Granny Hat

Ever since Mrs. Disen’s newspaper/journalism class in 10^th grade at Valencia High School, Granny Hat has loved the 5 Ws.  Those time-honored questions have helped her gather her run-away ideas, focus her motivation and bring order to the disorderly things of life.  Granny was trained in straight news first, then feature articles.  Mrs. Disen would mark off for editorial or sensational comments in a straight news article and you might not get a byline if you couldn’t learn to stick to the facts.  She fears straight news is endangered these days, nearly extinct. All the anchors and news writers of today need to take Mrs. Disen’s class.  But Granny digresses and it’s only her first paragraph!  

THE 5 WS OF THRU HIKING 

Most thru hikers are able to answer 4 out of the 5 Ws with ease.  Which 4 depends on the individual in question.  Granny will break them down for her readers. 

WHO? 

Most long term thru-hikers end up going solo, just me myself and I. This is because it is quite difficult to find another like-minded, physically fit, keepin’ up the stride, determined companion to go the distance with you.  If a trekker can find such a partner, this is golden and can help answer some of the other Ws.  

Christopher decided to hike solo for most of his PCT trek.  This enables him to take zeros (days of no hiking) to rest, meet with friends that live near the trail, or get re-supply at designated towns with postal service. He is also able to choose his own pace that supports him physically, take time to camp and cook or hurry along to make up for lost time such as detours for endangered frogs and video shoots at notorious places like Deep Springs Creek. 

WHAT? 

This one is easy! Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to hike the Pacific Crest Trail from one terminus to the other in continuous activity, 2,650 miles.  Most hikers opt to travel NOBO (northbound from the South Terminus at Campo, California on the Mexican border to the Canadian North Terminus in British Columbia.) In 2022, 4,125 NOBO permits were issued. This plan is usually optimum because of weather patterns and seasons.  A few adventurers each year opt to trek SOBO (southbound from the Canadian North Terminus to Campo, California, the South Terminus).   In 2022, 603 SOBO permits were issued.

Every person on the PCT might also have their own additional “whats”, such as:  

• Document the trail with photography, videos or blogs.  
• Gear sponsorships  
•  Trail services like mapping the trail, reporting problems or detours, offering helpful hints, re-supply opportunities, trail angel presence etc. 

Christopher is hiking NOBO and approaching the California Sierra Nevada which is extra mucha “Nevada” this year. California’s record breaking 2023 snow has many hikers re-routing certain areas in the Sierra.  Christopher has Plan A, Plan B, maybe even Plans C and D. Solo hikers may walk alone, but there is quite a community of resources out in the wild, some helpful apps and guides that offer weather and trail conditions. 

At his last re-supply in Tehachapi, Christopher swapped out warmer weather gear for ice axe, crampons and the required Bear Can for all food in the Sierra.  He is hiking a bit heavier but still covering good daily mileage.  According to his GPS this morning, he hiked through the Caliente Creek area north of Tehachapi.  He reports that what could have been a few days of “muy, muy caliente” has been rather pleasant due to much cooler weather than average for June in the Mojave Desert area. 

Christopher enjoyed sleeping under the Antelope Valley windmills although he said one was very squeaky.  He also enjoyed his walk along the California Aqueduct this past week.  

 

WHEN? 

Many Pacific Crest Trail participants hike NOBO from April to September.  It is preferrable to hike the California desert section while still relatively cool.  The North Cascades in Washington don’t open until snow melts in July. California’s High Sierra also doesn’t become passable until June at the earliest. Hikers try to time their trip to leave Kennedy Meadows South on or around June 15, Ray Day. 

From the Pacific Crest Trail Hiker’s Glossary: 

Ray Day 

June 15th. In an average snow year in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, Ray Day is the best date to leave Kennedy Meadows on a northbound through hike. Named for Ray Jardine, the author of the Pacific Crest Trail Hikers Handbook, this date is based on two factors. It is late enough to allow sufficient snowmelt in the Sierra for a safe hike. It is early enough to allow time to reach Canada. 
  

Ray Jardine 

Ray Jardine is an adventurer who was an early proponent of lightweight backpacking techniques. He authored The Pacific Crest Trail Hiker’s Handbook and Beyond Backpacking. Ray’s techniques were controversial when he first wrote about them. Many of his techniques, or similar techniques, are now standard practice. Ray has gone on to other pursuits and is no longer considered a leader in the lightweight backpacking movement. New leaders have emerged, new lightweight materials have been developed, and a handful of small companies have been created that offer lightweight gear that is sometimes lighter and performs better than Ray Jardine’s homemade gear. The PCT-L, Yogi’s handbook and other resources have replaced The Pacific Crest Trail Hiker’s Handbook as sources of information about the trail. 
 

SOBO hikers tend to hike the PCT between July and October, starting whenever the North Cascades have enough snow melt. SOBO

WHERE? 

The Pacific Crest Trail is just what it sounds like, a trail that connects many other pre-existing National Park and State Park trails running along the crests of the mountain ranges of California, Oregon and Washington.  The trail includes the high deserts of Southern California, the Sierra Nevada Mountains and Trinity Wilderness of Nothern California, the Cascade Range of Oregon and the North Cascades of Washington.  The trail crosses busy highways, has views of Lake Tahoe, skirts Crater Lake and travels over the Columbia River Gorge.  It gives glimpses of Mt. Whitney, Yosemite Valley, Mt. Hood and Mt. Ranier. 

WHY? 

This is the W that most hikers think they know the answer to but then they find themselves asking again somewhere around mile 500.  They may go on asking themselves this question for the duration of their thru-hike. Granny Hat remembers Mission saying that when he finished at the Canadian border, he was very satisfied that he hiked the whole trail but he couldn’t quite put the WHY in words. 

Christopher has already admitted that some days he asks himself “WHY am I doing this again?”  Granny Hat has listed the most common reasons hikers give for attempting a long thru hike like the PCT, AT or the CDT. She also added some silly ones she found on line: 

*For solitude 

*To escape from the daily grind 

*For the thrill of nature 

*Soul searching 

*Challenge yourself physically and mentally … 

*It’s a calling.  

*To prove to myself I can do it!  

*To learn what truly matters and what is really necessary to live fulfilled. Also, to learn to let go of one’s expectations.  

*When you’re disgusted with “civilization” there’s nothing like a good rolling of the feet to ease your mind.  

*Student Loans! The Machine can’t find you in the green tunnel. – Richard Tijerina (not linked to for obvious reasons, keep fighting the good fight) 

*Because it’s there… And it’s the only way I know to live off junk food and beer while losing weight and getting in shape. 

*The new people and relationships- made some lifelong friends and met the love o’ my life and talked her into moving to Iowa with me this summer. – Houdini and Legs  

Those trail names, though! 

Christopher loves the nature on the trail, enjoys talking to folks he meets and is adjusting physically to the demands of hiking every day.  He has no trouble sleeping on the trail and he is adept at making gourmet meals in the wild.  He says the loneliness and missing his family is the hardest part.  

Granny Hat can remember times in her life when she wished the noise would stop, dreamed that constant daily deadlines and interruptions would cease so she could be alone with her thoughts.  She imagines that every thru-hiker starts the trail with similar desires.   

At first the Sound of Silence is golden, but as the days go by, even the deepest thinker can begin to drown in their own musings.  How effective are thoughts without someone to run them by?  If there is no one to persuade to a point of view, what good is the debate?  Granny thinks that maybe we all need the mirror of our own people to keep us balanced and honest.  Still, the simplicity of nature can renew and heal.  Perhaps Granny can suggest some endings to the Why’s above: 

*For solitude…. so I can better appreciate and cultivate the relationships I have. 

*To escape from the daily grind…. so I can remember what my work is for.  

* For the thrill of nature…. and worship of My Creator. 

*Soul searching… what would God have me do next?  What is my creed?  What do I believe? 

Granny doesn’t know where to begin with the Student Loan guy hiding in the Green Tunnel. She thinks the “Machine” may catch up with him sooner or later.

Christopher met a fellow hiker last week named Stone who wears a kilt on the trail.  When he finishes the PCT this year, he will be a Double Triple Crowner.  That means he will have completed all three of the Big Trails – PCT, AT and CDT two times!  Perhaps Stone hasn’t figured the WHY yet so he just has to keep thru-hiking until the answer comes.   

“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with My eye upon you.”  Psalm 32:8 

“The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.”                        Proverbs 16:9 

The road is long 
With a many a winding turn 
That leads us to who knows where 
Who knows where 

But I’m strong 
Strong enough to walk with him (Granny’s poetic license) 
He ain’t heavy, he’s my brother  the Hollies 

BROTHERS !

It made Granny Hat very happy this past week that Mission (Stephan) flew out to California to hike for a few days with his older brother on the Pacific Crest Trail.   Cousins April, Ryan, Corban and Abigail were the first family trail angels to bless Christopher with some trail magic on his trek.  They brought grapefruit to ward off scurvy and delivered Mission to Big Bear City.  Christopher and Mission hiked from Big Bear to Wrightwood over six days.  

Granny would have loved to listen in on some of her sons’ trail conversations.  She hopes they solved some world problems. But if not, maybe at least they were able to trade in some civilization chaos for a walk in the peaceful wild.  Would you rather hear sirens all night in the city or see the glow of forest eyes watching you while you set up camp? Christopher and Mission would choose the latter. Granny isn’t sure what she would choose.

BEARS ! 

Mission hit the trail one morning a little early in the hopes of seeing some wildlife and he was not disappointed.  He saw a bear out foraging about 500 feet away in a ravine and then spotted a cougar darting from bush to bush.  By the time Christopher came up the trail, the mountain lion was gone but the bear was still in sight. 

BURGERS !

The brothers also enjoyed the traditional feeding frenzy at the thru hiker-famous McDonalds where the PCT crosses Interstate 15. 

Burgers and milkshakes for breakfast and the same again for lunch and then Subway sandwiches for the trail.  A little later on the trail they had a debate about milk shakes vs malts.  One of Granny’s boys declared that they are different and the other maintains they are essentially the same thing.  If Granny Hat’s sons weren’t solving some crucial universal issues, they were at least fielding some first world conundrums.  

BEDTIME !

The campsites and sunsets have been epic and except for one very windy canyon night, the hikers reported fairly good weather and beautiful scenery. When the hikers were young in the wilderness their dad taught them how to pick the perfect campsite.  Often, on a thru hike, expediency makes picking any somewhat flat place to camp necessary but when a sheltered spot with a view is possible it is an amazing reward at the end of the day.  

BLOOMS !

“It never rains in California, but girl, don’t they warn ya’, it pours, man it pours!”  The drought-ending, strawberry field-flooding, Tulare Lake-rebirthing rain of 2023 resulted in a wildflower bloom burst all through the deserts and mountains of Southern California.  Christopher and Mission sent gorgeous photos and even a video of a waterfall coming out of a huge ponderosa tree.   

 

BARE, not BEAR !

Somewhere up in them thar hills surrounding the Los Angeles Basin is a notorious hot springs called Deep Creek.  It is a much-anticipated soaking spot for tired hikers and their aching muscles.  It is also clothing optional, or so they say. Granny Hat wouldn’t know.  

The brothers decided it would be a good idea to make a promotional video for the attraction; they thought it might shock the family.  Christopher’s wife, Mandy, suspected that they were suffering from trail insanity and she is most likely correct. Maybe they got heat stroke from the hot springs, or simply got chased in by the birds and the bees. Perhaps they figured while in Cali, act like it.  Just 30 miles west in Hollywood, the celebrities are trying to rock the near-nude look so…….. while in Rome, or Riverside or whatever. 

Granny’s better half took the video project quite well, although he thought it was rather cheeky of the boys to make fun of things best left behind in the wild.  Granny may or may not have a few photos but this blog post is on the internet! Their claim of spotting several politicians and other celebrities at the springs has not been substantiated.  Granny doubts those types could even hike that far. 

She does have it on good authority that the video is posted on Christopher’s website: veteranhiking.com    It is titled Viewer Discretion Advised – VIEWER discretion indeed! Granny thinks there certainly wasn’t any on the part of the performers! It is comforting to know our Air Force was under such level-headed command in recent years. 

Don’t worry, all you readers with standards of decency and well-developed moral compasses, the video is 97% family friendly. That’s all the news from Deep Streak, or rather, Deep Creek.  Granny knows boys will be boys, but she also knows better than to give pre-teens a cam-corder. 

Over 400 miles for Christopher now!  

The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step. – Lao Tzu 

Since the PCT is over 2,000 miles, maybe best to start with two or three steps? 

 

BY MY SIDE !

Granny Hat’s Anthem Youth Choir sang folk and gospel music this spring. The lyrics to one of the favorites went like this: 

“We must walk this lonesome valley, we have to walk it by ourselves, 

Oh nobody else can walk it for us.  We have to walk it by ourselves. 

But I want you, Lord, to walk with me.  I want you, Lord, to walk with me. 

All along this lonesome valley, I want you, Lord, to walk with me.” 

Granny Hat is so glad that for a week, Christopher had a brother to walk with him.  Another cousin trail angel, Jacob Young, met the brothers, hiked with them for a bit and then taxied Mission back to civilization chaos.  Granny is so thankful for family. 

BADEN POWELL !

Granny Hat wants to add a few more photos of Christopher’s spectacular views from the trail and his ascent on snowy Mt. Baden Powell. As an Eagle Scout, he was honored to pay tribute to Baden Powell, founder of the Boy Scouts of America.

A Memorial Day Tribute to a couple of Granny Hat’s favorite veterans:

Granny Hat hopes all the moms reading this had a Happy Mother’s Day!  She remembers a time when Mother’s Day was a very busy Sunday indeed with a special brunch offered up by very excited, whispering kids that had to keep running down the hall to ask the woman of honor about food prep. Her little chefs are more adept and creative cooks than Granny now and she considers that a huge win.  

After breakfast with posies in a tea cup, off to church where the oldest kid always got to pick out a rose from the bucket to give to mom after service.  Kinda not fair and in a family of five, FAIR is a frequent discussion topic.  Our church graduated to chocolates for mom, thanks to a lovely and generous family that owned De Brito Candy Company. Good memories. 

This particular Mother’s Day, Granny is singing in Glacier Symphony & Chorale’s staged version of the opera Carmen, an interesting choice for a sacred day devoted to moms.  Granted, Don Jose sings a lovely song about a kiss sent from his mother but it’s really about the young and beautiful messenger, Michaela. The handsome lover then almost misses his mother’s death bed while busy chasing a two-timing gypsy all over Seville.  In a fit of troubled jealousy and regret, he mortally stabs Carmen and quite abruptly, the opera finishes with the words “Carmen, how I loved you.”  Yeah, right!  Mother’s, don’t let your babies grow up to be gypsies, tramps and thieves, or bullfighters.   

Instead, train them to be adventure seekers! You will be proud but never have a moment’s peace on Mother’s Day.  A year ago, Granny Hat received a text message from Mission on the Arizona Trail, wishing her a Happy Mom’s Day after walking through a nocturnal cougar hunting ground and stepping over countless Gila Monsters basking in the desert sun.   

This year, Granny’s PCT thru hiker is descending Mt. San Jacinto after peaking in the snow, thankfully with a group of fellow hikers.  Mt. San Jacinto is 10,834 ft above sea level and far from the highest peak or pass on the Pacific Crest Trail; but it is still a formidable climb made more complicated by 2023’s record- breaking California snow covering much of the trail at the highest elevations. Christopher says the mountain is “no joke, an incredible million-dollar view, hard work”. The peak is at 175.4 miles on the PCT. He reports there were no problems, even the stream crossing was smooth. He did text Granny and wish her a Happy Mother’s Day.

Christopher has been sending a video nearly every day and his wife downloads them onto his website so that is the best place to hear about his adventures in his own words.  veteranhiking.com    Granny is enjoying a new point of view from his reactions to the trek.  Remember HYOH?  Hike Your Own Hike has become a mantra, a confidence booster, often repeated when decisions have to be made on the trail, when a hiker may have to slow down to heal or change plans due to weather.  Christopher is covering the same miles as his younger brother Mission, but their trek stories are very unique and aspects of the trail have changed in 5 years.

For example, Granny became fascinated with Mission’s stories about the Trail Angels he would meet along the way.  Granny even got to be a Trail Angel once up on Steven’s Pass in WA, giving a ride to two hikers from their zero at Leavenworth back to the PCT.  Christopher has categorized these “good samaritan” phenomena into 3 categories:   Trail Angels, Trail Magic and Trail Hustlers. 

Trail Angels and Trail Magic are similar, people who offer rides, food, water, help and support to the hikers.  Trail Angels tend to be more inconspicuous, humble, often working individually.  Trail Magic folks are often more of a club, make quite a show of their generosity with pop-ups, fancy flags, names and signs. 

Christopher says to watch out for the third category: the Trail Hustle!  At first Granny thought he was going to tell about a new dance genre invented in the wild.  This is no dance, this is an invasion!  Granny has lived long enough to know that so many lovely things can be easily ruined by opportunistic greed.  Mission would report about Trail Angels giving rides into town for re-supply and not asking for a dime.  Some would actually turn down compensation while others would accept a buck or two for gas.  Christopher reports that now, before hopping in the car with a “trail angel”, it might be a good idea to first ask, “how much are you charging for the ride?”  There are self-made UBER drivers way out there in the wilderness that will charge $40 a pop for each rider after driving them 10 or 15 miles.  They may look like Trail Angels, but they are really Mercenaries. 

These mercenaries also lurk in the supply towns. Christopher tells a funny story about the shoe shop in Julian that tells you Altras are the only way to go so hikers pay attention and buy a pair. When they limp into Idyllwild, the advertised shoes of choice to fix all foot problems are Topos. There they will tell you that your hiking problems come down to the fact that you bought Altras in Julian. Then when you get farther north to Wrightwood, they will tell you that Topos just can’t compete with Altras. He is convinced the shoe shops are in cahoots. They have you over a barrel, little to no competition.  Your feet hurt and they’ll tell you lies and sell you shoes. When a trail hustler wants to overcharge for a hitch you can’t just step into the street and hail another taxi.  You can’t even Yelp any of the mercenaries!  You have needs and the hustlers are there to fleece you. Gypsies, tramps and thieves! 

Speaking of fleece, Christopher also reports that he has learned a powerful lesson about why hikers spend extra money on garments made from Merino Wool.  Polyester blends start stinking early in the journey and you can never fully get the “hiker funk” out of them even after soak, wash, rinse, repeat.  But wool wicks away moisture and the stench evaporates with the sweat.  It shouldn’t be a surprise; any self-respecting Merino lamb has standards.  Beware of mercenaries wearing Merino Wool, though. 

Granny’s better half was working in Southern California and was able to drive up to Idyllwild to spend a night with Christopher, who was taking a zero and getting re-supply. They ate dinner with a hiking group and got caught up on trail news. A merry meeting!

Christopher reports that he has met so many wonderful people from all over the world. He has a bit of origin envy, Granny thinks. Somebody will introduce themselves as being from Switzerland and everyone thinks that is cool. Someone else might hail from Saudi Arabia! Oh, that’s incredible, wow! Another is from France or Los Angeles, all great. Then Christopher says he’s from Nebraska. Everybody is like huh? Where’s that? He admits to exaggerating a little but says it’s amazing how many Americans don’t know where Nebraska is. Granny thinks this is funny; hikers live by maps, they buy expensive trail maps, sign up for GPS systems etc. Those fly-over states just don’t get any cred; they don’t even make it on the map!

“If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” African Proverb

The first 100 miles of the Pacific Crest Trail are packed with adventure but also with some blood, sweat and tears. Granny Hat is thankful that Christopher has a sense of humor and some camaraderie on the trail. He planned to by-pass the town of Julian, ignoring the aroma of fresh baked pie on the wind. However, as he put it, “I mean I like pie, but my feet really want pie and they’ve been mad that I wasn’t going to take them to get pie, so now I’m gonna go get pie, I guess.” He camped up on a ridge above Scissors Crossing and then the next down, hitched down to Julian for pie, new shoes and some toe socks.

Here Granny just has to blow her own horn, like a mild “I told you so”. She tried to tell the family weeks ago that toe socks weren’t just for Christmas gag gifts or nerds to wear with their Berkenstocks. No one listened……..Those socks are game changers when hiking. Mission convinced Granny to try them and now she’s a believer. Hopefully the toe socks and new shoes will help those PCT trail blisters heal.

Other points of interest Christopher has passed include Eagle Rock, made famous in the movie Wild, starring Reese Witherspoon. Mt. Laguna is another place of interest on the trail; the hikers were met with fierce winds and very cold weather up on the ridge. Christopher made it to Warner Springs for his first re-supply and passed the 100 mile marker. Many hikers are opting to go a bit slow in these first few weeks to acclimate, get their “hiking legs” and wait for snow farther north to melt.

With 10 days under his belt and 115 miles done, Christopher is looking forward to hiking 15 miles down to Paradise Valley Cafe tomorrow. He plans to pick up some supplies in Idyllwild before donning spikes for the trek over Mt. San Jacinto. He says there were many hikers hanging out down at Caliente Creek, cooling their feet in the water.

Flora………. (profuse blooms this year thanks to the wet California winter)

and Fauna! Granny had to put her glasses on to see these camo creatures.

If my readers would enjoy watching some videos and hearing the hiker speak for himself, those are downloaded on his website now:

veteranhiking.com

Early morning cappuccino on the trail! Who says you can’t enjoy the comforts of home on the Pacific Crest Trail?

Roads go ever ever on,
Over rock and under tree,
By caves where never sun has shone,
By streams that never find the sea;
Over snow by winter sown,
And through the merry flowers of June,
Over grass and over stone,

The Road goes ever on and on
Down from the door where it began.
Now far ahead the Road has gone,
And I must follow, if I can,
Pursuing it with weary feet,
Until it joins some larger way,
Where many paths and errands meet.
And whither then? I cannot say.
And under mountains in the moon.

J.R.R. Tolkien

Granny Hat’s favorite color is NOT yellow even though daffodils are her favorite flowers. Granny admittedly wears a lot of pink and of course, black; it’s a musician thing. She loves the sparking white of the snow and the turquoise blue of northern alpine lakes. But without a doubt, Granny Hat’s favorite color is green, the color of new growth, promise of fruit, life itself.

Miss Green hitched a May Day ride on a warm Chinook racing up from Flathead Lake. She announced far and wide that it is Suddenly Spring and all the winter white agrees, melting off the Swan Range and cascading into the rivers. Granny watched families rafting on the Flathead today, no wet suits, shorts and tank tops in the 80-degree breeze. They better not fall in the water; it is mysteriously dark and cold still. Granny’s neighborhood is celebrating the green but there is still time for snow to fall. “It isn’t Memorial Day yet”, as the local old-timer farmers say.

Granny Hat’s kitchen table is covered again with lime green seedlings and the garlic is 8 inches tall out in the corral garden. This year she added asparagus starts from her neighbors, red and yellow raspberries and a rhubarb plant to go with the strawberry patch. She can already taste that Strawberry Rhubarb pie. Dad broke ground on a greenhouse, should keep everyone busy for a while.

Meanwhile, in the southern California desert, Granny’s eldest has commenced the Pacific Crest Trail, a long-awaited adventure. He was accompanied to the Southern PCT Terminus on the California/Mexico border by his wife Mandy and youngest son, Blaze.

Granny Hat wasn’t there to experience the send- off, but she was able to interview a material witness, 12 year old grandson Blaze:

Granny Hat: Blaze, what did you think of the southern PCT terminus?

Blaze: The monument was made of wood, I thought it would be stone. The border wall is way bigger and longer than I expected. There was a wide road all along it for the border patrol vehicles. There were a lot of people at the trail head to help with sign- in and just watching the hikers leave. They told dad where water could be found on the trail and warned him that there was a rattlesnake spotted at mile 8.

Granny Hat: Was your dad nervous?

Blaze: As we drove up Dad said, “This is crazy! Somebody stop me!” I think he was a little nervous.

Granny Hat: Were you nervous for your dad?

Blaze: When we were pulling up, we were all nervous. We got to walk a few miles with him on the trail and then it was time for him to go ahead and he just disappeared into the bushes. It was disconcerting to see him leave. As mom and I drove away, I got carsick. I don’t think it was nerves; I think it was the windy road.

Granny Hat: Was it already hot in the desert?

Blaze: It was really hot. Dad was wearing long pants and a sweatshirt; don’t know how he could do that. It was very green though from all the rain they got in California. I didn’t expect that.

Granny Hat: I heard you got to do some fun things in Southern California before you took your dad to the trail.

Blaze: We got to go to Disneyland and Disney California. That was really fun. I liked the Cars Ride and the Radiator Springs town, but my favorite ride was Guardians of the Galaxy that used to be Tower of Terror. Grandma, you have to go on that ride, but watch the movie first. We also went to Medieval Times and our blue knight won. Dad’s team wins every time he goes to Medieval Times.

Granny Hat: Now that he has been on the PCT for a few days, do you have any impressions?

Blaze: I think it’s cool that he’s doing this, and I really like that he’s been sending notifications, you know, videos and pictures.

Granny Hat: If you could give your dad a trail name, what would it be?

Blaze: Determined! Maybe that isn’t really a name, but it describes dad. His call sign nickname from the Air Force is cool too, Heat.

Christopher is still awaiting a trail name. For new readers, Granny will explain. It is traditional for thru hikers to adopt a Trail Name. Some choose their own moniker, but she has it on good authority that this practice is fudging. Your trail name should be given you by a fellow traveler who notices something remarkable, funny, silly even about you and your hiking habits. The hikers use these names to sign in at rest stops and to introduce themselves to other trekkers.

According to a web site called Halfway Anywhere, this is an important, weighty tradition:

“Simply put, a trail name is the name you assume to be reborn with on the trail. Thru-hikers do not answer to the arbitrary labels bestowed upon them at their birth without their input or consent. The subtle power exerted by your parents or guardians over you during the course of your life holds no weight on the trail. The trail is a place of freedom and liberation from the shackles of societal norms. The trail is a place for you to find yourself, to become Hummingbird or Bearclaw. If you want the full PCT experience, then you need a trail name. You can’t call yourself a thru-hiker without one. ” !!! SO THERE!

Granny read lists of these trail names in the Kennedy Meadow’s roster several years ago. Some sound heroic like Aragorn or Odysseus. Others were just very descriptive; Long Shanks, Carrot Top, Smiley, Silver Fox. Still others address food cravings a hiker might have; Cookie Monster, Pancake, Vegemite. And then there are determination names; Sensei, Pilgrim, Mission. Funny names include Generic Eric, Skinny Dip (Granny wonders about that one), Stinky Pete and Pants on Fire (Granny is also curious about this one). For now, “Christopher” is hiking the trail; Granny hopes a decent, memorable trail name will be bestowed on him.

In Christopher’s words:

“My feet are great, little bit of back pain, but my hip flexors? We had a little discussion, and they were like “pssst, we hate you”. So, gonna stretch those out, make dinner. I’m actually camped at Boulder Oaks Camp, had to pay a little fee but it’s got water and I don’t have to dig a hole…….. It is a beautiful night, really gorgeous but it is a little lonely. I’ve met a lot of people, they’re all great but they’re all 20!”

“Hi family, today we are going to walk and talk. Today was no joke, started at Boulder Oaks and I was like ‘eh, 15 miles, it’ll be no big deal.’ No, that 15 miles to Mt. Laguna was brutal, I do have blisters now, but my hip flexors are fine. I gave them some dried capers and they were happy with that, but my calves – they’re now mad so I’ll give them some Mt. House Creme Brulee tomorrow and they’ll be fine. I’m walking to a tavern in Mt. Laguna, I’ll have a burger or something. Came into camp here and the Wolverines of the PCT, basically a cult, they clapped for me and had a tent spot for me and a beer. I’m not a big fan of cults but hey, I’ll join this one for the night. Hard day but good. Darwin on the Trail, I follow him, and he said the third day is always a good day of hiking of any thru hike. I don’t know if that’s entirely true, day was tough but for me it was really good.”

(Granny Hat had never heard of the Wolverines of the PCT, maybe they weren’t around when Mission hiked the PCT in 20218 but she looked them up and they are a group of PCT hikers who have become trail angels and they take their calling very seriously, shall we say.)

“Day Four and I came over this ridge, had a really nice view, but the wind was ripping my tent apart, literally apart, so I said, I’m going press on and go far until I find something, so I found this great spot sheltered in the brush, hardly any wind, it’s awesome and super quiet. I can snore as loud as I want to.

One thing, prepare yourselves, this could get emotional. Day Two was rough, I was like ‘what am I doing? This is the stupidest thing ever, what am I doing, why?’ I’m still working on the why. I’ll tell you later.”

 

I will raise my eyes to the mountains;
From where will my help come?
 My help comes from the Lord,
who made heaven and earth.
He will not allow your foot to slip;
He who watches over you will not slumber.
Behold, He who watches over Israel
will neither slumber nor sleep.

The Lord watches over you;
The Lord is your shade at your right hand.
The sun will not harm you by day,
nor the moon by night.
The Lord will protect you from all evil;
He will keep your soul.
The Lord will watch over your coming and going
both now and forevermore. Psalm 121

Granny Hat sat watching a delightful, local children’s production of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.  One of her Anthem Youth Choir kids was a lead, Jemima Potts. Grandkids were clapping and cheering, just having the time of their lives. The little girl was sitting in Grandpa’s lap between her papa and Granny. 

Suddenly, a dark, sinister figure entered stage left, draped in black with a long, ugly, warty nose. He seemed to be…yes, indeed he was!…. sniffing for children to capture!  Granny’s little granddaughter didn’t skip a beat; she dove headlong off Grandpa’s lap and into her papa’s, just disappearing into his arms. 

It has been that kind of week, a tragic week for fathers and children, for teachers and students, for our country.  The picture on the news of the Covenant Presbyterian Pastor with his little daughter in his arms, his daughter that is now home with Jesus!  Granny just can’t get it out of her head; she is comforted in the knowledge that she didn’t just leave and disappear.  She fell into her heavenly Father’s arms, the only truly safe place. 

A shelter in the time of storm, that is what we all need more than ever.  Is it just Granny’s age or have difficult times seemed to be rolling in like the atmospheric rivers in California?  Is the earth in early stages of labor?  Is it time to form a circle, hold hands, stare into the sky and sing Maranatha or Kum Ba Yah? Or is there more we can do? Was Oliver Cromwell right?  

“Put your trust in God, my boys, but mind to keep your powder dry.”  

Certainly, there are more prayers to be prayed, more lost to be found.  If there was ever a time to be “leaning on the everlasting arms”, it is now.  Granny Hat is reminded of an old Maranatha song by the band Daniel Amos: 

” ‘Alright, okay, oh yeah’ 
They nod their heads in unanimous approval 
And it makes you feel good ’till the night wind calls 
And the darkness comes whispering down the halls 
And you’re a scared little child who dreams he falls, come 
 
Fall in your father’s arms 
Fall in your father’s arms 
Fall in your father’s arms” 

Granny Hat’s firstborn, Christopher, went everywhere in his father’s arms.  If he wasn’t in arms, he would have been in a backpack up the slopes of Lassen, all over Yosemite, one of those old Gerry Carriers with huge aluminum supports. Baby equipment has come so far! There never was a little lad who loved a trail more than Christopher. He would cry if there wasn’t time to wander down a tree covered path in the wild.  

Christopher’s trail hopes and dreams came true as he backpacked up and down the Sierra and Ventana wildernesses with his dad and the Boy Scouts. Then, after college, Christopher began serving as an officer in the USAF. For over 20 years there wasn’t much time for getting lost on a mountain trail. He is retiring from his career as a Lt. Colonel this week.   

His love for the trail did not die while he flew missions far and wide, it is alive as ever; the call of the wild is something you can put on the back burner but can’t get rid of altogether.  So, he has a Pacific Crest Trail permit for April 27, 2023.  Here we go again! 

Granny will write about Christopher’s trek; she must do so to keep worry at bay and live vicariously through the epic adventures he will have.  He followed his younger brother Mission’s PCT thru hike in 2018 and they have had some long discussions about the trail.  Christopher also has dehydrated and vacuum sealed his own trail meals.  His son, Blaze, told Granny Hat on the phone last night, “I’m not worried about my dad on the trail, he is super prepared.”  The priority re-supply boxes are packed and stacked and ready to go. He has a website for the hike:  www.veteranhiking.com  

Keep the faith, my readers.   

“What have I to dread, what have I to fear, 
Leaning on the everlasting arms? 
I have blessed peace with my Lord so near, 
Leaning on the everlasting arms 

Leaning, leaning, safe and secure from all alarms. 

Leaning, leaning, leaning on the everlasting arms.” 

Iris Dement 

Granny Hat recently got caught up on the “Readolutions” 2023 Train. It came puffing and chugging into town right about the time the giant potato in Idaho dropped. Suddenly, it seems like book clubs and reading lists are the ticket!  Everywhere she looks, friends and family members are boarding the Book Train hoping to read their way to more better smartness and maybe a clearer understanding of what to do and how to be in such a crazy world. Granny does not want to be left at the station.  Toot! Toot!

Granny Hat has always loved classical fiction and mystery, with a dabble in fantasy and science fiction as long as it is Tolkien or C.S. Lewis.  She will rarely pick up a non-fiction treatise on science, philosophy or theology.  Even biographies aren’t her favorites; they often fall into the category Gordon Lightfoot sings about “and you won’t read that book again, because the ending’s just too hard to take”.  Granny loves a happy ending or, at least, one with some redemption.  Real life doesn’t always wrap up like a fairy tale or with an obvious, satisfying truth. 

They say it is a brave new world though. Granny Hat realizes if she is to be equipped to give an answer or perhaps counter a dangerous fallacy, she may need to switch the rails and explore some other genres.  (Although, she still maintains that if you want to make sense of modern society and get prepared to make a difference, read To Kill a Mockingbird, Tale of Two Cities, Count of Monte Cristo, Lord of the Rings, even Jane Eyre!)  There is nothing new under the sun; the old classics’ lessons still stand.  

Granny started her journey this year with some titles that have been collecting dust on her bookshelf for years or read so long ago that she can’t remember much of what they had to say.  The first pile includes the Francis Schaeffer Trilogy, The War on Cops by Heather Mac Donald, Collected Lyrics by Edna St. Vincent Millay, Foxe’s Book of Martyrs and Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis. Granny’s Bible sits on the bottom of the tower because it is the foundational book she clings to; all others to be studied through its filter.  She is currently reading through Isaiah.  Was it written last month?  Still as timely and true as ever!  

This post is not a book review, but something jumped off the page that Granny wants………no, needs to share.  

Foxe’s Book of Martyrs is not a feel good, feet – up – on – the – lounge chair sort of book.  It is a nail-bitin’, doom and gloom sort of book.  It definitely belongs on Lightfoot’s list with one tragic early church biography after another. But if Granny Hat wanted a kick in the pants to stop complaining, adopt a plan and start shining her little light, then Foxe for the win! Plus, she learned a new term: 

“the streets were always full of people who were desirous to see and gratify him; especially at Nuremberg, where there were many curates who came unto him, desiring him that that they might talk with him secretly, unto whom he answered: that he loved much rather to show forth his mind openly before all men than in Hugger-Mugger, for he would keep nothing close or hidden.”  biography of John Huss, martyred for the faith July 6, 1415. 

Hugger – Mugger?   Granny had never heard that term before. She learned it can mean “untidy”, sort of like harum-scarum or it can mean to “conceal or smuggle”. John Huss had one up on all of us when it came to courage.  Granny Hat thinks she prefers to hugger-mugger or to be IN a hugger mugger; it is uncertain whether it is best used as a noun or a verb.  Whatever would keep her safe and warm and out of trouble, that’s what Granny wants.  She can just sip tea and pray for change in her hugger-mugger but what if God calls her to “be strong and courageous, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go” and then asks her to march around some walls and blow trumpets? 

Anyway, Granny Hat is doing some soul searching while the rails keep clicking along. Some of you are way ahead on the tracks, do share what you are reading in 2023 or what you would recommend from your journey. And it’s not too late to join us on the Readolutions 2023 Train!  Get your Ticket to Read! All Aboard! 

Upcoming!  Granny’s eldest son has his Pacific Crest Trail Permit for this coming summer season.  Stay posted!  He has collaborated with younger brother Mission, studied the maps and is busy smoking/drying his own jerky and vacuum sealing meals for the trip.  Once again, Granny Hat and her friends can enjoy an armchair view of a wild and woolly adventure.  She asks herself why she didn’t raise all her kids to just stay put in their hugger-mugger, bloom where they are planted and be safe. 

Spring is on the way! Somewhere! 

“Teach us to number our days, that we may present to Thee a heart of wisdom.” Psalm 90:12

Granny Hat and her better half are celebrating their first trip around the sun in the Treasure State. They have partied hard with family and friends all the live-long day (and days are very long here). This afternoon you will find Granny in the cool shade of a paper birch tree with her feet up for a summer siesta and a stock- taking look at what she has learned. Granny is a firm believer in life-long learning. She knows now that one of the best things about relocating is that it requires embracing a different outlook, new grooves and a fresh start. The learning curve is long but rewarding. Here are a few things Granny Hat has learned or been reminded of as she has counted the days of the first year in a new place.

Country folks are country folks no matter the weather. It isn’t WHAT you know, it’s WHO you know. Granny has been blessed with friendly, helpful, sharing neighbors that have offered her a wealth of sage, seasoned wisdom about everything from gardening in northern climes to driving on icy winter roads.

Gardens DO grow in Northwest Montana but you might just have to……. wait…. for…. it……. Granny never heard of “feeling” the soil until this summer. But her gardening neighbors, Mark and Monica, assured her there would come a day when the soil would finally be warm to the touch, really warm. Then those delicate plants, who spent weeks just staring at the big sky waiting for life to begin, doubled in size overnight. It may be August but finally Granny’s corn is as high as the proverbial elephant’s eye…. well, maybe a baby elephant! Pumpkins are starting to peek out from under their leafy canopies, green beans and zucchini abound! Peppers, rosy red tomatoes, cilantro, tomatillos, onions and garlic for zesty salsa or pico de gallo grow gangbusters in Montana’s long, hot summer days…….and yet….

It is nearly impossible to find a legitimate burrito in the entire Treasure State. Granny Hat, Dad and the grandsons found one humble, unassuming taco truck called La Fiesta Mexicana in Dillon Montana that knows what is what when it comes to Mexican food. But Dillon is 4 hours away! Closer to home is a quaint place called La Casita on the way to Glacier National Park that only opens for lunch in the summer and only when they feel like it. But their burritos and tacos are the real deal and their sauces are award winning. If a fresh lime comes with your chili relleno, yeah, that’s not native!

Montana gophers are not as smart as California gophers.(this from the Mighty Gopher Hunter, Granny’s better half!)

There truly is a bigger sky above the 45th parallel; “they” say that the illusion of Big Sky just has to do with sparse population and few city structures blocking the view, but Granny Hat thinks there are other reasons. There are almost always clouds, even on a hot sunny day and they move so quickly they give the sky a three-dimensional quality. Except for the occasional fire season haze, the sky in Montana is crystal clear and looks expansive. And Granny wonders about the latitude – the sun’s path from rising to setting is somewhat diagonal making the sky seem stretched.

“The heavens declare the glory of God and the firmament shows His handiwork.” Psalm 19:1

Granny Hat and dad are not the only California refugees who came up with the brilliant idea of heading far north to Montana. To quote America, the band, “Everyone I meet is from California! There’s dancin’ in the streets in California.” Only, these days you might have to replace the word “dancin’” with something else. Granny doesn’t even want to go there……..

Despite a steady influx of people in the Treasure State, the wildlife still ventures confidently on ancient paths right through fields and over neighborhood fences to graze and forage; elk, deer, wild turkeys, bears, even the occasional moose are not daunted by tractors and side by sides. They still own the land. A mama black bear and her two cubs have been spotted across Granny’s street.

Granny Hat worried about missing the Pacific Ocean when she moved. She is happy to report that there are beaches in the Rocky Mountains without annoying tides or deadly sharks. The glacial water is still something to be respected though; it can be very cold and might capriciously capsize a canoe and carry off your lunch. Dad learned this recently. The rivers in Granny’s valley look lazy but, in this case, the still waters are not deep, the deep waters race pell mell south to see who can first reach Flathead Lake, a lake so large you can spend an afternoon sitting on its banks and imagine an ocean view.

Granny and dad have been reminded this summer that they are loved. So many family and friends came to visit. It was a treat to show them new places and spend time hiking, rafting, fishing, cherry picking, ice cream parlor sampling, picnicking, sightseeing and alpine sliding! A special treat was having Tennessee granddaughters come in May for a long stay and some Nebraska grandsons who spent several summer weeks in Montana.

Wasps of all sorts, yellow jackets, hornets and their ilk, flourish here. They don’t have long for a summer dance before cold weather returns so they build paper nests overnight, lay eggs, hatch and attack with a vengeance. Granny’s better half has also become the “Mighty Hornet Hunter”, venturing out in the cool mornings on the offense. Apparently, some wasps nest in abandoned ground-squirrel holes and come swarming up from the deep when you least suspect. This is common up on Granny’s grandkids’ mountain. Owls to the rescue! We will all be putting up owl boxes this coming year. The woods here are home to Great Horned, Barred, Snowy, Screech, and Boreal Owl among others. Come one, come all!

Granny Hat learned just how quickly a year goes by, each day tumbles to the next, every season melts away. So the next lesson on her continuing education list has nothing to do with location, moving or Big Sky. This word from her heart is universal and nationwide. We need a revival in our land, a return to our judeo-christian roots, really a renewed love for the Word of God which never returns void (Isaiah 55:11), pierces our heart judging our thoughts and intentions (Hebrews 4:11) and is a lamp that lights the path we should walk (Psalm 119:105).

2022 has been another year of extreme division in our nation, in our society, in families and in the church. Believers in Jesus Christ aren’t salty enough in Granny’s opinion (she has been told recently to always say “in my opinion” even when she is quoting someone else’s opinions). We have fallen asleep to the lulling sounds of our peace and prosperity symphony. We don’t stand up for much and we speak in hushed tones about our convictions. Maybe this is changing, Granny sees signs of a great awakening. The years fly by, we must redeem the time. Make every day count!

On Sunday, Granny was reminded of the power of the smallest book in the New Testament, Jude. The writer appeals to his readers to “contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints.” Contending isn’t popular, can almost be seen as confrontational, it certainly isn’t all-inclusive and it is opinionated. Without love, it can easily become Contention. Granny is hoping to learn more about contending for the faith with love and mercy in her heart.

Lastly, Granny was reminded by her garden that we reap what we sow. There are some mystery plants out there that Granny didn’t mark very well – they are some sort of gourd type vegetables, maybe pumpkins, maybe squashes. Granny Hat will have to wait until the fruit is mature to identify them. The fruit is the ultimate tell- tale verdict. Be care what you sow, what you water, what you tend.

“For they sow the wind, and they reap the whirlwind.” Hosea 8:7

“Every day is a journal page, Every man holds a quill and ink, And there’s plenty of room for writing in All we do and believe and think. So will you compose a curse Or will today bring blessing? Fill the page with rhyming verse Or some random sketching.

Teach us to count the days, Teach us to make the days count, Lead us in better ways. Somehow our souls forgot Life means so much, life means so much…

Every day is a bank account. And time is our currency. So no one’s rich, nobody’s poor. We get twenty-four hours each. So how are you gonna spend? Will you invest or squander? Try to get ahead Or help someone who’s under? Teach us to count the days….” Chris Rice

Happy rest of summer!

Granny Hat wrote a while ago about how there is “summer in every seed”. She just didn’t realize how much summer! Granny has been mowing and weeding and trimming and watering and mowing and weeding……..; it never ends.

The jolly plant lady down at the Garden Center says you must wait to plant until the snow melts off the mountain peaks right above Granny’s house. That nursery woman is jolly because no one ever listens to her; they plant flowers in late April, but Dame May decides to snow and hail so then they all have to trot back down to the Garden Center to start over with new plants. It’s a win win for the friendly floriculturist, she must be laughing all the way to the bank. Happily, for her, plants don’t come with guarantees or warranties.

Granny Hat loves the lessons she learns from gardening. Starting with seeds; they are dry and dead looking, hard to believe they will ever amount to anything. When we bury them under the soil, they are out of sight but never out of mind. Waiting for them to grow requires patience and hope. And a little worry, truth be told. Will they really ever sprout? Are they getting enough water? Perhaps too much water? The promise of a living organism demands warmth, water, nutrients and TLC. So, the gardener mists, sets the sod pots in one sunny window then another, always watching and counting the days. When the bursts of green finally stretch toward the sun, there is such sweet joy. There was life in that dead- looking seed after all, created to thrive, drink up the light.

In the Northern Rockies Spring may be sneaky but Summer is SUDDEN. Granny Hat never understood the story of Jack and the Beanstalk until she moved to a Suddenly Summer climate. She can literally watch the grass grow and when she closes her eyes, she is sure to hear the vines creep along the fence. The garlic that sprouted through the snow in March, then just stood there patiently in the wind and the rain suddenly sprouted “scapes” over night!

Flowers love the extreme long days. The sun goes down near 10 pm but the sky stays light until 10:45. The growing season is short, but the plants know how to make up for lost time. They were created to grow.

Back in Sneaky Spring, Granny decided to celebrate seed-starting season by teaching kids in Joyful Noise Sunday School the time-honored Dan Wittenmore song, Little Bitty Seeds. It is a favorite with the children because it has crazy-fun motions and tells the Parable of the Sower from the Gospels. Granny introduced the song around Easter time as little, round, hard millet seeds were sown in Resurrection Gardens. The kids got busy sprinkling way too much millet which sprouted into a jungle of very tall grass in just two weeks. So much beautiful green life in the tiniest of seeds!

“The Word of God is like little bitty seeds, scattered all around. The Word of God is like little bitty seeds, scattered all around. Some on the road, some in the weeds,
but everywhere you look you find little bitty seeds.
The Word of God is like little bitty seeds, scattered all around.”

What a beautiful way to describe the Word of God, seeds that can be scattered, broadcasted and shared. It has also been described as “a lamp unto our feet”, “the bread of life”, “sweeter than honey in the honeycomb”, “living and active” & “became flesh and dwelt among us”. In other words, the Word of God is alive! It moves, grows, changes hearts. And who doesn’t like bread and honey?

“I want the Word to grow in my heart like seed on fertile ground. I want the Word to grow in my heart like seed on fertile ground. Watered by the Spirit, touched by the Son and living like I should til the harvest comes. I want the Word to grow in my heart like seed on fertile ground.”

Granny Hat loves the joy on the kids’ faces when they sing about those little bitty seeds. She hopes and prays they will have fertile hearts, grow to love the Word of God, to listen to it, learn from it and be changed. May they grow up convicted that what God creates is a promise, that life is sacred and that seeds buried in the ground are waiting to sprout and thrive. Suddenly Summer!

“Sing them over again to me, wonderful words of life,
Let me more of their beauty see, wonderful words of life,…
Beautiful words, wonderful words, wonderful words of life.” Philip P. Bliss

From Granny’s heart:
Granny Hat was 14 years old when the Roe v Wade decision was passed by the United States Supreme Court on January 22, 1973. (now you know how old she is!) She doesn’t remember people talking about it, the issue was all hush-hush. Granny was an adult before she learned just how lucrative and pervasive the abortion industry is.

Granny was privileged to work at a pregnancy center which offered free pregnancy tests, ultrasounds, STD testing and pre-natal counseling for families. The staff offered alternatives to Planned Parenthood’s appalling remedy for pregnancy.

Granny Hat especially loved the Walk for Life Rally in San Francisco and the local ones sponsored by the HPC. She heard Abby Johnson (And Then There Were None, https://abbj.com) and Shawn Carney ( 40daysforlife.com) speak and was inspired by the courage of these intelligent pro-life advocates. It was moving when thousands of people bowed their heads in prayer, begging God to turn the tide, to put the promise of life on our nation’s heart and bring an end to the infanticide.

We will have to wait for heaven for all things to be made right, every tear wiped away. Here on earth there is still much ground to cover but Granny Hat is celebrating with deep gratitude for the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v Wade on June 24, 2022. What a wonderful Suddenly Summer thing to happen in our country!

She thinks we should still memorialize January 22 as a Day of Remembrance for the hundreds of thousands of babies whose lives were taken. And now there is a new day to celebrate – June 24! A day to stand up and boldly proclaim that life is a gift from God, a sacred promise. A day to purpose to meet needs in our community that arise from desperate circumstances. A day to:

“Speak life, speak life to the deadest darkest night.
Speak life, speak life when the sun won’t shine and you don’t know why, Look into the eyes of the broken hearted,
Watch them come alive as soon as you speak hope,
You speak love, you speak life.” (Toby Mac)

But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint” (Isa. 40:31).

Granny Hat enjoyed a weekend of celebrating milestones. Mission finished his AZT adventure and grandson Dakota graduated Magna Cum Laud from Papillion La Vista High School in Nebraska.

Life’s journeys are a mixed bag; plenty of tears, labor, pain, fear, triumph and joy. And such relief at the completion! Mark Twain said it short and sweet, as usual: “The secret of getting ahead is getting started.” Granny believes in the “one foot in front of the other” approach to life.

Mission’s last AZT, Grand Canyon photos:

Thank you for following, reading and praying!