May 19, 2018 They’re changing guards at Buckingham Palace…..

Yes, its a royal wedding day for Prince Harry and USA’s own Meghan Markle with all the pomp, circumstance, bells, flowers, celebrations and paparazzi that the Queen can muster.  But Granny Hat forgot ALL about it.  All she cared about today was whether or not Mission got to Big Bear in time to pick up his re-supply box during the special magic Saturday hour from 1 – 2pm that opens just for PCT trekkers.  He had to get up at 5:00 am and hike 20 miles to get that box full of food, socks, batteries, sunscreen, his election ballot and well wishes from home.  London just doesn’t get the rest of the world.  There are real life issues going on that really matter far far away from the petit fours, hand embroidered flowers on the wedding veil and the gospel choir that sang Stand By Me.

He called this afternoon to tell us all was well and so Granny Hat set herself down for a proper spot of Earl Grey tea in honor of the day’s events and because she was so relieved that Stephan was safe and in good spirits.  Granny Hat often treats herself to an afternoon tea, and an evening tea too.  But today she had a good excuse.  And it was wonderful to hear his cheerful voice and the all familiar words, “I’m so hungry!”  He has been hungry for years but probably nothing like he is now.  After a big meal at a diner in Big Bear City, he hitched back to the trail (once again, trail angels give rides all day long back and forth for way less than a taxi or Uber would cost) and has resumed hiking.

Mission talked with his dad for a while today and told him that while eating dinner in the dark a couple nights ago, he was sure there was a mountain lion nearby, could hear the sounds in the shrubs and saw eyes.  He was very freaked out but it turned out to be a deer just having a midnight snack and passing through.  He has seen a couple of big rattlesnakes and didn’t even have to leave California to see his first Grizzly Bear!!!  That’s right, there’s a small zoo in San Bernadino County that has a collection of animals that have worked in Hollywood and they are also a wildlife refuge center.

Toby Mac has a new song that is a favorite of mine and Mission likes it too.  Granny Hat made this little poster for his re-supply box with that lonely path and the difficult elevation changes in mind.  We say we need God but sleeping out in the wilderness under the stars and walking many miles alone can bring the need very close to home.

I just need U. by Toby Mac