Happy Memorial Day!! This holiday reminds me of my grandfather. He passed away Memorial Day weekend five years ago. My grandpa served in the Navy during World War 2 and was a great man. He never boasted about being in the military. He never spoke about it actually. It was his duty to defend his country and he served proudly. I would like to thank all of the service men and women who died in active military service and remember that they died for my freedoms.
My sister Marybeth and brother-in-law Freddy dropped us off at the Clarence Fahnestock State park. I didn't want to leave them. They have been such a great support system for us. The weekend together felt like it flew past. Who hit the fast forward button?
The hike was hot and humid with a side of biting evil mosquitos. I wanted it to be over as soon as it started. I already had been crying on and off because I had to say bye to my family. When we got to the shelter Karma and Mountain Man were sitting at the picnic table. I could tell something was wrong. I asked Karma what was up and she began to cry. When Karma cries, I cry. I can't help it. The shoes she got from REI hurt her feet even worse today and she had major knee pains. Mountain Man said she basically limped the last two miles to the shelter. Karma has been through four or five different pairs of shoes. They discussed potentially leaving the trail for a week or two to heal and find the right shoes. I was crushed. I am not ready for them to leave the trail or me. I need them here. We have such a strong bond and connection. It can't end here and now, not after the wonderful wedding and weeks of hiking together. Karma told me that her dreams of being a thru hiker were over. She wouldn't complete the trail. There have been too many zeros and shorter mile days to try to heal feet. She was so sad and so was I. We laid in our bunks and cried ourselves to sleep. I could hear karma. She could probably hear me. I don't want to lose the other half of the splendid sore sole sister's club. She is a founding member. Mountain Man is like my brother. I tease him like he is. He has a great sense of humor and we laugh often together. Losing them on the trail will be like losing part of my heart.
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| Sprout on the trail |
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| Another orchid!! |
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| Up a tree |
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| Flowers on the trail |
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| Heart on a petal |
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| Heart petal flower |
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| Flowers on the trail |
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| Boardwalk on trail |
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| Flowers are so beautiful |
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