m staying behind and serving as the support person!
You look radiant! No one would guess you’re suffering!!! I think it was great that you did the training with them, you’ll have a true insight to their journey.
Which is why I’ve already backed out of tomorrow’s training hike – LOL. I’m dropping them off and hitting the historic downtown area!
Radiant is a good description of how you look Emily! Michele had it right. What a great experience the guys will share. Talk about bonding time!! What kind of communication will you have with them in the trail?
Oh, the usual. Smoke signals, carrier pigeon, maybe cell phones if they’re in a spot with connectivity. If not, that answer becomes “communication with whom?” This girl’s gonna have some alone time!
Good job!