Adventures in Hiking and feelings of gratitude

Hi friends, how's your week so far? I'm bopping along with my training.  I'm up to 5 miles without stopping, but my pace idles at 15 mph.  My running partner is at 10:33 mph. I'm jealous for sure but I remind self that jealousy robs me of my own victory. So there is that... This morning, I dd a timed mile and I really pushed.  I was third from last and I came in at 11:19.  I'm doing the happy dance.  Gosh, if I could only sustain that... but it's an improvement and I won't be greedy.  I was scheduled for a 6 mile run but instead, I did a 6 mile hike.

My buddy Pablo and I drove to Carson Pass to hear a speaker talk on the history of Lake Tahoe and the Mormon Immigrant Trail. I didn't realize how vital the Morman's were to that region. Interesting stuff until I realized I was covered in ants...

After the history lesson, we hiked to Frog's Lake where we ate our lunch.  Afterwards, we continued on until we got to the sign that pointed to the Pacific Crest Trail.

The Pacific Crest Trail spans 2,650 miles from Mexico to Canada through California, Oregon, and Washington. My friend says there's a movie I need to watch about a woman who hiked this trail (I Made a mental note of that movie).  Gosh, I can't imagine walking to Mexico especially after hiking for about 2 miles on the trail. It was very rocky.  I didn't want to share this with my friend, but I was nervous. Look at them rocks?

Lots of small rocks

Elephant's Back in the distance

My friend wanted us to climb Elephant's Back by going up these rocks and then circling around.  Just look at Elephant's Back? It's deceiving for sure.  I tried to walk up but it was so unstable. I was scared to death that I would slip on a rock and fall and roll off the mountain.  I'm brave but not stupid. I could tell my friend wasn't too sure of me because he said "ummm let's try and get you home in one piece."  I was like "COOL!".

We headed back to the sign so we could hike to Lake Winnemucca.  Isn't it beautiful?  I would love to camp here but I doubt I could get my family or husband to do this hike.

After having a snack, we headed back to Carson Pass.

But first, I needed a picture to prove that I was  here.

Can I tell you a secret?  The last time I hiked with my friend  we did Mt. Tallac,  It was a goal I set for my 50th birthday. I remember being very tired. Two months later, I was diagnosed with Stage 2 Invasive Breast Cancer.  The fear of that disease was with me the entire hike to Lake Winnemucca. I talking to God the entire hiking trip... I continued to Him for his grace and mercy that I was here... I think this is why I've started to blog again.  To have tangible proof that I am was here. Does that sound odd to you?  We all think about our legacy, right? 

This morning as I logged onto Facebook, it shared a memory from 3 years ago when I climbed Mt. Tallac.  Another reminder of how blessed I am.  I'm so incredibly grateful for the last 3 years. You know, I start each morning counting my blessings and setting my intentions for the day. 

I do my best to stay out of Fear.  I remind self that it's not what God wants for me or for you.  Some days are easier but I remind self that "today is the day the Lord has made for me... I shall rejoice in it."  I'm so thankful I have the Lord to lean on. I don't mean to sermonize this post. I'm just incredibly grateful for his mercy.

That's all.
Paula

TTFN
Paula