Hello Everyone,

I am still at Camp 7, but today I will call it Camp 8, since it is my eighth day on this leg of the trek.

I only trekked 3.6 miles today, a record low. But, it was only to walk the 1.8 miles to the only store to get some food. There are two restaurants across from the store but there is not much choice so I decided to put something healthy together since I have a kitchen here.

The owner graciously offered to drive me to the store but I figure the one mile there would be good to keep my legs loose. Funny, but I said one mile because that’s what he told me and he has lived here fifteen years. I checked it with my walking program and Google and it is 1.8 miles. Not a big deal, but that’s why I never rely on people’s estimate of distances.

Anyway, I really hate this place!!!! Not really, I just like it so much, and the owners are so nice, that I could stay here for a much longer time. Look at those pictures of the view from my kitchen window and the little covered back porch. How could you not love that.

I do have to say it was a bit strange to not trek today. I didn’t know what to do with myself, as I didn’t want to watch TV, and that’s probably another reason I walked to the store. However, I am so glade I stayed here since it gave me a chance to really dry everything out. It also felt good to relax and just lay around because tomorrow will surely be an unknown.

Yesterday the local weather report predicted very heavy rain last night and rain this afternoon and there has been none since the morning I got here. I was waiting to look out the window and see the flood last night but it didn’t happen. The forecast did called for a 70% chance of rain both this afternoon and tomorrow afternoon. So, I’ll hope that it is wrong like today. I’ll try to prepare for the worst and expect the best.

I will start my day with the usual prayer and meditation and hit the road early and hopefully setup early too. From what people here have told me, and what I’ve experienced, the rain usual starts late in the afternoon. Friday looks to be the first clear day for the next 6-7 days. Hurray!

I will not have cell service for the next 35 miles or so (2-3 days), so I may not be able to send out my blog. Oakridge is 35 miles away, where I might get wifi, but I was told that after that I won’t have cell service again until I get close to Eugene.

Please keep sending me your positive thoughts and prayers. As always, please excuse the typos, spelling, etc.

Best wishes to all,
Ted