Trek for a Cure Part 2 -- The news from base camp

The Trekers are on the move. Here are some photos from base camp in Tuolomne Meadows as
1) the first segment trekers, Annette, Ariel, Ashlyn, Kepa and Doug stroll into camp. .Evan greets her Mommy3) Evan gets into the spirit of camping.

4)Evan learns that Nature is Boss!

They are off!!! The Trek has begun!!!

The trek began at 10:30 am today with Annette, Ariel, Ashlyn, Kepa, and Doug heading up the Mist Trail past Vernal Falls and into some dramatic thunder heads. The temp in the Valley was predicted to reach 98 degs.

Pictures from the top. 1) Hikers demonstrate the Trek for A Cure panache. 2) The first segment crew plus a last hug from Evan for Mama Annette. 3) Some last guiding thoughts. 4) And their off. 5) and Hiking!

Gambaro

Marc

I'm a blogger too!

Woo Hoo~The Trek has commenced!

Net has also enlisted me as a blogger-along-the-way. I will be heading out with Segment 2 on Sunday, 7/18, with my camera at the ready!

I am another one of Net's Novice Packer Pals, and I'm gettin' a bit nervous because I'm not in tiptop shape, but as Marc said, "Condition Schmondition!" And with Annette as Trek mentor and pacesetter, I will be inspired to trudge merrily along!

So, I'll give everybody a peek into the Segment 2 Trek Adventures when I come back next week. Tah tah for now~~~Happy Hiking to all the Trekkers

Dianne

Hello to Trekers and Friends of the Trek:

http://videos.sacbee.com/vmix_hosted_apps/p/media?id=16105776&item_index=&genre_id=00000291

Just wanted to add this link to the blog. Click here to see the Trek for a Cure video and related article by Jacqueline Baylon for the Sacramento Bee. If you have trouble with the link just google: sacbee Trek For A Cure and it will take you right to the video. 36 hours until the expedition gets under way!

Gambaro

Marc

Only for Net

I've never blogged before, not even close. I don't even Facebook. That makes this the second of at least three kinda big things I'd most likely never have done in my life but for Annette. The first was jumping out of an airplane on her 30th birthday (with a disturbingly lecherous "instructor" strapped tightly onto my back, but that's another story). Then this public blogging thing. (Sounds alarmingly like public flogging!) Soon to be followed by the actual extended backpacking/wilderness activity. Brand new to me. Oh, and the packing light - I think personally that should maybe count as a whole separate and adventurous new undertaking in itself. That would make four things... only for Net.

So this is my practice run because Annette's asked me to keep the blogosphere posted on her whereabouts along the trail (except for the six days that I am with her!) via the SPOT tracking system; some sort of GPS device which will send me messages of her exact latitude and longitude as she progresses. More on that when Mark teaches me a little something about it so I have a clue. Right Mark? Meanwhile we can't decide if this makes Annette seem more like tagged wildlife or an ankle-braceleted parolee, but either way if I am mapping along and see her veering off towards some remote but convenient Nordstrom or Starbucks location, I think I am able to administer a mild electric shock that should help to set her quickly back on her righteous and intended path. So I feel pretty important.

Looking forward, sending love, Nina.

The Profound Practice of Appreciation at its Most Ascendant

Greetings to the intrepid trekkers!

As the days of wonder in the High Sierras are rapidly approaching, we are getting pretty excited around here. I wanted to send you all a favorite quote of mine that I often read to my art students. When you read it you may think it is more suited to your trek through the Sierras than to my student’s trek through the rigors of fine art training. And yet, I think it is one of those universal quotes; one that touches on a true secret of a well lived life. I offer it as my fondest wish for you all. During your trek, may you experience many transcendent moments of appreciating the beauty of the wilderness around you and the beauty of your moments together. For that is at the heart of this quote. In Dawson’s description of the Hermit Thrush, you can sense the profound practice of appreciation at its most ascendant. I wish you a wealth of these moments. And here finally is the quote:

You don’t befriend a Hermit Thrush by storm, but with quietude and reverence. For, as William Leon Dawson wrote, this thrush - and especially its song - is “a thing apart... it is sacred music, not secular... Mounted on the chancel of some low-crowned fir tree, the bird looks calmly at the setting sun, and slowly phrases his worship in such dulcet tones, exalted, pure, serene, as must haunt the corridors of memory forever after” (Dawson 1923)
-David Gaines, Birds of Yosemite and the East Slope-

Gambaro
Marc

The Festival! A Great Success

The Festival for Trek For A Cure was a wonderful success. I want to send a HUGE thank you to Ronit and Andrew Schwarz for all of their hard work, incredible planning, grace and humor prior and throughout the event. The Festival was their idea from inception to execution- and it went off beautifully and without a hitch. Thanks to Anne and Michelle Van de Heetcamp for their lovely home- the family farm! It was a perfect place and it did not feel too crowded with 250 people roaming around the grounds. And another thanks to Devin and the Van de Heetcamps for the wonderful meal and gelato, all donated by the Wicked West Pizza, BBQ and Arcade, soon to open in West Sacramento. With the help of everyone who came to the Festival and some folks who could not come but donated -we raise over 4500.00 dollars to all go to the MPD Foundation! Thank you, thank you!

I must say that I am overwhelmed by the support that I have received since I started Trek for a Cure in late February- but it really culminated on Saturday when I was able to be a part of so many people coming together to celebrate community and to see all of the folks who want to make a difference. Though early in my diagnosis of an MPN I have never felt stronger and more driven to also make a difference. The money that we have been raising for the Foundation is all directed to really important work not only to slow the threat and even find a cure for Polycythemia Vera but this research could also potential make a difference in the lives of people living with other equally deadly blood diseases.

I can only say- Thank you,

Annette