Maybe it was because the weight of fundraising is finally off of our shoulders (whew, finally), maybe it was because I had a great first week at my new job, maybe it was because the landscape on the hike was so scenic, maybe it was the lower oxygen level, maybe it was because Stacy and I hiked together for the first time in weeks, maybe it was because we got to try out some new equipment, maybe it was because I won a pair of TNT shades for recruiting a triathlete, maybe we finally bought bars with the right balance of carbs and proteins to give us energy or maybe we're just getting in shape (run-on, I know). Whatever the reason, the Icehouse Saddle hike had a light hearted, positive vibe that Stacy and I, as well as our team, has much been needing. We hiked this same area a year ago when I was training for my backpacking trip, and at that time it was so intense that at one point one of us (I won't say who ;) sat down in the middle of the trail out of exhaustion. From how I remember it, that person was very well justified in taking a break because of how steep and endless the miles of switchbacks were.
This time around, time seemed to fly as we hiked up the miles of switchbacks to the snowline just below the saddle, and it was an all around good time. We had such a good time with each other and some of our teammates that at one point the ladies posed for a Charlie's Angels shot without hesitation, even though they were standing precariously close to the ledge of the steep slope of the mountain on it's narrow and slippery gravel trail. I even posed for a "Need a little Captain in ya" shot myself. At lunch we found a nice log to straddle ;) as we ate our trail food and cracked jokes.
It was a good feeling being able to "just hike" and have fun doing it! We all have our stresses in life, but sometimes it is important to let go of all of that stuff and just have a good time with what you're doing and who you're with! When you think about it, we are fundraising to save lives for people to let go and just live, so it is also important for our team to let go and "just hike" too so that our experiences and positive attitudes can be an example of the experiences and positive attitudes that we all want leukemia and lymphoma patients to be able to have!
This blog is dedicated to our team and all of the hard work every member of the Yosemite Hike Team is doing with their fundraising and with their training. I am glad to know so many people who are willing to put their lives on hold for a few months, or even dedicate their lives to the cause, to help save the lives of others.
GO TEAM!!!
As always, if you would like to donate to our cause and help find a cure for blood cancers and help people to "just live", click the title of this week's blog above!
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