Thru-hikers see themselves as self-sufficient on the trail, but a lot goes on behind the scenes. Having said that, I am greatly indebted to……..
Jesus Christ, for his enduring love.
Mama and Tato- for giving me my faith that will sustain me during my hike and always, the endless shopping trips, returns to the store, packing boxes, and the toughtest job, making changes to the boxes before mailing, and mailing them. The living room and dining room survived another planning melee. And for three weeks of Death Row Dining for one self-condemned to the wilderness- lamb chops, shrimp, steak, ice cream……
Baba- for custom sewing my camera case, solar charger case, Gore-Tex waterproof mitts, counting Tums and Advil, and for all those cups of coffee we drained together.
Esso and Kim, and Tei- for planning an incredible send-off party for me. The burgers were awesome and so was the beers from Mexico, California, Oregon, Washington, and Canada. And counting Advils.
JJ and Jen, Lara and Natalie- I will have you to thank for having the sweet smell of the beach in my sunscreen.
Marti and Paul- for lots of help packing the boxes and for almost forgetting to pack 4 dinners! 
Daria and Ed, Damien and Caleb- For baby Caleb, who I got to hold a few times before my trip.
And for all my awesome aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends, who have been so supportive.
Mattie- Thanks for reminding me of the surf stoke, forthcoming surf reports, and great reads on his surf blog (SeaSandSurf)
Obie and Vinita, Anya, Neil and Kira- my gracious hosts in San Diego, who have opened their hearts and refrigerator to me. And for the ride to Campo.
The San Diego crew, which I met and hung out with, and gave me the Cali welcome: Chris, Tom, Jen, Ian, EA, Andrew, Bob, Clarence, Dave Parker, and anyone else who I may have forgotten.
What about Snoop Dog? I thought he was your reason for doing this whole thing.
Are you there yet? – Kira wants to know?
Just tell her to stay as sweet as apple pie.
Hi Dan, I was great meeting you and helping wikth the water and ricecrispy bar. Yes GOD is good. Every where you walk you can see GOD’S beautiful work. Take care safe trip. Janet Drasher trail angel
Hey Daniel, as I see your passion for hiking is still there and you are just as passionate about it as you were before. Have fun, enjoy it and be safe.
Dear Indie:
What fun to read your blog: detailed descriptions and pictures of the whole route. It brings back memories of what we have done and allows us to enjoy what we have yet to see.
Thank you also for the plug for our trail angel work. We will keep the cache going as long as we are able.
You are about to begin our favorite stretch of trail: the very northernmost Sierras from I80 to the Sierra Buttes. Gentle ascents, modest descents, regular water, great views and flowers galore await. And then, you will (pretty much) be done with the Sierras and the Cascades will await.
FWIW, Don’t worry about pacing. The trail is much easier from here on.
Best wishes, Fritz and Ethel
P.S. Ethel’s email is Ethelm36@aol.com
Greetings Indie and Flyboxer
You two young ones have truly inspired this old codger
to embrace the unknown in fresh ways…I’ve thought alot
about the ‘why’ of travel but nothing so far captures it’s
essence as this passage from a Pyco Iyer essay…
Travel can be a kind of monasticism on the move. On the
road we often live more simply, with no more possessions
than what we can carry, and surrendering ourselves to
chance. This is what Camus meant when he said that
“what gives value to travel is fear” —- disruption, in other
words (or emancipation), from circumstances, and all the
habits behind which we hide.
I’m grateful that we met!!!
joel
Hey Indie,
Congrats on finishing!
–Hiker 816
Hey Guy’s!
Congrats on a successful trip. It was great meeting you two in “Sky.” Next time your in town look us up-we’d be happy to give you some more “tours” of the Northwest.
My wife and I have really enjoyed reading your blog. You two are truly an inspiration.
-Sonny