| Thursday, August 17 Walk: 13 miles Bike: 0 (scheduled 20 miles) Ox Cart: 20 miles 76 degrees; didn't have Real Feel info When the Prompt Medical Team woman did Jim's footcare before we left for the Trail, she--and other members of her team--insisted his Smart Wool socks and hiking boots were causing all the blisters. He was equally insistent that he trained for months in them without a single blister and that we know to change into fresh socks at each rest stop because we're sweating more in the humid climate here. They insisted they would shop for some proper socks for him. We'll see... One of the pilgrims, ND administrative staff, had pre-run today's route yesterday. He warned us the bike ride was hilly and some were steep. During the second stretch of walking, toward lunch and biking, I had a debate with myself and with God. I am comfortable on a bike but not confident, and hills are a weakness for me. Try or jump on the ox cart? I chose the ox cart, with the option of riding the last 4 miles after the rest stop. When I saw the hills, and how some people walked bikes up them, I knew I'd chosen wisely. At the rest stop, I asked about the terrain of those last miles. More of the same, I was told. So I stayed on the ox cart. There was a significant hill at the start, but the rest was pretty flat. Even if I'd walked up that hill, I believe the rest of it would have been within my capability. Bummer. Trying to keep some perspective, I told myself it wasn't the end of the world. Still, I was angry with myself for not being brave enough to attempt it. Can you believe I felt like I hadn't earned that amazing meal? Well...maybe you can. Sigh. New opportunities tomorrow.  |
| Katherine asked Jim to read the morning prayer about patience. |
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| Gently rolling hills on this overcast morning. Because the forecast included 55% chance of rain, the producers, AKA Blue Shirts, distributed rain ponchos at the first stop. Threatening clouds were indeed headed our way. Two things they tried to keep our feet dry: duct tape the top of shoes or apply a water resistant spray. I chose the spray. The rain did come--in several deluges, the kind that in Colorado would have turned to hail. Neither method for shoes worked. My boots are water resistant themselves, though, and it saved me from truly muserable feet. Some wetness did seep down in through my socks, but the insides were more damp than wet. Good old crumpled newspaper dried them out overnight. |
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| Note the pool table behind the makeshift altar. |
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| In the basement of Stone Creek Lodge, the Man Cave is the venue for daily Mass. |
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| Dinner Salad station: freshly assembled and tossed personal salad. And I do mean fresh. Behind the woman's station stood a large, slatted wooden divider screen with planters of various greens. She would cut straight from the plant to plate! Pasta Station: the chef would create a sauce from your chosen ingredients. Self-help station: various sliders. Dessert station: make-your-own s'mores and chocolate fondue. |
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| Stone Creek Lodge |
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| Today's Trail ATC |
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