Big changes

So, today some major changes. At breakfast this morning Movin' On let us know that she is heading home. Just feels like it's the right thing for her to do. It was a sad breakfast. We've had so much fun, but of course I totally understand. We all have to do the things that are right for us and our families. Good things ahead for her.

In the mean time, the weather here is very warm, and the snow is melting in the Sierras at break neck speed. Which means, all the creeks and stream fords that we have ahead for the next 200 miles, are exponentially more dangerous. We have been hearing some scary stories from hikers ahead of us, of terrifying crossings or people having to hike back out because they were unable to cross. I'll take a steep mountain pass over a raging creek any day. Unfortunately, I don't get to choose. So, that said, we are driving north a few hours tomorrow to Echo lake. Just north of the Sierras. We will hike north from there to Canada. Then, we will come back to Echo Lake and head south through the last 300 miles of the Sierras in August. No snow. Creeks should be down. And no doubt it will be beautiful. Not our original plan but I feel good about it. Still a thru- hike, just with a flip flop tossed in. There are several others doing likewise. 

Tonight in Bishop we had dinner with the friend of my AT trail mentor, Tom Tanner . Heidi Eldridge and her husband Chris.

Sat out by their pool and talked and laughed and had grilled chicken and an incredible Caesar salad. It was such a fun evening. Heidi works for the forest service and confirmed our decision to come back to finish the Sierra in August. And when we're back  here, she's going to hike Whitney with us, And show us the Bristlecone Pine forest, which is the oldest living non-clonal organism .(and no I don't know what that means but it's WAY old :). And super cool. I think we have seen some while hiking but this is what they look like....twisty. 

(Not my photo)

Moon over Bishop tonight with the silhouette of the mountains.

So, plans have changed but all good. Not going to battle Mother Nature. She's way too powerful.