Okay Hikers, we are starting to get our gear and food ready! Right? I like to dehydrate my meals instead of purchasing the bagged dinners that are available at outdoor stores. So far, I have working on a few pasta dishes and lots of fruit leather. I think I have enough fruit leather to last the trip- thanks to the abundant apricot tree in my yard and a friend's prolific tree. I may be pretty tired of apricots by the time I get off the trail but now it tastes great. There are plenty of non-camper meal options that make quick and light dinners on the trail. Some are the rice noodle/pad thai/kung pao chicken meals that are made for the microwave. You simply strip away the large packaging and Voila! a single serving backpacking dinner. I am now going to start thinking about breakfasts... I just ordered some excellent whole dried milk from Spice Sage, online. I like to add that to granola or oatmeal and most definitely to my coffee in the morning. OH! COFFEE! A trail must for me and I like to use the Via instant coffee from Starbuck (though, I use two per cup in the morning). I am going to head out to Island Lake this Saturday for the last practice overnigher before the Trek and can't wait to try out some new dinner concoctions! Keep it Green and Muddy!

Emily Wells Concert

I am in full steam ahead as I begin to dry my food, stare at maps and send many emails to connect hikers. There are just three more weeks before I hit the trail and I am getting very excited. The last month has been a wonderful whirlwind of events. The culminating event was the Emily Wells Benefit Concert for the Trek for a Cure. The show was a huge success and without the drive, creativity and passion for music that DeKristie Adams has- the show would not have been such a success. The West Nile Ramblers opened for Emily Wells. They are a local band who has a fun, bluegrass sound. Emily's music was beautiful, evocative and powerful. The day was beautiful, with the kids running and playing on the lawn while family and friends listened to a line up of wonderful music. A great way to raise money to find a cure for blood cancer, the support was fantastic! Thank you!