I started this blog just after finishing a 40/25 hike...fun. Amazingly my shin splints never acted up once, but why would they...after spending money on wraps to combat the evil shin splints and packing them in my rucksack and carrying them for 65 k's ...why would they act up! I shouldn't complain. But...my blisters are back with a vengeance! I have blisters inside blisters...they're building a condominium! I wasn't sure how the 25 k was going to work on Saturday...it was very painful. I had to break the blisters, patch them up with band aids and duct tape and hope for the best. Once I started walking I couldn't stop...the constant walking was helping to numb the pain...bizarre I know. As soon as I had to stop for a few minutes to change water bottles then the pain would really get going. I can't wait to get this 100 k hike over with!!

My brother-in-law, Jim Maguire, joined us on our 40 k hike. It was his first hike in several years and he decided to stop at the 27 k mark...he had to work the next day...smart move. He got to experience the hill that we affectionately call Big Bad Bertha...thanks Kristen. This hill is so steep you feel like you just summited and should be planting a flag! Jim felt the pain on that one. We usually stop about 1 k down the road from Bertha for lunch. It's great a little spot and even has a stream running by. Jim took the opportunity to soak his feet in the cold water...man oh man...I didn't know he was part Hobbit. I think he must be related to Bilbo Baggins...he's Jimbo Baggins from the Shire. Not sure if anything is living downstream anymore?

Jimbo also did his best Dr. Doolittle and saved a snapper turtle that sitting on the road. We were one with nature...and all that crap.

A balanced diet is a cookie in each hand. That also works for beers by the way.

Monday morning and still in pain. I did very little at the gym this morning.

People will forget what you said, People will forget what you did, but People will never forget how you made them feel.
This is my 100th blog...who would have thought!

Big Dave out