My morning cup of joe is what compels me to get out of bed. Sipping on my first cup of coffee is admittedly one of my favorite moments of the day, and I savor it. I've turned it into a whole ritual and while it's brewing, I typically do some minor chores like make the … Continue reading Mornin’ Joe
Thich Nhat Hanh is well known in the circle of those that study mindfulness. I first became familiar with his work after reading his book Living Buddha, Living Christ and I enjoyed his simple yet profound insights into the similarities of Buddha and Christ. It's been many years since I've read this book and I think it's … Continue reading Ten Mindful Movements with Thich Nhat Hanh
I'm resistant. I don't want to move. I'm spiraling down. I just want to stay put. I notice my lethargy and a dipping of my mood, for no apparent reason. A caving in sort of feeling. I know I 'should' move, but I don't want to. I notice the 'should' and I notice it is … Continue reading A Walk in the Park Brings Joyful Awareness
I fell asleep last night with views through my window of the star filled night and a bright crescent moon on the Western Horizon. I wake to the orange glow of the mountains as they are set on fire by the rising sun. It's cool, almost cold. I hurry to make my coffee and wrap … Continue reading Coming out of the Shadows
I let out a small shriek when someone grabs me from behind at the Las Vegas baggage claim. Imagine my delight at seeing my sweetie after a whole month. He goes the extra mile for me by coming in to see me when it would have been so much easier for him to wait in … Continue reading Sweet Reunion
6.22.16 (JMT) Wed. We wake with a strong determination to get on the trail asap. I've already spied a lone hiker heading for the summit. I test out the snow around me and find it's hard and crunchy. This is what we want. But the morning is bright and warmer than we expected at this … Continue reading John Muir Trail-Donahue Pass to Lyell Canyon
6.21.16 (Tues) JMT We wake at 6:30 am to a bright clear sky. We take 3 hours to break camp. Very hard to leave such a beautiful site. We hike out and back up the same trail we descended last night. Up, up, up. I'm short of breath. I stop every 50-100 paces and breathe. … Continue reading John Muir Trail – Thousand Island to Southern Base of Donahue Pass
6.20.16 (Mon) JMT We take a long time to pack up camp and head out at 10am, reluctantly leaving our gorgeous views of Banner and Ritter and Shadow Lake. I think we were more leisurely since we proved to ourselves the first day that we could do lots of hard mileage, and we had plenty … Continue reading John Muir Trail – Shadow Lake to Thousand Island Lake
6.19.16 (Sun) JMT Cold this morning. Slept pretty good, up with the morning sun. Weather clear. Breakfast today and for the next several days consists of Muesli, premixed with protein powder, and a cup of instant black coffee. We mix each with water before consuming. I also add some raisins and nuts to the cereal … Continue reading John Muir Trail – Devil’s Postpile to Shadow Lake
6.18.16 (Sat) JMT Chris and I leave early this morning from Darwin for the 100 + miles to Mammoth Lakes where we park Ruby, our 2000 Mazda truck. Finding a parking place in this adventure town is no easy task, as the place is teaming with bikers, hikers, skiers, snow boarders, kayakers, and all kinds … Continue reading John Muir Trail-Red’s Meadow Campground
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