May 19, 2012 | Written by Patricia Murphy

3 Weeks to Go

Three weeks from now we will be on a plane to Atlanta, where we’ll board our flight for Europe. The thought evokes sheer panic in me, perhaps because when I imagine leaving, I know I’ll be second guessing all of my packing choices. I think I need to have everything perfect. I’m still missing an item here and there. We ordered prescription sunglasses that will be here in a week or two. I need to decide what to read on the trek and how to read it. Will I carry any books or will I read from my iPhone? Every time I think all the decisions have been made, here come 20 more.

One thing I know I’ve done right is the training. I have logged many miles and climbed many vertical feet. I have really enjoyed my time with Larry and Cindy on the mountain. We have put boots on just about every trail the park has to offer. John hasn’t joined us because he prefers to cover more ground. He likes to knock out 12-16 milers at a brisk pace. His hardest job in Africa will be slowing down to acclimatize as we climb.

All Abloom

Bunches

Cactus Springs from Rock

Chuckwalla Too

Chuckwalla One

Cindy and Cactus

Cindy and Trish off to the Mountain

Climbing Up

Desert Forest

Larry and Cindy

Lars the Mountain Man

Long Uphill Climb

I Love Ocotillo

Redhead

Sweet Penny

The View from up Here

Tunnel Time

Sweet Velvet before the hike.