Today was our Hanksville zero. The first zero of the trip and quite the little town to spend a day. As expected, internet reallllyy sllooowweed thhhinnngss ddoooowwwn. I swear no matter what I do, it will never all get done, but I just have to tell myself it’s enough. I’m just happy the posts went up at least. I’m working to have a slideshow of the first quarter of the trail up in the morning. It needs overnight to finish loading…it’s less than 300 photos and has been loading for about 6hrs now and has a couple hours left. Deep breath…I’ve yet to take video and still might, but it’s just been difficult to even get the photos up…but again, I have to tell myself it’s enough and let go of the perfectionist in me that wants to do so much more. This is a different trail and I need to accept that. One thing I’ve noticed is that I think the new app…BlogTouchPro may not be posting my photos at the resolution I would like and I think they could be even clearer…working on that one with the app develper…

As for today, it was a nice Easter that started off with me Skyping with my nephews. Many of you that have followed since the beginning know that I have twin sister that has two little boys. I got to watch them get their Easter baskets and show me what all they had. Lucas was born at the end of my PCT hike, Aidan was born at the end of my CDT hike, and my sis couldn’t turn it around fast enough for baby #3 on my AT hike…but I can now announce that BOY #3 is due at the end of this August and I hope to finish the Great Divide Trail just in time to make it there for the birth of the new little guy! Exciting!

Aidan, my sis Siobhan, her husband Randy, and Lucas excited for BOY #3!

Today was spent mostly in front of the computer just wishing the internet would go faster. I was able to reply to some comments and I love them, but couldn’t reply to all as I’m sure you all understand. It’s odd to have it all so delayed, but it’s nice to at least get things up as soon as I can. It may be another week until I get to the next town of Escalante for service, so again, there may be a gap and then a whole bunch at once.

I’m feeling better and really excited about the upcoming legs. I feel like the trail (and myself) may be hitting its stride. I know this trail is a bit different in that most people don’t know where I am exactly, but it’s really cool the way this trail connects from one canyon or wash to another through various ways. It’s quite a work of art and an amazing experience I’m slowly learning. The best part is when a local asks about the details and they know the places since they have been to many of them as day hikes or weekend trips. The Hayduke is basically taking the most awesome parts and finding a way to string them all together. Such a unique experience that gives quite the jam packed punch of a hike! Up next is the Henry Mtns and our high point of Mt Ellen in two days. We’ll be hiking in snow! We will head out with Gavin who has also been in town with us, but will probably choose to stop in a town rather than do the 8 day leg Katherine and I have planned to Escalante. So many choices on this trail. Here we are with a skillet cookie to fuel up for the Henrys!