I'm hiking from sunrise to sunset, treating myself to an hour break for lunch. Oh, how good it feels to take off my soggy shoes and let my feet breathe. I consider myself incredibly blessed to not have to deal with blisters, foot pain or soreness yet. HIKERS, take advice: get a pair of lightweight trail running shoes a size and a half too large and wear them for a few weeks around town before your big adventure. You'll love yourself for it.

I haven't been as lucky with the mosquitoes, however. Those pesky buggers are demoralizing... and oh, how they love my blood. I've struggled with bug bites all my life, but it sure is something else when you've got a heavy pack on your back. I keep telling myself, it could be worse... I still have my feet, I haven't sprained or broken anything (yet), I have plenty of delicious food (thank you Monica, the best sister in the world), I have an amazing hiking partner (Julia, you inspire me), I'm seeing the most amazing sights of my life (NORTHERN CASCADES ROCK)... It could be a lot worse!