Thank You

In alphabetical order, I’d like to thank…

Ardell: for letting me surf on your futon for a couple of days while in Moab.

Augie the campsite host in Sink’s Canyon, Wyoming: Thanks for the sage bundle, the crystal, the great conversation and for being a friendly face when things were looking grim.

Bety: for letting me take Pat the unicorn and for calling me several times, usually when I was most lonesome on the road.

Captain Greg: Thank you for the ferry ride, the cool rocks, the grub and for a place to crash when I was soooo over sleeping in a tent. Oh, and thanks for not letting me fall off the 800′ cliff into Lake Powell.

Christine: You’re so freakin’ awesome! Thanks.

Crissy: even though my cell phone always crapped out, you called me regularly. I needed to hear a friendly voice from home. I love you!!

Jennifer: Thanks for the incredible conversation, the botany/survival tips (yay rosehips!), for sharing the waterfall with me and for the delicious jam!

Jerome and Lisa: thank you (and Rufus) for your hospitality, letting me crash on your sofa and crash your Friday night out.

Jim: Thank you and Abby for the company and for letting me crash at your place and for all the cds to keep me entertained on the drive home.

Kristen: for being THE WORLD’S BEST CAT SITTER EVER IN EXISTENCE! I never worried for a moment that they were not being loved and cared for. I get so choked up when I think of what you did for me. I came home to two very happy cats and a not-destroyed home (they can destroy things…a lot). Thank you for the peace of mind. I’m forever in your debt.

Lani: for my travel needs gift. I used ALLLLLL of it!

M’elaine: Sis, you kicked off my trip in a big way. Besides being a great guide up Long’s Peak and all around Estes Park, I am in your debt for letting me crash on THE WORLD’S BEST SOFA BED in your hotel room and for letting me share part of your time with your family. It truly meant so much to me. Thanks for calling and keeping me company on the road. I thought of you every time I saw a chicken.

Michelle and Ryan: for lending me all the great techy gear I needed. Sorry, I didn’t use the hatchet. I tried though. I tried. Michelle, thanks for talking with me when the road was lonely and getting me excited for a trip together next summer.

Nate: Thank you so much for letting me crash at your place in the mountains for a couple of days, do my laundry and regroup. But most of all, thank you for talking all night with me during the Perseid’s meteor shower about things people who just meet don’t normally talk about. Thanks also for giving me the best travel tips of my entire trip. Guiding me to Hole in the Rock Road and Highway 12 were truly some of the best parts of my trip and I can’t thank you enough!

Nick: Thank you for organizing an amazing hike into the beautiful Wind River Mountain range. You inadvertently got me to Lander, Wyoming and Sinks Canyon, where I had some unforgettable moments before our journey even began.

Sandro and Claudia: 3rd time trying to go on a hike together was a charm. What an unforgettable day in the Subway! Thanks for the wonderful company, all the laughs, all the guidance on the ropes and for being as excited and driven to get through a difficult hike as I was. Oh, and thanks for letting me use the shower in your hotel room when I was super stinky!

Sarah, Lani, Kristen & Katy: thank you for leading the boxing classes in my absence and keeping everyone pumped up and excited to come to classes. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!! I hope you had as much fun as I have when I get to be in charge. You’re all so beyond amazing for helping, I can’t even stand it.

Scotty: thanks for all the great car advice, both before the trip and in the middle of what could have been a tragic break-down on day two. I learned a lot from your advice and tips!

Sean: Thanks for the outstanding conversation, the great laughs and for the companionship during the wetlands hike.

Sonny Bono: I cry every time I think of you and how we bonded. You are the best doggie ever and the were best little heater in my sleeping bag on those cold nights. I love and miss you so much! You even kept an eye out for me when I was last in line hiking to make sure I kept up and was safe. You’re truly an amazing pup.

The dude at O’Reilly’s: for pointing out the one tiny disconnected vaccuum hose that prevented my cruise control from working. My numb foot needed a break.

The gang: THANK YOU to all my friends who gave me the Amex gift card for my birthday! I used it to buy a couple nice dinners, a lot of gas and an annual National Parks pass. Thank you!!! xoxo