Oh these photos of the beginning of the segment we were meant to be on are breaking my heart. Long story short my Grandma's death was so imminent as our departure day loomed, that I had to forgo the trek in order to make it to her funeral. It was one of the more difficult choices I can ever remember having to make. Once Doug and I arrived at the gravesite in Philadelphia along with all four of Grandma's sons (and five of their ex-wives), all twelve of her grandchildren, and a few of her thirteen great grandchildren, it was clear I was where I needed to be. But not without a cost. And now, to my dismay, Net, Dianne, and Ariel look unfazed and entirely prepared to carry on without us. Fine then...

To top it all off, yesterday as soon as our plane touched back down at SFO the "Check-in/OK Message" from Net's tracking device dropped into my cell phone. Like salt in my wound. Wish you were here indeed:

Click the link below to see where I am located.

http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=37.63185,-119.08566&ll=37.63185,-119.08566&ie=UTF8&z=12&om=1
Message:I am great and loving every step. Wish you were here.
Net

All for One and One for All

More pics from Tuolumne Meadows base camp as the second segment prepares to launch:
1) The trekers run empirical studies to learn if three women can share a two man tent.

2) Dianne remains the most exuberant of trekers.

3) Foot care is the foundation of a trekers strength.

4) As they prepare to depart the segment 2 trekers Annette, Dianne and Ariel affirm the principle of All for One and One for All.

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.