The past few days have been very long. Plane to Baltimore then another to Portland. Took a bus from Portland to Bangor then another to medway then a shuttle to Millinocket. It's exhausting to travel. Can't wait to play in the mud on Friday. It has been non stop cloudy here in Maine since we got here. I am not sure if we will see the sun. But I hear it is good that it's rainy. Means we won't have to deal with the bugs and man eating flies yet. The locals are really sweet. Everywhere we go there are amazing people. I can't wait to meet more cool people.

So, this if officially my first blog... I guess I am excited, maybe nervous. That means I am closer then ever to leaving. My good friends Balu and Hives just took off back to Texas. We had a lot of fun preparing for out 2013 SOBO hikes. We attempted to hike to Santa Fe Baldy on Saturday with my dear friend Michael Pridham. Which I want to take a moment to thank him for everything. I wound not be this ready to go if it wasnt for him. So, THANK YOU MICHAEL!! Unfortunately, the snow was to deep and slick to continue past 2 miles. We would have attempted it, but we had full packs and no snow shoes. I am just glad we all got to see the Pecos Wilderness before we left. It is my home. I am sure there will be plenty of "Beautiful" on the AT, but nothing to compare to my home in the Pecos. We ended up caving after the hike, which was a complete Blasty Blast!! 

More Exciting new... Matt PASSED his classes!! I knew he could do it. I am so excited for him and he can't wait to leave.

Balu and Hives did a shake down with me. We went through all of my gear and shaved off unwanted pounds. We took off about 3 pounds. That is very good when you are hiking this long. My pack is very light, but the lighter the better. I learned so SO much!! A few funny facts: 1. Hiking poles, Needed! Not just for hiking, but for hitchhiking. People tend to stop more when they see you with your poles so they know you are a through hiker. 2. Being a female is a huge advantage for hitchhiking. 3. TP (toilet paper) is very important...but I already knew that. 4. Alcohol stoves are great! Sorry Jetboil...you are just to heavy. 5. Soda bottles are the way to go... No more Nalgenes. 6. I guess wearing a hiking skirt is the best and most comfortable way to go.. For those of you who know me, I HATE skirts!! But, if it means I am comfortable, then a skirt it is. 7. Bug net!...That is all. 8. Instagram... Guess I had to get one.  

Aside from a few little thing here and there... Blister treatment, bandaids, wipes, nail file, and tiny things like that, I am all set. 

This sums up my first blog. Pictures of my gear are coming. If you have any questions at all, no matter how crazy or small, PLEASE ask. I would also love to hear feedback.

Love you all! 

Sarahhh