Letter to family in the middle of the night

We had an amazing first day. It's been emotionally overwhelming to actually be out here beautiful weather until the rain came at 7PM We got in our tents to wait it out and fell asleep. It's 3 am and still pouring rain. Good news is we are dry and warm in our tent. Bad news is I can't sleep after 8 hours of sleep. We are in an area that is having bear trouble so walking before daylight is not an option.

Lots of people out here right now from everywhere. Denmark, Germany, Oregon to name a few from today.
Blessings,

Mark doesn't have a trail name yet. Many have come up but nothing has stuck. On the way here we ate at Chick Filet and the woman at register asked his name, he said "Mark" and she replied "Barney". We've laughed quite a bit about that so it could be Barney. Lol

Love you all and thinking about you. Lots of time for prayer out here so please let me know if there is something special I can pray for you. Otherwise, know I am praying for you.

We were all amazed yesterday at this glitter in our path. There is lots of granite in this area and when the sun shines, it sparkles. We decided God was showing off.

Think I will try to let the rain lull me to sleep.

Happy Trails

Julie

Springer Mountain (Beginning of official AT)

Had a great hike today. 8 mile hike, perfect weather, great views. Started to rain at 7pm so we are in our tents already. The pictures show our group at Springer Mountain, a waterfall, tent city at our first shelter, and us in the tent.

Day 1

Had a good drive down stayed night in last bit of luxury-running water, electricity and a bed.
Shuttle taking us to Springer this morning-7:30 departure .
Short 8 mile day today but expecting a tough one. Feeling good about everything but missing kids already.

Hard to say goodbye to the kid!!!

On the road in nine hours. Feels strange to be leaving home with Kendra still here. She is an amazing young woman who is growing so fast before our eyes. She is learning so much about life. She will make us proud.

Four days

It's Sunday. We are packing boxes for our 12 drops. I just discovered I cannot blog a video or you would see the " joy" in Marks eyes as he separates the mashed potatoes into ziplocks. Back to Costco for more food. I guess we should be thankful we don't have to hunt for food or live off grubs:)

How will I live without my products?

As we get closer, I find myself appreciating the little things I know I will miss. Every morning I use 15-20 products from head to toe for pampering, cleaning, skin care.... On the trail I will use one ( hair, face, body and dishes). While I wait, I will savor every pampering girlie moment!!!

Bye to Family (Tammy and Doug)

Blessed to have such wonderful friends!

Thank you Jan and Cory for bringing the gang together for a final send off. Just good to have an excuse to chill around a Bon fire with some good laughs. We will take all of your love and support with us. You are the best!!