Snow.

Saturday's hike was to be to Elfin Lakes in Garbaldi Park by Squamish, with a friend I have not seen since high school. We drove up the access road, 16 km through potholes and gravel, in my Mazda... (There always seems to be a 4x4 story popping up in my life...) and close to the beginning of the hike we saw "nature."

Yes, a beautiful bear. Large in size - perhaps a mother??? She/he pranced across the road in front of us. Must admit, there was some anxiety in me. Ok, my anxiety level shot through the roof! Cool and all - totally awesome, but a sharp reminder that they are out there... it is real... there are bears in the mountains of BC.

So we got to the trailhead and I took out the bear spray - shot a "test spray" and had my knife in close proximity up my sleeve. The bear bells ringing on my pack we started up the trail. My friend and I heard these odd noises - she thought they were a bird... I'm not convinced - but then again, what does a bear sound like close up, maybe it was a bird? We kept going and about 15 minutes up the trail there was white stuff.

It's June 25, and the white stuff was sporadic at first but then, reality set in - if there's snow here, and we're going up, it's only going to get worse :o( So, we went and looked ahead at the snow packs and turned around. Who knew?!?!

We ultimately ended up at Smokey Bluffs, also in Squamish. Nothing like Elfin Lakes - the scenery of ferns and rock was nice and all but somewhat disappointing considering what we were hoping to view! But, the rain stopped, the sun peaked in and out, we had a good hike and got to reconnect. It was a great day. It was worth it.

It is my hope that I will get to hike up Elfin Lakes before I head out - apparently it is more weather dependent these days than a lack of planning and trying! A few more hours in the boots accomplished this weekend and feeling good.

23 days until I leave.

29 days until I climb.

More than boarding a plane or strapping on a boot.

There have been many things about this "journey" that have made me realize the journey does not begin when I board the plane, or begin to trek the mountain. Rather, the journey began the day I decided to do this.

Along the journey of preparation, I have reconnected with many friends from my earlier years. Emails and facebook messages have been pouring in with inquiries, encouragement and donations. A new element of purpose has set in about why I began this, and what it has become.

I am beening challenged. I have been changed. I haven't even left the country yet.

I have learned much about myself, the negative thoughts that I allow in my mind and how I can battle them out - and keep them out. I have learned to adopt an "I can" attitude and truly believe it. I have learned that each small step made/spoken/donated all will have a powerful impact on someone's life. That "someone" has been a close friend, a friend from the past and will certainly be someone I meet in the future.

This journey is just beginning, has already been a success and in many ways, and has not yet begun.

I honestly had different plans for this season of my life - like being married and having children. That is not so for me right now. Many have said that they could not do this (climb Kili) because they are married and/or have children. I think I am trying to accept that we are all in the season of life that we are in - I could push to change it, but then it wouldn't really be what my life path was/is supposed to be. I had a dream last night and it was a repeated message. This is your time. Your time will impact the lives of woman and children near and far.

I think I just need to be still, and know that the right plan for me is unfolding before my very eyes. That the rest of my story has already been written and as I walk through it, I will discover how my life will continue to have purpose, in each season.

Your donations will support these children in Malawi. This picture was taken in 2009.

Rainforest

I live in a rainforest. It's true and that makes a dent in the training safety at times.

The hike today was planned and set but had to be cancelled because of safety on the trails due to all the rain! It's very frustrating. But I did make it out, to my trusted Buntzen Lake trails and I got a hike in.

Orthotics feel good and seem to be helping! Horray!

Now, the emotional battle of being one month out from my departure. The stress of end of school year wrap up, report cards, finishing the kids' scrapbooks, events, physio, massage and on and on - oh and a climb up Mt Kilimanjaro too!!! I'm looking forward to next week when school is over and my focus can fully be on my trip. I'm excited, nervous, worried, thrilled and a mix of so many other emotions all wrapped into one. Is this normal!?

The baking fundraiser at one of my jobs was a huge success and because of the hard work of S.F. I am very close to reaching my goal for the Malawi Project! The generosity of so many who see me only sporadically was overwhelming. To each of those donators, thank you!

Ok - time to work some more on these scrapbooks and hit the pavement for a walk tonight! (All bundled up in layers and rain gear, of course!)

Up, down and all around.

Sat morning I got my orthotics... So far so good but it's a slow transition process!

I went to Squamish on Sat with the intention of climbing the Chief - but was sadly disappointed to learn how much it's changed. I remember a great hike up - this was an obstacle course of ladders, chain ropes and stairs. With the wet weather, I decided to turn back before I injured myself. This was not the type of training I was looking for.

So I headed down and hit Lynn Valley - spent about 1.5 hours in the trails and headed home. Felt a bit sore from the stairs I did during both hikes :o(

Today I went to White Pine and found myself finished the trip in just 25 minutes! What?! So I did the trek around the lake twice then went back to Buntzen to find hike for another few hours. My foot is a bit sore today but I'm not sure if it's because of the orthotic or the hikes?

The dreaded report cards continue looming over my head - but it was great to get out and hike in the sun and forget about them for a bit!

Go Canucks Go! Tomorrow there will be no training, unless I get a little walk in after the game. But I'm really hoping I'll be cheering loudly and celebrating the Canucks winning the Stanley Cup instead of heading out for a walk/run after the game!!!

GREAT weekend for hiking :o)

lingo

So in every sport, hobby or other, there is the "lingo" that one must learn.

In hiking "view" means UP!!!

I learned that one on Sunday.

3.5 hour hike on Sunday due to the detour. Left the main trail and headed on the "Lakeview" trail -- AKA UP!

Nice one Trace, first hike back and this happens...

Good news ~ I felt great! My foot was tired but not sore and physio lady said things felt pretty good today! All systems go :o)

Yahoo!

Got a new bladder ...for my pack and can't wait to try it out tomorrow!

Malawi Website!

http://www.wix.com/christiehartlin1/ecdp-malawi

A week of greatness!

Physio said yes. Donations coming in. New Malawi website up and running (yeah Christie!) and they say we may see some sun this weekend :o) Be sure to check out the new Malawi website. Loads of great information about the project, how it began, where it has come and how so many people's lives have been forever changed. Plus pictures, don't forget the great pictures. This is where your Malawi donation money will go - 100% of it! You can donate online now (Paypal) - but if you do please send me an email so I can keep a personal tally of the donations. IF you mail a cheque directly to the project please put Malawi Project -TK on the memo, as well as send me an email, again so I can keep the tally. http://www.wix.com/christiehartlin1/ecdp-malawi Thank you so much!