Great Success

“On a long journey, bread is never heavy” 

– Old timey Russian proverb

“Sure, I had tested myself before, but this was to be a more lasting and thorough examination”

– Richard ‘Dick’ Proenneke (One Man’s Wilderness) 

“Damn right it was a good day”

– Ice Cube

Gentlemen and assorted Lady-folk, 

I realize I’m breaking protocol by posting another blog entry so soon but man, I’m just pumped about some shit from a thrift shop….No, wait…that’s not right. Why the hell am I quoting Macklemore lyrics? No matter. I’m here to tell you that today was THE BEST DAY I’ve had on the trail to date! Yes it’s true. In the regrettably immortal words of the Bee Gees, “I’ve got the wings of heaven on my shoes. I’m a dancing man and I just can’t lose”.

Tonight we’re camped high in the mountains, in a huge pine forest above Idyllwild, California. The scenery is spectacular! It may sound corny but if I were to quit the trail tomorrow, I’d go home happy having experienced today. Now I realize that not everyone is wired the same. For some, a beach or tropical island is their nirvana. For others, it’s Buddy-What’s-His-Face from Family Feud that floats their boat.

But for me, it’s the forest and mountains that make me happy.

In many places the trail was carpeted with old pine needles and smelled fantastic. 

We even found some snow to tug on my Canadian heartstrings and make me homesick for the Great White North. 

The old growth pines up here are huge!

With pine cones the size of my head.

We camped next to a huge rock outcropping and feasted on pasta, a block of sharp cheddar and fresh bread we packed in from town, whilst gazing out over a beautiful vista.

And we were even treated to a spectacular sunset.

I apologize for gushing all over the place but today really had a positive, uplifting effect on me and I wanted to share my happiness with you. I wish you could have been here. Not to worry though, we’ll be back in the “nuclear solar cooker” that is the desert soon enough and my grumpy, sarcastic self shall return forthwith.

In the meantime I bid you peace, love and soul!

– Steve

“There’s one more thing…It’s been emotional.”

– Big Chris (Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels)