Intro

Welcome to a story, or stories I should say. A compilation of adventure tales. An ongoing itch to see, smell, and touch the world, or at least the deserted roads and rarely trampled mountains of America. Characters within the descriptive paragraphs of these stories carve out the coming and going companions in life; vital life people and pieces that parallel a universe for moments, days, years. And then spear off, leaving granules of magnificent memories of magical places. They leave a lasting trace, a gained sense of courage to stand tall on oxygen deprived mountains and shout absurdities like: I love you Ralph! Ralph is a teenage reindeer stuffed of the finest synthetic polyester fiber poof; he says made in Indonesia but really tells me he is from the North Pole. Delivered through a chimney one December night 20 years ago, we instantly became cuddle buddies upon that morning's sunrise. He is the instigator. The inspiration. And the imagination. He breathes creativity. Laughter. His is a dear companion. And yes, at 4lbs he tags along atop a pack or strapped to a rack. In delirium of 107 degree heat, the small possession of material belongings gain a persona. Innate objects become friends of the road and trails. And as for the humans who accompany, their presence reads priceless. Without O'Reilly, a 29 year old New Hampshirian with superior taste buds, the mathematical six foot four inch tall German, or handful of organic peanut butter and 99 cent jam eating munchkins, there would be a lot less excitement. The encounters we make with our specie, encapsulating the world with their awkward ways and over consumerist love, somehow we have managed to become overly adored creatures. Their generous hearts restore a faith that goodness prevails in the upheaval of a sometimes lost humanity. As for myself, I'm just the navigator, paddling up the stream of life munching on Clif Bars, with an iPhone documenting the frailties and goodies underneath all the simplified complexities in the world we reside. So again, I welcome you to get lost and dream a little through this typed text and your imagination. My name is Kristen Gentilucci. I live in Berkeley California and I love dogs.


Sunday, August 25, 2013

Day 3, 4, and 5.

Passed out like a two year old on a long car ride, sightings of bears were far from dreams and our tent. Rested we had an exciting day ahead. A solid 5 mile hike out of this touristy valley into town to visit family excited for our arrival. The miles may have been short, but the 5 mile high mountain refused to tilt its path in our favor until the last 1/2 mile. 

2 days in and our only 2 days off this entire hike will be spent table side visiting family, feasting on fresh fruit, and laughing with the lovely sounds of company. Not that my counterpart isn't a lovely earful on the remote trails, but the company of other species like me brings smiles to my face. As I sit and ponder, maybe this whole backpacking thing isn't for me, we are determined to finish, too see the majestic, and bond over farts, fears, and beautify. And so, day off in a mountain ski town, you'll find us on the top of the ski lift bombing down 4000ft of mountain on fancy full suspension mountain bikes. Yes legs will kill in 36 hours, but the tempting urge to move at speeds faster than 3mph were irresistible. Flying once again on two self propelled wheels, my blood revitalized while scaling cliffs and jetted rocks of a very vast mountain that draped off and settles into a very large vast sandy valley. 

Leaving civilization again there will be no sign of service, technology, or an easy way off this trail now. Talking to friendly souls in town, they shared their horrific adventures in the backcountry. Tales of blizzards at the highest peaks, lightening storms that rattle your toes to eyelashes, and the underlying solitude of glorious silence that some find comfort in. Relaxing in hot springs with fresh cheese and bread and lots of chatty voices make the long quiet days ahead daunting. Honestly, maybe I should have actually trained for this, maybe backpacking isnt my style, but I convinced my partner of this trek, and we now walk together mile by mile. And in 15 days, hopefully the fires and smoke 30 miles from whitney will stay at bay and standing at the highest peak in the contiguous USA, I hope to share the rest of this very long walk.