I'm almost done unpacking from our training/campout weekend so I thought I sit down and give you all a report!
We had a total 23 campers and 2 additional couples that walked with us all three days. Friday night (after I was towedoff the ferry and finally made it to the campground - long story - ask me next time you see me!) we were treated to a really pretty sunset as we walked along the bluff trail towards the beach. Friday was the most aggressive hill walk and I'm
happy to say that I had all 20 complete it successfully. We visited around the campfire for a bit then headed off to our
tents. After many outbursts of giggling, quiet finally ruled and we went to sleep.
Saturday morning we were woken up by the pitter patter of rain on the tents. Just about the time I was getting ready to go into rain mode, the cloud passed and we had great walking weather. After breakfast we all piled into cars and
headed to the start point for the days walking. We had 25 walkers on the road!

As we came down the hill towards our lunch on the beach we were greeted bySean and Jason and their friend Nick. We had a couple walkers call it a day after lunch and head back to camp to try to catch the Mariners game while the rest of us continued on. My favorite stop of the day was at the coffee house at mile 12! There's nothing quite like a cold chai tea to make life good!

At mile 16 the group of us that will be walking San Francisco called it a day while the rest of the group continued on
to finish all 22 miles. Not one single walker ended up swept before their original planned stopping point and we had a minimum of blisters and owies at camp that night. I'm very proud of the entire group!

Saturday night we had a yummy chicken dinner then celebrated the 35th anniversary of Dennis & Tath with cake and champagne - much to their surprise!

After dinner we gathered as a group at the fire and went around to re-introduce ourselves (it's hard to keep track of
20+ names!!) and share our reasons for taking on this challenge. As usual I find myself amazed by the people that participate in these events. Every single reason was different and every single reason helped remind me why I continue to do this too. We had friends, cousins, co-workers, step-mom & daughter, husbands & wives all supporting each other. Some walked in memory of loved ones, some in celebration of a loved one, some because they don't know anyone with breast cancer and would like to keep it that way, some as a celebration of their own survival. Each and every reason was very powerful.

We turned in pretty early Saturday night and after still more giggling, went to sleep. Once again we were woken up by rain on the tent Sunday morning. Again we were blessed by a brief shower then great walking weather. This is especially amazing because when I got home I found out that there had been a pretty tremendous thunderstorm on Saturday - and I only live 35 miles away!
Sunday morning those of us that are walking San Francisco stayed behind to tear down camp rather than walk. The
rest of the group actually chose between a couple different walk routes. Some revisited the bluff trail from Friday
night, some went back over Saturday's route and some took the ferry and walked on the other side.

The weekend was so much fun and I'm so glad that these wonderful folks took time to make the drive and camp with me. I can't wait to see their smiling faces again when I arrive in Portland.