Dear Community,

It’s hard to keep up with all the pictures Michael is sending. I can’t keep straight which ones I’ve share with you, which I’ve shared on our Facebook page, and which I simply stare at every day. So I’m taking a break in the narrative to bring you a montage of Michael’s most recent photos and explain a bit about where he is. Hope you enjoy.

Yesterday, as he starts a long flat trek across the Sierras:

On Friday, before the heat and flats of the Sierras:

And this, the greatest photo yet, with in a text saying “These are the people I’ve been hiking with”

As Mike explained to me, people come and go on the trail. Not everyone is a thru hiker. I think this gang has separated for now–some left the trail, some stepped off for a break. He thinks some of them may meet up again down the road.

Last Monday, he stopped to stay at a place called Hiker Heaven just outside of Agua Dulce. He said it’s an amazing operation, run by trail angels who invite hikers to camp at their home. They offer laundry, showers, internet service, heaven’s knows what else, and some shuttles into town to pick up resupplies. Mike said there were 60 hikers there Monday night.

Last week, he sent these:

Then these two, which look frighteningly similar:

Michael, being a dog guy, would gravitate to camp with a pup:

And then of course, this:

And as I am writing this, today we get the following:

“Keep the faith” my sister says. Do I have any other option?

Godspeed, Michael. Use sunscreen and use the sunglasses I’m sending in Box 5.  Keep the pictures coming, and keep walking. Above all, keep that soaring spirit in tact. I’ve never seen a more joyful picture of you.  xo, mom.