I spent the night at my cousin Terri’s house. So I got to sleep in a bed and catch up on some much needed rest. The bed I slept in must have been a California King. I could roll over 4-5 times and still be on the bed. I’ve gotten so used to being confined to my sleeping bag and laying on top of my sleeping pad that only sticks out an inch or so on both sides of me. If I rollover at all, I’d fall off the pad and onto the ground.  Instead of my small blow up air pillow I was surrounded by several huge fluffy pillows that I seemed to get lost in while I slept. Of course I can’t forget about the AC. Now that it’s gotten hot out, instead of sweating at night, I had cool air blowing on me instead. Needless to say it was a nice change.

I slept in pretty late. My cousin had to leave early for work so she put out an assortment of things to eat for breakfast. I made myself something to eat, a cup of coffee, and eased my way into the day. My cousin’s husband Scott was working from home. I too needed to catch up on some work, so I took the opportunity to do so.

After several hours of working I did stop in to talk to Scott. We somehow stumbled into a conversation about my fundraiser for Show Hope. The non-profit organization that helps orphaned children find adopting parents. We talked a bit about the process of adoption. He and my cousin adopted a boy from Russia many years ago. They learned a lot through their experience. I learned a lot talking to Scott about this. It was quite fascinating and helpful for some potential plans I have for the future.

I was interested in visiting a outdoor outfitting store to look at possibly getting some new gear. The gear I had was good, but I knew there was better gear that weighed less. Anything to lighten my pack load would be helpful. We ran out of time so we didn’t end up going. But that was ok as we talked about going the next day if we didn’t make it today.

My cousin came home from work. We got into a conversation about all of the issues I was having on this hike. She was quickly given the “trail name” Mother Hen. Whatever my problem was, she had a solution, and she has it handy. My feet are drying out— she got my some lotion. I need protection from ticks— she created a home remedy made from vodka and rose geranium.  I haven’t been consuming enough sodium in my food— she gave me some electrolytes. I’m not getting enough protein in my food— she gave me countless protein bars and pods (powder in a dissolvable pouch you mix in water). I’ve been lacking carbs— so she added cake and spaghetti to the menu for the next day. I haven’t been getting enough nutrients from vegetables— she made a big salad for me. We never get real meat out in the woods— so we had steak for dinner. We don’t get to drink—- I had beer and some whiskey after dinner.

Needless to say I was in heaven. She and Scott were both amazing. We talked late into the evening again before retiring to bed. An end to a wonderful day of rest, eating, and visiting with family.

Please Donate: https://fundraise.showhope.org/hikeforhope