Good Morning!

Team Aqua-Jelly-Sticks; (Aqua-Man, Turnip Jelly, and Chopsticks) is posted up in Palmdale California after fighting through some nasty winds, rain and sleet and maybe even some hail.   

Things seem to be going well; my feet are doing better – blisters have subsided, and the tenderness is beginning to finally wear off. My mental state is also strengthening as each day passes, I’m beginning to let myself fall into the thru-hiker mentality.   My friends have also helped me with this – as this hike is different from my last – it has presented some challenges that I have been battling internally, but am finally letting go of what I cannot control and enjoying this experience one step at a time. 

The area has been beautiful, I can’t say enough about the changing beauty around us.  As shocked as I have been with all the landscapes, I think I’ve been most impressed with the big trees and even somewhat smaller mountain ranges we’ve been walking through.  The sierras are coming… Slowly but surely, and as our excitement builds, we are happy to be where we are because of the weather which seems to be so off-season for us right now.  

Yesterday, when we arrived I took a walk down the street to eat lunch at in-and-out burger and met a couple, Jim and Cheri Davis.  They asked me to join them and talk with them while we ate.  To say the least, the time spent with them was a blessing, and spoke very loudly to me.  I am feeling blessed even in the absence of my family and loved ones, and reminded of the most important things in life.  

The support I am receiving from all of you back home, friends on-trail and the hiking community has been wonderful.  I am thankful everyday – 400 + miles down, let’s start making a dent in those fundraising goals!
Here are some photos below that range from Cajon Pass to Acton/Palmdale CA.