We had our first practice hike as a group last weekend and what a success! Mary was an amazing guide and very gracious host for the hike. There were twelve hikers for the weekend and we set off at about 10 on Saturday morning. The weather could not have been more perfect- not too hot with an incredible cerulean sky. We hike up to Mary's house to feed the baby pig and a lamb, not to mention a warm welcome from her husband, Chris (who drove 10 gallons of water and a couple bottles of wine up the the cabin) and their very large dogs, goats and other large animals. We made it up to the cabin which rested on a hill at about 1600 feet, with plenty of time to enjoy the view of the Bay and rolling hills. The evening ended with a visit to the neighbor, who had a house down the hill with a wonderfully landscaped yard (think Sunset magazine centerfold). Our morning was relaxed for I think everyone was a bit groggy from a long night of doggy cacophony- I tried to remember that they were just doing their jobs and kept the racoons (maybe mountain lions!!!) away. We meandered back down the hill and had a lazy lunch under the 'sister' Buckeye trees before heading back to the cars.
It was a excellent opportunity to compare gear (there must have been 7 camp stoves on the table at dinner!)and talk meals with everyone. As the big hike nears, I know that there will be plenty of questions about efficent and light meals. I think that the biggest comment of the weekend was how to get everything you need in a pack without all of the weight. That is the question!
More thoughts on that later...
Keep it Green and Muddy!
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