Runa Tea is donating literally hundreds of bottles of its refreshing Guayusa Tea for the climb-a-thon -- all those thirsty participants will be very grateful, so thank you, Runa Tea!
Our fundraising total now stands at $6776 -- that includes $3000 in climbing pledges that we know about (there will be more). If you have already contributed to either Global Fund for Women or GirlVentures, then we thank you! If you haven't, then please consider contributing here or here. Please remember to donate "in honor of GIRLS ON THE WAY." Remember, 100% of the money you donate goes straight to the nonprofit organization (and not to us!). Help empower females around the world!
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Gear notes --
We're considering bringing lightweight down jackets (the kind that weigh nothing and smush up nicely) on the Camino. The girls might like something warm to hang out in once we're finished walking for the day. Their day-fleeces might be too light for the evening temperatures.
Training --
We continue to train, though the girls are getting tired of the 6-7 mile loop around our house. They asked to hike a mountain last Wednesday instead...we don't usually hike mountains on Wednesdays, since the girls have karate in the afternoons...also, last Wednesday had a horrible above-treeline forecast...nevertheless, up we went.
We ascended Mt. Pierce, one of New Hampshire's smaller Four Thousand Footers. The path was well tracked out so we barebooted up the peak. The girls had a blast. There were several groups out trekking -- some wore snowshoes, some wore crampons, and some, like us, wore microspikes. It was a wear-what-you-like kind of day, and most everyone was in good spirits and in proper HYOH (Hike Your Own Hike) attitude. Unfortunately, there were a couple of men on snowshoes who copped attitudes at anyone who wasn't also in snowshoes -- in spite of the lack of postholing -- but oh well, there are always going to be people who erroneously think their ways are better than everyone else's. The girls and I were able to ignore the petty negativity and enjoy the company of the other hikers we met on the trail.
We also enjoyed the company of the Gray Jays...
[EDIT: As a rule, we do not feed the wildlife -- and we ask that you don't either! However, we do make an exception for Perisoreus canadensis. Most hikers I know also make this exception, but there are many who do not. There's somewhat of a debate within the hiking community on whether or not feeding gray jays violates wilderness ethics. Obviously, I do not believe feeding gray jays harms the birds or endangers other human beings -- gray jays are a unique species...you can read about them here and here. As for the debate -- here's a thread which highlights points from both sides of the fence.]
There were no views to be had above treeline, which is what we'd expected given the forecast. There was, however, some rime ice.
Up into the fog...
...to a snowy summit cone.
I'll be back in a few days with some miscellaneous odds and ends.
Hard to believe we've only three weeks to go before we're on a plane to Spain...
