Last Minute Thoughts

We are two days away from take-off and finding that there are not enough hours in the day. Last minute obligations and preparations have us checking and re-checking lists of things to do, but we are finally logistically ready to go (hopefully).

A highlight last week for Forest and I was talking with the Trempealeau Elementary 4^th grade classes under the excellent leadership of Patty Behan and Dave Erickson. We talked through the trip with them, showed them all of our gear, and answered a lot of questions. Some of our favorite questions were:

• Where will you shower?! – Good question, we will let you know if that ever happens.
• What happens if you get bit by scorpions?! – Probably just cry and try to get help.
• Will you get sick of each other?! – Everyday, but we will share the world’s smallest tent regardless.
• What inspires you? – Cool kids, helping people, and Mother Nature of course.

We would like to extend a special thank you to the 4^th graders, Patty Behan, and Dave Erickson for allowing us into your classroom and listening to us ramble on about the trip. Also, thank you from the bottom of our hearts for helping us raise money for Camp AmeriKids! We had a great time last Friday at Trempealeau Elementary, and we will see you all in 5^th grade!

We wanted to make clear that all proceeds will go directly to Camp AmeriKids and are tax-deductible. We are presenting them with the money and list of donors in the fall. Forest and I are completely funding our own hike. Thank you again for supporting the cause.

If you are not comfortable sending credit card information online or with using Pay Pal, you can send a check directly to Forest’s home addressed to “Forest Jenkins – Camp AmeriKids.” His address is:

Forest Jenkins (Camp AmeriKids)

P.O. Box 393

Trempealeau, WI

54661

We are excited to now offer a birds-eye view of where we will be on the trip. Some of the last minute planning and preparations were to insure that you could have daily updates on how far we are along the trail. If you want to find out where we are between blog posts, just click on the map to the right!

We have had a slight change in plans since the last post and are very excited about it. Our friend, Rob Greenfield, has offered to pick us up from the airport and let us spend a couple days with him in San Diego to acclimatize—hit the beach and blind the sun with our Wisconsin winter complexion—and make sure we are ready to start the hike. He may even hike with us for awhile! He has done some incredible things abroad and shares the same passion for helping people. Check out his blog at www.robgreenfield.shutterfly.com. Thank you, Rob, for all your help and we will see you soon!

Please consider supporting Camp AmeriKids, as we are hiking up the West Coast for the kids on the East Coast.

Much love, F +A