Day 1696: 90 miles!

Ninety miles!  Last year, I hit ninety miles on Aug. 24 and 100 miles on Sept.  2.  I didn't think it would be possible, but I increased my pace so much over the past few weeks, that now I expect to reach my goal by Sept. 1.  The only problem with swimming 1.5 miles per day is that I'm starving.  Tonight, I ate six homemade tacos for dinner.  SIX!  Then, we topped it off with a big slice of ice cream birthday cake.  No worries. I'll burn it off tomorrow.  

I had lunch with the backpacking ladies from Brocton and Cassadaga.  What sets them apart from other adult leaders is their eagerness to learn everything they can about the organization, required skills and management.  I had prepared a packet of information for them about current issues we face and how we're addressing them. I also made a list of skills they need to acquire in the next few years.  Our focus will be on Leave No Trace principles, the route and equipment.  I feel very confident in their abilities to direct Quest for the future, once they get some experience under their belts.  Our biggest concern is finding leadership from Fredonia.  

Tonight, at 8:30, a call came in for a lost hiker in the Chautauqua Gorge.  Damn!  Why do they always call for help after dark? It puts every first responder at risk!  It makes me crazy when hikers go out alone and prepared.  I understand getting lost, but if someone is in trouble, call while it's still light!  It's so much more difficult to locate a lost hiker at night.  Fortunately, they found this one quickly, but that's not always the case.  

Two brilliant, lovely Violet Etchings!