Northern Sierras Update

The trail has had some ups and down as of late. Our mileage has been slowing a bit due to hold ups in town or with other people we are hiking with. We are currently in Lake Tahoe. The Sierras are coming to a close soon which has been our favorite part of the trail with its flowing springs, high granite peaks and lush old growth. The trail took us to 10,000 feet for the last time. Andrew and AJ have pushed on ahead. I'd love to catch up with them but the trail sometimes to seems to have a mind of its own. Cameron and I recently joked about how the trail will shift sending you on a different journey than you'd planned. We took a great detour to check out the sawtooth range and attempt a climb on the Matterhorn (made famous when climbed by Jack Kerouac in his book Dharma Bums). However a lightening storm turned us down short of the summit. Next time.  This took us through some gorgeous terrain and over a few additional high passes. AJ and I were able to hike 8nto Yosemite and climb Clouds Rest which overlooks Half Dome and the Valley. Definitely a highlight.  We were also able to work for a few gourmet meals at the Glen Aulin High Sierra Camp. The employees there were rad and a pretty sweet gig going for them. Anyone looking for seasonal work should consider checking them out.

Hiking can be extremely meditative as anyone who has practiced walking meditation knows. However it can also have the opposite effect. You have so much time to think and if there is something plaguing your mind it gets played on repeat nonstop, getting the better of your attempts to divert your mind elsewhere or to higher thought planes. Music sometimes helps, Across The Universe by the Beatles being a go to. I sometimes sing a prayer to the beat of soul music, crow like Peter Pan, or try imaging and extreme acceptance. My intune Mother suggested breathing in all the negative and breathing out light and love. Your personal meditations in times of anxiety would be much appreciated if your willing to share them.

As for now we plan on pushing on the miles until the snow turns us down, we are a bit behind. At which point Cameron would probably come back and I would continue on till Christmas if need be.