Miles walked today: 6.3mi / 10.1km
Total training miles to date: 69.34mi / 111.59km
Days left ’til I leave: 38

I don’t know how or why the sun has been shining so beautifully lately, but it sure doesn’t feel like Oregon in springtime!

Vicky, Gary, and I took a walk at Willamette Mission State park today and it kicked our butts — including poor Shelby’s, the aged Shiba Inu/Chow mix. But we didn’t care that we were slipping and sliding on the muddy horse paths because the sun was beaming down and the temp was about 60. Perfection.

Not only was the weather magical, we spied herons, mallards, and a beautiful kingfisher along the way.

And then this guy was hiding in the woods, underneath an old tree.

So I had to get in the action, of course.

Me. For scale.

Makes me wonder how he ended up out here!

At just over 6 miles today, it was my second longest walk yet, and I’m planning to up it this week to 8 miles. My ultimate goal is do do 10-12 mile days (16-19km) comfortably with a pack. I still have 5 and a half weeks to train and I’m feeling pretty good about that!

I know that some of my readers are nervous I can’t do it, but I will be ready. Your cheers of encouragement are welcome.