20 Comments
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Bec's avatar

I love your hiking style. When you get to Whidbey Island, you are welcome to come stay with us at The Happy House and I will help facilitate slackpacking and/or skipping the road walks. Kurt stayed with us so he can vouch for us.

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Lori Hewitt Cypret's avatar

My goodness you two are an inspiration for sure. I can't even imagine doing half of what you two strong ladies are doing. Great job. Looking forward to your next journey.

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Helena Spector's avatar

Meeting delightful old trail friends and fabulous new friends sounds so wonderful! (Great hilarious hat photo!) YAY for healthy toes and for glorious vistas along your way! Your climbs, WOW. You two are amazing. Every detail about what you see, how you feel, conditions on the trail, places you overnight . . . every morsel is DELICIOUS. From one of your fans, thank you thank you thank you!

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lynn brasgala's avatar

Great to hear your progress. You both need trail names

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Diane's avatar

You definitely wear it ALL better.

You both are my heroes. Love how you embrace all the “feels”. That’s how we learn. Humble opinion.

Love you both! Live it!

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Shane Dickey's avatar

That Kurt is a handsome fellow, but I'm afraid he can't wear the hat like my Francie. Incredible job on your and Jessica's parts and may good karma befall our heroic trail angels!

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Gary nick's avatar

Carolyn and I are enjoying all the pictures and your blog. Thank you’s - take care

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Alexis Goggans's avatar

These updates really break up my mundane task list!! Thank you for sharing your journey. I am comforted by the generosity of people you experience on the trail. May you always be surrounded by kind and curious stewards!

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Lisa Hughes's avatar

I think it is so awesome that you aren't wearing earbuds!! Love that you are being mindful, & have a full-senses experience! Cannot imagine how you are handling this heat!! I go outside for 15 min & the sweat is dripping! Must be super difficult not to get dehydrated! Both of you take care of yourselves, & thanks for allowing us to "come along"!

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Gary nick's avatar

So much effort put into this experience-enjoy enjoy 😊

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Knut Skarsem's avatar

Greetings from Norway! I'm spending a few days at Bodil and Helge's cabin by the sea before heading up to my mum's. Came here for a coolcation but got hit by a heat wave, but the kids love it here.

As you know, I largely share your approach to hiking. Though a music buff I abandoned ear buds after my ipod got drowned in a rainstorm years ago. Good riddance! To immence yourself in the experience one has to tune all senses to nature.

Cool that the Big Rock Candy Mountain is an actual place!

In the Big Rock Candy Mountains,

There's a land that's fair and bright,

Where the handouts grow on bushes

And you sleep out every night.

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Gail M Francis's avatar

"Where they hung the jerk

Who invented work

On the Big Rock Candy Mountain."

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Stephanie LaBumbard's avatar

Many thanks to Jessica for the wonderful phone call. I’m glad you are taking this trip, not me. I’m afraid i would have quit a long time ago. Probably while I was still in glacier national Park. Keep it up Jessica and Gail, I’m proud of both of you.

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Pamela Yoder's avatar

I am so excited to read of all your adventures! I'm so glad that Jessica healed well. If you are still with Scott please send my warm greetings his way.

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Lea's avatar

Love your writing Gail! The recap, the gear features, and the philosophy- chefs kiss!! 😘

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Dan Lutz's avatar

No question Gail wore it better.

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Gail M Francis's avatar

Ha, I don't agree, but I'll take it. :) Loved reading about your trip in Colorado!

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Charles B Wolf's avatar

Ha! You're by far the oldest hikers on the trail?

I guess that's something to say then... Proud of you both 😘

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