Today we actually had our final hike of the season. We went to the McKeldin Area of Patapsco Valley State Park for a 3 mile 'fun hike' that was appropriate for the family. We walked along the river and got to see a small waterfall. We took a break at the base of the fall and let the kids play in the water. Afterward we hiked back up to our pavillion where we had our fun family picnic!
Before the picnic got into full swing Karen, our TNT coordinator made sure we had our packets for Thursday's trip. We got our itenerary for the weekend, event day t-shirts, luggage tags, and special hike T-shirts. She collected additional information from us; emergency contacts, insurance info, etc.
We got the 411 on the situation in Yosemite! It appears that there is still snow on some of the trails -- YIKES!! Apparently they have not yet put in the cables for those folks that would be hiking up Half Dome. That is supposed to happen on the 15th hopefully. That's not my hike, but I'm still concerned. Karen told me that I should pack my yaks to put over my boots to give me more traction in the ice and snow. Good grief -- I thought my snow hiking days were over :-( The coaches reminded us to dress in layers because it would be different temperatures at different elevations, etc.
Then our coaches provided the turkey hotdogs and hamburgers and we brought the sides. There was a delicious citrus cheese ball, watermelon chunks, fresh mushroom salad (my offering), hummus and chips, pasta salad, brownies, cookies, and ice cold lemonade and iced tea. It was a great opportunity to hang out with my fellow team mates and their families. We were also surprised by a visit from our honored team mate Sophie. She is getting ready to go to 1st grade next year and is a bundle of energy. This morning she and her family came out to picnic with us after her ballet lesson! And she showed us what she had learned in her Irish dancing class! She is going to be performing with her troop next year. Watching her with her little sister and Coach Greg's little girls made it clear who we are helping when we do our events. I was so happy to see that what we do helps LLS make a difference in her life AND her family's lives as well.
We ended our event by presenting our coaches with goodie bags to show our appreciation for all they had done for us! I cannot believe that I hiked about 60 miles during this entire training season and that some folks had hiked 80+ miles. I am sad that the season is over, I think I have caught the 'hiking bug'. I am nervous and excited about the Panorama Trail Hike next Saturday -- I can't believe its only a week away!
STILL FUNDRAISING!
After meeting Sophie today, I want to keep the fundraising going in hopes of making the minimum. There is still time to donate on the website: http://pages.teamintraining.org/md/Yosemit110/WinForOthers. Please give as generously as you can. I am also working with a friend to host a Mary Kay fundraiser. You can go to her website: www.marykay.com/thuff7 and make a purchase from now until June 30th. It is as easy as that. There are even $10 items on the site and stuff for men as well. So you can kill 2 birds with one stone -- get your makeup, facial cleansers or other items that you NEED and have a part of the proceeds go to LLS.
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