openscarf

Yesterday I bought my second pair of hiking shoes in about 17 years.  In between, I wore running shoes.  The first pair were Timberland's, boots, heavy, sturdy, indestructable.  I still have them, for nolstalgia purposes.  I wore them once here for a mild hike, they were too heavy, my feet have gotten bigger, they have shrunk perhaps.  The tips of my toes were incredibly sore afterwards.

I bought them originally for trips to Mexico and Guatamala, 2 treks about 3 weeks each.  They served well.  I even stashed my cash in them.  Mud, rocks, cold, heat, streets, rain forest-they were the greatest.  At one point I had a cut in the back of my right ankle from the support digging in, but that healed.  I remember the sales guy telling me that they were snake bite proof, which I found a very appealing feature.  I broke them in on Bayshore Boulevard in Tampa, Florida which is a lovely completely flat stretch along the Tampa Bay, nice to drive, nice to walk, run, push strollers, sit on a bench.  Walking in about 90 degrees, 80 percent humidity, I felt proud because I was telling everyone I was going where these shoes were absolutely appropriate.  "Seen any mountains?' a guy good naturedly ribbed.

I've bought a much lighter model for the next decade or so.

In 12 days I'm going to Yosemite for 4 days.  A friend I connected with at my high school reunion has been a back woods ranger there for 17 years.  She was a brainiac in school and a  free spirit.  She's talking about getting out of it this year.  I cannot wait to hear what she's contemplating, She will be cycling in Chile with a friend.

I'm staying with her, I'll have my own room and have been guided as to what to bring.  A blanket, a towel, some warm stuff for the nights.  I'm bringing her wine, dark chocolate and chocolate chip cookies as a gift.

We'll eat from her food provisions and I'll bring fresh veggies for burriots and pasta, some cheese, snacks for lunch.

I'm beyond excited and slightly nervous.  Mainly about not getting lost, silly stuff like that.  She gave me directions for a hike for when I get there, as she may still be in the field.  Friday, we'll go out together.  I'll bring books and notebooks.  She has a computer, they only get Verizon there, so my phone won't work while I'm there and getting close to there.  Fascinating.  (AT & T for all the bravado, come on!!!)

I love that my first trip there will be like this.  A bit away from the general public, an insider's view, off season so slightly less crowded.

The sequoias, the mountains, the river.  Visualizing it, I can all ready feel somewhat how grounded and peaceful I will become.

So so so grateful for the opportunity.