Why I Hike

I didn't make it to this week's training hike at Harper's Ferry. I re-injured my lower back the previous week (doing pilates, no less!). Upon advice from my chiropractor, I decided not to venture out on any uneven trails until my back feels better. Instead, I used the time to jump start my fundraising efforts.

Within 2 days of sending my initial emails, I received over $2,300 in donations. I cannot tell you how amazing it feels to see these generous contributions for such a worthy cause. This is the fourth year I have attempted a major fundraising effort (of $3,000+), and each time I am deeply touched by the outpouring of generosity and goodwill.

I know everyone has their own reasons for donating. Some of you have a direct connection to the cause - knowing a friend or loved one who has or had cancer. Maybe you are a survivor yourself. Some of you, luckily, have not had first-hand experience with the disease, but just want to help make the world better, or you simply want to support me as a friend.

Regardless of the reasons why, or how much you donate, I appreciate every penny you contribute because it means we are that much closer to finding a cure. So thank you. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Together we are saving lives!

Training Hike #2 - Billy Goat Trail

I have probably hiked the Billy Goat Trail in Maryland's C&O Canal National Historic Park at least 10 times, but it is still my favorite local trail. The landscape changes each time, depending on the time of year, recent rains, and how high or low the Potomac waters are. For this week's hike, the river was higher than I've ever seen it. When we reached the "beach" area halfway through the trail, there was hardly any dry beach at all!

My hike group consisted of 8 people, half of whom had never hiked this trail before. I love taking people on this trail for the first time. I especially love seeing their reaction upon seeing the daunting sheer wall about 1/3 of the way in -- usually "oh my god, we're going up there?!?" or something to that effect. But the sense of accomplishment they feel once they get to the top is priceless.

We lucked out weather-wise. The forecast called for rain, but we got 60-degrees and sunny. I snapped a couple of good photos of the river and canal, as well as some local wildlife (turtles and a great blue heron). Click to see my online album.

Here's a picture of me that my friend Patrick took on the trail:

Training Hike #1 - Rock Creek Park

I have lived in the DC area for over 10 years, and I had no idea there were actually hiking trails in Rock Creek Park. Our first training hike for the Rocky Mountains took place on a rainy Saturday, but over 20 hikers showed up and braved the weather. We started out near Pierce Mill (not far from the National Zoo) and trekked around for about 2 hours, criss-crossing Rock Creek a couple of times. We also learned one of the primary rules for our hikes -- no hiking in groups smaller than 4 people. For safety reasons, you want at least 3 other people with you at all times. If one person is injured on the trail and can't walk, one person stays with them while the other two go for help. Never hike alone in the woods, not even Rock Creek Park (known in 2001 news as the site where Chandra Levy's remains were discovered).

Because of the rain, the pictures didn't come out particularly well, but here is a link to my online photo album.

And here's a picture of a soggy me in my rain gear that one of my fellow hikers took.