[Written July 23, 10PM]

We’re camping along the Truckee River tonight in a small campground called “Goose Meadows”, which actually does have a small meadow. The meadow is clearly boggy for an extended time in spring, evidenced by the last of the wildflower blooming and the wide variety of grasses are in full head. The ground underneath is now dry and cracked – a good sign that the high country is drying out rapidly.

That’s a good sign on two fronts actually. First, record snowfalls last winter have kept several sections of the trail (west and south sides) closed to non-experts much later than usual this year. Perhaps the heat wave will allow these sections to open soon – in fact there probably are some new trail condition reports being filed as I write from this weekend’s crop of warriors. And after the snow yields, drying of the alpine boggy parts should follow quickly.

Secondly, the record moisture is reported to be breeding record mosquitoes – likely one of our most annoying obstacles this trip. More moisture means more mozzies.  But tonight, at Goose Meadow, there don’t seem to be any pestering me. And I haven’t even build up my natural BO defense shield! Time for that soon enough.

I’m really looking forward to beginning this adventure at last. I’m certain tomorrow will have it’s challenges, but I have a feeling that they won’t be the ones I’ve prepared against. I’m feeling strong and thoughtfully prepared.

Even this afternoon was calming - an unexpected break between tomorrow’s commencement and leaving the to-list at home in as best shape as we can manage. Deanna still seems to be suffering a bit from her exertions in the heat over the last few days, and I can’t honestly say Laine would choose this adventure for herself, but doesn’t seem adverse to having some alone-time with her parents either.

Gen, currently in Germany, also was not terribly disappointed to miss most of this adventure. I guess a child, with few responsibilities and tedious routines, has less need to learn afresh how few the physical necessities of life – food, water, shelter, really are.

For me, this adventure has taken on a certain level of importance. The task is significant but achievable through persistence and patience alone. It represents a challenge to me, against becoming a fat middle-aged couch potato, against the perpetual demands of property and job. The challenges in the rest of my life are small at this point. My job places few new demands on me at present, though I’m not yet ready, or able, to push through to a more challenging career. My creative life, on the other hand, is perhaps too challenging. To exercise creative muscles underused for years, with minimal constraints to guide me through “artist’s block”, has so far proven insurmountable – the path is blocked by a schedule already too full of teleconferences and email, church meetings and child chauffeuring, animal and property care. And – let’s admit it – just plain fear of mediocrity is holding me back. I don’t like to start something when I can’t clearly see success at the end.

Well, this trail may just be another distraction, but I also feel it could boost my ability and confidence to take on the next challenge, be it creative or career (or hopefully both). It will help me become accustomed to traversing new terrain, pushing through obstacles, approaching each task in the moment.

Besides, I’ve wanted to do a serious adventure for years. If not this trail, what? If not now, when? Anyway, I’m committed at this point, and it will take something serious to keep me from celebrating the completion of this goal this year. I’m not second guessing my motivation, just trying to self-reflect and grow as much from the experience as possible.

Tomorrow: Day 1. I am really looking forward to it!

[A growing set of images for this section is here.]