Fall arrived today. We woke up to our tents covered with ice, not frost, real solid ice. And, it was darn chilly!

Today has been a roller coaster day of emotions. Woke up this morning determined, regardless of my stupid foot, to continue the Journey. Limping into the breakfast area Dave and Charlie cornered me and proposed an alternative. Our next leg, that we were supposed to begin today, is a four-day backpack that is expected to take only 3 days. The fourth day was to be a day off if we selected to finish in three. Dave and Charlie suggested, if the Trek Team agreed - meaning Mike and Charlotte since Rob is back in New York for the 9/11 commemorative - that we take today off and then we would have to do the hike in three days to keep on schedule. My dear (though sometimes nutty Team mates) agreed so that I would have an extra day to keep off my foot. Then Charlie arranged an appointment with an orthopedist to have my foot checked. At 11:30 it was off to the Jackson hospital, a very modern one, and within one hour had checked in, had my foot x-rayed, seen the doctor, been diagnosed with just a torn ligament (thank goodness no broken bones), been fitted with a really nifty ankle/foot brace (that only allows my foot to move the way it is supposed to), and been told by the doctor that if I wanted to go hike that I should go on and go. It was a pretty happy Trekker that walked out of the hospital with barely a limp. Thank you Dr. Rork!

During the very few moments that I was waiting for my foot to be x-rayed I started a conversation with two other women waiting, one about my age and another a few years older. Of course it was a good excuse to tell about American Frontiers and to hand out our new business cards that give the web site address. As it turned out the first woman and her husband were outfitters that used the same slick, slimy trail that we had just covered and asked if we had seen any evidence of cattle on the trail. I replied that we certainly had and that they had caused a significant impact on the trail. She also introduced me to the second woman who prior to retirement had worked for the local Forest Ranger District for 20 years. While a brief discussion it was interesting to hear their points of view and concerns, particularly on public land grazing. Personally, as a firm believer in multiple-use of public land, I see a place for outfitters and grazing interests among many other activities. However, all public land stakeholders have a responsibility to minimize their impacts on other activities as well as care for the resources.

The entire afternoon I spent going through my backpack with Charlie reducing weight and bulk. It’s going to be a well-organized and much lighter pack I’m carrying tomorrow. But, then tonight I received another proposal, more a directive, that Stephen (our 18 year old General Support Team member and several time past hiking accomplice) would be joining us and would be carrying part of my backpack items to lighten the weight. At this point I’ll agree to almost anything as long as I get to proceed but feel very guilty that someone else has to literally shoulder my responsibility. However, if all goes well, I get to claim all of my goods the second day out. But all of this has been another example of what exceptional and kind people I am getting to spend this two months of my life with and that no individual is as strong as a committed team.

We had the most incredible dinner tonight put together by Cheryl and Michelle, BBQ fresh salmon, sautéed asparagus, and basmati rice with pine nuts. This Team (Support and Trekker alike) likes to eat and really appreciate good food as one might gather from our frequent (or at least mine) entries regarding eating. I’m now setting, warm and comfortable in the RV completing this entry. Bob V and Michelle are working at the RV table on theirs. Soon it will be bedtime with interesting sleeping arrangements for tonight. Due to the ice on the tents this a.m. and departure for a three-day backpack the Trek Team, Bob V (first alternate - replacing Rob while he is in New York), Stephen and Kevin are sleeping in the RV (seldom allowed) and under the kitchen/eating/duffle bag tent. I opted for the tent, as I’m not sure how comfortable I’d be enclosed in an RV at this point. It’s also just a gorgeous night with a sliver of a new moon and a zillion bright stars in the sky. From the Journey, dana