I'm Back

Here I am again. Words, for me, are an exercise in self actualization. The huge added bonus of this medium being that I get to keep you guys updated as to my goings on.
So, another summer in Alaska has wrapped up. It was an experience which has now run its full course. I am still working through the amazing lessons with which it presented me and am very pleased to have found a place and situation in which I have all the space and time needed to process.
I am now living outside of Zurich Montana on Dancing Moon Ranch, the place of my fortification during the tumultuous teen years. Except that I am now, as Gay put it, "on her team."
I spent this past week managing the farm, feeding the animals, watching the kids, getting suburbans stuck in mud, worming lambs, chasing the loafish sheep dog, and baking peach cobblers/pies and banana nut bread.
The seasons made a rather abrupt switch this past weekend. The temperatures went from sunny and 80 to blustery and less than 60. We had our first freeze on Sunday night (of course that was the night I had decided to hang my laundry out to dry).
Today I am in the public library (of which I am now a proud card carrying member) after having come out of a substitute teachers' meeting. I was the only one of the group of women who did not have many years in Chinook under her belt and one of only two who did not have progeny in the local school system. Substituting will be a nice way to supplement my income and to give me something to do. My objectives up here are to try my hand at writing some short stories, spend a good deal of time volunteering, and to get some planning done. What am I planning you may ask?
A few days ago I received a box with the three guide books and my membership to the Pacific Crest Trail Association. I have begun to delve into the beginnings of planning this monumental hike. Naturally I am dubious as to any of a number of the many components of my ability to see this project through (logistically, physically) however I cannot but bow to its preeminence in my spirit. Therefore I begin to press forward.
After Alaska I spent a few weeks in the Seattle area with a dear friend from Philmont. Andy Borek and his lovely Leda opened their home to me and Andy and I spent three days on a traverse called the High Alpine Lake Route with another Philmont ranger, Skye. If you are interested, Skye posted some wonderful pictures: http://picasaweb.google.com/skyeschell/AlpineLakesHighRoute#
It was beautiful weather, wonderful company, and...unique...terrain. It also invigorated me, tantalizing my spirit and recalling to her the drive to be outside. It assured me that hiking the Pacific Crest Trail is something I need to pursue.
One of the primary purposes of this blog will be to track my progress in the planning process.
Please, any input is invited.
I have begun by setting aside $4000 for the hike itself. While in Seattle I went to REI and 'invested' in a pair of leather hiking boots and a pack. I spent the first week breaking the boots in and, as I continue to wear them around the ranch, will decide whether this fit truly is the be-all end-all for my picky feet. If they work I will order a second pair and break them in as well so they are ready in case my first pair bite the literal and proverbial dust somewhere along the 2,650 mile trail. The plan is to leave the second pair with my parents, who have, unbeknownst to them, been bestowed with the great honor of being the command center while I am on the trail.
At this point I am reading through the guide books, deciding whether I want to try to do this as a single contiguous trek, or if I might do the lower desert reach, then hop up further north and do Oregon and Washington and drop back down to do the Sierra Nevadas and the John Muir trail last. As I have said, there is much planning ahead.
But, for now I have to go meet Gay and flag as she drives the Combine back out to the farm.
Gross, the kid next to me just picked his nose.