Update! Yeah!

I'm just the messenger. Today I found an envelope in my box [see re-enactment above] containing one (1) digital camera memory card, two (2) heavily weathered sheets of paper about the size of a travel notepad, and (1) pink Starburst. I was going to post a photograph of the Starburst (truly, a deeply felt token given their situation) but it was a pink Starburst and I was already trying to figure out what I'd be making for dinner.

When the Pederstrians enlisted me to maintain their little home on the web I thought that they'd be supplying the photographs and that I'd be bringing the funny. Turns out they'll bring their own funny. I am merely a transcriptionist. Enjoy the photos and if you feel like commenting I'll make sure your words find their way back to Calamity Jane and Grizzly Adams there.

Day 1 - March 23 - Campo to Boulder Oaks Campground


Off to a good start. Paul dropped us off at the border and we made a solid 26 miles through chaparral-covered hills, in and out of ravines. The packs are lighter than our training packs and rehydrated soy milk is disgusting. No more of that stuff. [speaking of "chaparral", it seems my job description also includes spellchecking the harder words for IvaJo. I did not sign up for this. - ed.]

Day 2 - March 24 - Boulder Oaks Campground to Sunrise Highway


The menacing desert lies in front of us. The worst part about this section of trail is that it is just about the least direct path possible -- a very rocky, squiggly trail.

Day 3 - March 25 - Sunrise Highway to Scissor Crossing


Today we had to pack 12 liters of water for a dry 30-mile stretch. Heavy! When we were within about a mile of our campsite we passed by [some] rattlesnakes. These guys want nothing to do with us and they give you good warning if you pay attention.

Day 4 - March 26


Jon's artistic photo of the day: "Desert Flowers." This has been our hardest day. We've been trying to crank out 25-30 mile days and our bodies are paying the price [with] sore knees and foot blisters. But this has thankfully led to some good praying and some good re-evaluating. New plan: we're not going to kill ourselves and Canada is no longer on our minds -- we might still make it but we're going to make it our priority to enjoy the hiking that we do [the full hike vs. health & sanity -- place your vote in the comments - ed.].

Day 5 - March 27


We've washed and we think we actually smell pretty good so we're going to make the bold move and step back into civilization for a day. They didn't chase us out of the restaurant for our smell, but they might have if we kept eating. We had huge breakfasts in Warner Springs, our first check point. Yum! [it's been a while since I've been around IvaJo for any extended period of time. does she really say "yum!" in conversation? - ed.]

We're taking the day off here in Warner Springs to re-coup and write to you folks. Keep praying for us, please. - Jon and IvaJo.

[miscellaneous stuff follows - ed.]

"Eagle Rock"



Our First Box



Warner Springs



IvaJo's Modified Shoes