Hi Everyone,

Sorry I have been so out of touch...it has been a BUSY summer for me.
Lots of work, and traveling for trade shows, and training to hike
Mt. Whitney, which I did at the beginning of the week. FABULOUS!!!
No, we did not do it in one day (I do not need my head examined). We
backpacked up to Trail Camp on Monday, hiked to the summit on Tuesday,
backpacked back down on Wed. It's too beautiful up there not to stay
a night or two. We were blessed with gorgeous weather and safety, and
met many nice folks on the trail. I looked in vain for "Bachelor Bob's
Dilemma", the clues for which are oriented to the solar potty that is
no longer there. It would have been nice to add a high-altitude Lb to
all the other joys of this trip, but it was easy to let go of, as well.
I had wanted to prepare one to plant, but just did not have the time.
Guess I'll have to go up there again. (Oh, btw, would love to never have
to "go" up there again...the new alternative to the solar potty is a
"wag bag", and, though I consider myself pretty earthy, that got to be
a bit much to take!)

I'm chomping at the bit to get Paul's curiosities, but still can't get
down there quite yet. Loved the non-traditional square dance, and had to
share this non-traditional dance with you all as well. I just know you'll
appreciate it: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EHEC-tm4DCA&mode=related&search=
First saw it on 60 Minutes several years ago. But now it's a YouTube world!!

I won't be able to make the American River Gathering, so y'all have
fun for me,
and I'll look forward to seeing you somewhere out on the trails.

aT (who noticed this week that her backpack is an REI Trekker!!! and will
have to embroider "ART" on there, just for kicks)