Intro

Welcome to a story, or stories I should say. A compilation of adventure tales. An ongoing itch to see, smell, and touch the world, or at least the deserted roads and rarely trampled mountains of America. Characters within the descriptive paragraphs of these stories carve out the coming and going companions in life; vital life people and pieces that parallel a universe for moments, days, years. And then spear off, leaving granules of magnificent memories of magical places. They leave a lasting trace, a gained sense of courage to stand tall on oxygen deprived mountains and shout absurdities like: I love you Ralph! Ralph is a teenage reindeer stuffed of the finest synthetic polyester fiber poof; he says made in Indonesia but really tells me he is from the North Pole. Delivered through a chimney one December night 20 years ago, we instantly became cuddle buddies upon that morning's sunrise. He is the instigator. The inspiration. And the imagination. He breathes creativity. Laughter. His is a dear companion. And yes, at 4lbs he tags along atop a pack or strapped to a rack. In delirium of 107 degree heat, the small possession of material belongings gain a persona. Innate objects become friends of the road and trails. And as for the humans who accompany, their presence reads priceless. Without O'Reilly, a 29 year old New Hampshirian with superior taste buds, the mathematical six foot four inch tall German, or handful of organic peanut butter and 99 cent jam eating munchkins, there would be a lot less excitement. The encounters we make with our specie, encapsulating the world with their awkward ways and over consumerist love, somehow we have managed to become overly adored creatures. Their generous hearts restore a faith that goodness prevails in the upheaval of a sometimes lost humanity. As for myself, I'm just the navigator, paddling up the stream of life munching on Clif Bars, with an iPhone documenting the frailties and goodies underneath all the simplified complexities in the world we reside. So again, I welcome you to get lost and dream a little through this typed text and your imagination. My name is Kristen Gentilucci. I live in Berkeley California and I love dogs.


Wednesday, August 28, 2013

Day 6

Miles: 14.2
Elevation gain: 2000ft
Altitude: 9,000-10,000ft

1 tent
2 socks
2 underwear
1 sleeping bag + pad
2 shirts 
1 shorts + 1 pants
1 hat
Fleece + down jacket
Rain jacket + rain pants
Cookware
Rope
...and mascot 

Let me introduce our furry fluffy teady bear friend, Rudolph. At age 18 he is hiking this trail aboard the boy's pack head peering out from the darkness of his moving home, admiring the scenic beauty. We introduce him to hikers as our mascot, and being so handsome he gets lots of attention. But he likes to go by Ralph, as being 18, Rudolph is a child's name. Let's just say, Ralph is to Hobbes as I am to Calvin. 

It was a rough start, leaving civilization again even with the company of my two pals, tall Conrad and curious Ralph. But then the lovely white fluffy clouds started to float on by, passing mountains and valleys. We passed by lakes that opened up to expansive vastness. Mountains that dropped thousands of feet to tiny meadows. The kind seen only in grandness as the Grand Canyon on days when eyes magically seem to see to infinity and beyond. 

Quietness came in long waves but was cheerfully interrupted by travelers on the same journey. They call it the hwy of the Sierras, this trail, and being raised in a town where fwys braid the land intertwining into strips of massive transit, I joyful welcome the sound of another human voice from time to time. The sound of company, that we are not alone in this vast wilderness or world for that fact. 

Routine sets in. Wake, eat, walk, snack, walk, snack, think, walk, camp, eat, sleep. The altitude isn't as brutal anymore, the packs worn into shoulders and hips, we can walk a little more freely. It is no longer a physical test of self, but a mental journey of thought and love.