Getting the Gear

After our training hike this weekend, our crew headed over to REI for it's big anniversary sale. Michelle wanted to get some hiking boots for our Mount Whitney expedition and I needed to get Rich's backpack (my anniversary gift to him from back in February).

When we got there, we were both pleasantly surprised to find excellent sales throughout the store. The backpacks Rich & I wanted were marked down $60 and $70! So, rather than just getting his, I grabbed both and just like that, our registry is nearly completed.



His & Hers has a whole new meaning! Our new bags :-)

Upstairs, Michelle and Melissa were trying on different styles and brands of hiking boots. Michelle wanted something that would work for Mount Whitney, but also be wearable for local hikes-- nothing too heavy duty that she'd never wear again! After trying both ankle and calf height boots, she decided on these ones:


Michelle modeling her new hiking boots (and muscular legs!)

Overall it was a very successful trip and a lot of fun...now to break in our gear!

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Location:Encinitas, CA

First Training Climb Down!

The Mt. Whitney crew got together to do our first training hike in San Marcos. Our friend Kelly brought the BOB and Dexter along for the hike so it was nice to catch up with them. It was a 2-hour hill intensive hike. Hard to get much altitude training locally, so we settled for uphill the whole way. There was a nice park at the top, but it sure was windy! We grabbed a quick picture and headed back down. Here's our motley crew:


Chance, Melissa, Michelle, Kelly, Me and Dexter riding in style down in front!

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Location:San Marcos, CA

Psalm 121

A friend of mine posted this on Facebook tonight and I thought it was the perfect prayer not only for our journey over the next few months, but also to remind me of God's guidance in my life. God is SO good and his faithfulness, protection and love keep me humbled in His Glory. I have no doubt He will be right there beside us every step of the way as we embrace our training over these next few months and eventually find ourselves reaching the roof of Africa. Thank you Lord!

Psalm 121

¹ I lift up my eyes to the mountains—where does my help come from?
² My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.
 ³ He will not let your foot slip— he who watches over you will not slumber; 
⁴ indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.
 ⁵ The LORD watches over you— the LORD is your shade at your right hand; 
⁶ the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night.
 ⁷ The LORD will keep you from all harm—he will watch over your life; 
⁸ the LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.