Mandy's New Shoes

Mandy's new shoes arrived the other day, and we took them out for a test run today in West Bragg.  They are the Hoka Speedgoat 5.

Hoka - Official Sponsor of Mandy and JM's TGOC 2022 😂

Our best hiking buddy, Audrey, met us at the house ~9:00 and we got to the trail head at 9:20.  The weather was cool (~6 C) and sunny, with intermittent gusty winds.  There were only about 5 cars in the parking lot, which meant we would have the trails to ourselves.

We ended up doing the Mountain Road - Old Shell Road - Merlin View - Braggin' Rights loop.  Trail conditions were pretty good with only the odd muddy or icy section.  I am still getting a slight hot spot on my left inside heel around the 10-km mark.  My plan of action is going to be to tape up the spot every morning and hope for the best.  Amanda's feet were fine in the new shoes, and is optimistic that they are going to work for her.

Bragg Creek Crossing

Merlin Lookout Bench

On the way out along Mountain Road at the beginning of the hike we noticed that the resident beaver has been very hard at work.  When we were on the home stretch we got a good view of his work from Braggin' Rights.  It is very impressive how much he has accomplished!!  The dam looks to be about 100 m long and is very orderly and sturdy-looking.  The resulting pond takes up a few acres with his den in the middle.  We debated whether it was a male or female beaver who did all the work.  Mandy and Audrey had a different opinion than I did, but I still think I was right... 😆

Beaver Hard At Work - Dam At Center Of Photo

Home Stretch Selfie

I was happy to have gotten out today, as we only have a few days left to prepare in the 14 days before we actually start our walk.  As per usual, we had hoped to get in a number of long walks before we left on this trip, but life always seems to get in the way.  Our advantage now is that we know we can handle what the crossing will throw at us - we will deal with any obstacles that come at us as they happen, one step at a time.  The psychological aspect is the most important part of these crossings I think, and knowing that will help us so much.