Tue April 25^th, 2006 : What a day! Left home yesterday on the greyhound, arrived in Green River, UT this morning.  Last night a girl started a fight on the bus and the driver pulled over and six police officers took her off the bus and led her away in handcuffs. From Green River I received rides till I got back to where I left off hiking last December, Boulder, Utah.  Spoke to the students at Boulder elementary again about my hike and the importance of good character. One of the teachers gave me a ride to Escalante.  I have been there 5 separate times , some towns are hard to leave! Was invited to stay at a local womans home where I felt like an honored guest.  Winnie is 89 years of peace calmness and love.  She has strong faith and listened to my mission, offering advice when asked.  Before falling asleep for the night I was surprised with a tray of cookies and sweets, juice and hot tea before a lit fireplace. 

 

Wed april 27^th :  Lovely morning, ate breakfast while perched in front of the open back door, camera ready, while watching a swarm of goldfinches feed outside. My grandparents would love this! Later went to town where I had previously arranged to meet a couple I had met last year while hiking thru the area.  I spent some time speaking to the group of girls they work with and then headed back to Boulder.  Sue helped me put out water for the next section of my hike, I realized after we drove 45 miles that  I would need more water than what we brought.  Went back to town, bought two more gallons of water and then went back out to the dark desert to stash them for me.  There are so many things that I am helped with along my journey.  I feel such gratitude for so many good Samaritans.  This library is not being built just because of my efforts, but because of all the people who are supporting me in various ways to make my hike possible.  Spent the night back at Boulder and was welcomed with “welcome home”.

 

Thur April 27^th :  After watching the elementary school practise their marching in the parking lot, I said bye and began hiking Eastward on the Burr trail.  Normally I do not bring books with me as I hike because I am so busy hiking that I do not have much time for reading, but I am changing that. I am reading the book, “The Purpose Driven Life”, as well as the Bible.  The  sand here is super fine, like powder and the color of cinnamon(with my sunglasses on).  Am sleeping tonight in a canyon under an alcove that arches above me.  I was just startled by what I first thought was a bear and her cub, I have got to get used to being in cow country again! 

 

Fri April 28^th :  Windy day! Walked thru long canyon which opened up to an incredible view of colored rocks and large outcroppings. Have seen lots of large jackrabbits, I startle them as I walk by and they bound out running until they feel they are a safe distance from me.  Spent the day focused on praying for people in my family. 

 

Sat April 29^th :  Had a very challenging morning. I foolishly decided to go down a crumbly steep sandstone mnt instead of using the switchback road.  I didn’t originally realize the steepness and unstableness of my path.  I am lucky I didn’t get seriously hurt, I only scraped my hand.  I fell a couple of times and slid scarily, at one point unable to stop myself from sliding down a steep boulder I dropped heavily to my feet and vowed to remind myself often how vulnerable I was out here.  I must remain humble and in awe of the land.  I am able to focus out here so well on praying.  What a better place than in the solitude of the desert, the only distraction is my own thoughts.  When focus is lost passion wanes.  Thought: The greatest tragedy is not death, but life without purpose. I am carrying more water than ever, 1 ½ gallons so that I have enough for cooking and drinking. Normally out here it will be just 1 gallon, but until I get to my next water drop I will need to cook for two dinners and oatmeal for breakfast.  It is amazing to watch the scenery drastically change a couple times a day, especially how the outcropping can look so different from various angles.  It reminds me how when looking at an issue how different the perspective can be from other peoples angles.  As I sit to cool off in the shade, I have wrapped my feet in wet bandannas to clean and cool them and am listening to a mockingbird go on and on.  God definitely must have a sense of humor! J

 

Sun April 30^th :  Last night slept overlooking the mouth of a canyon, incredible view.  Now that I am back where there are wide open, clear skies I can practice learning the stars again.  I have learned some constellations but need to refresh my memory.  I hiked into Bullfrog Marina, T Lake Powell and found out the ferry is out of service.  The visitors center was closed but the bathrooms were open so I washed up and then found a place to camp, hidden in the trees by the lake. I am learning how I must be weak in order to grow stronger.