Backpacking!!!

This year my big little brother Myles and I got to go backpacking.  Blanche, a dear friend of ours, does portions of the Oregon sector of the Pacific Crest Trail every year, and she graciously allowed us to tag along. Blanche's friend Brooke also was with us; she accompanies Blanche on these hikes. It was so amazing to hear both of their testimonies of the Lord's amazing and miraculous work in their lives.  And man, they have some seriously funny and incredible adventures together on their hikes!  

Yes! We can do this thing! 

L-R-Blanche, Brooke, me, Myles-

Trail names: 73 (and still knuckling), not sure what Brooke's is, Chuckle, and Huckle! I'll let you figure out why Blanche's is "73". ;-)

A brief snack break before hitting the trail again!

 We used this pump filter to filter the gallons of water that we needed. None of us got sick so it was well worth the effort!

Chuckle, taking a selfie!

Myles made breakfast the first morning. He was such a servant, and a real pleasure and blessing to be with! I have such an awesome brother!

Manning the pump!

 Reposing by the river.

 Love this shot of Blanche!

That water felt so good after 12 miles of hiking boots!

Myles brought a collapsable fishing pole and it was well worth the extra weight and hassle. The first night we caught a couple of really small rainbow trout. They were perfect because that was all we could fit in our little frying pan!

On the second morning we caught two little bass! They proceeded to burn, but for camp food they were pretty good!!!

 I'm so glad I convinced this guy to come along!

 Myles delighted us with music from his harmonica. What fun it was to hike along singing hymns and choruses in the midst of God's incredible creation!

 Blanche said we looked like real through-hikers with all of the stuff hanging off our packs!
Sadly, Myles forgot his gigantic pinecones at our last camp! 

These little trail markers are one way of making sure you're on the Pacific Crest Trail! Excuse my outlandish socks, I soaked mine in the rain the day before and had to borrow some of Myles'. ;-) When you're backpacking you can't care too much about your looks... ;-)

We started having mandatory snack time because Blanche and Brooke weren't eating enough calories for optimal performance! Hiking makes a body really hungry!

Huckle spotted this huge patch of huckleberries (hence his trail name!). Blanche, Brooke and I sat down in the middle of it and didn't even notice it was there until Myles came along with a handful! I'm so glad there was at least one observant person in our group. 
  

 They were huge! (For huckleberries, at least.)

He came up with this way of carrying them so they wouldn't get mashed. The huckleberries were delicious on our breakfast oatmeal the next day! 

 Blanche suffers from blisters so we had her soak her foot, then put mineral clay on the affected area. Thank the Lord they were better the next day!

There's nothing like having 9 miles behind you, a hot meal, camp made, and a little evening music.

I'm convinced that everyone should go backpacking at least once in their lifetime. There really is nothing quite like it! 

So thankful for the companionship of Myles, Blanche, and Brooke. I treasure the memories that we made together. Love you all! 

Standing on the promises,

Emily Jo 

But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost, Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. Jude verses 20, 21 (Note: it's not a promise, but it sure is good!)