Here are just a few moments from Monique's recent escapades:

Celebrating non-native species, Monique enthuses about the Mule Ride she'll enjoy to Bishop Pass.   Yes, she will learn that it's better to be RIDING a farting mule than to be BEHIND a farting mule.

At the top of Davis Peak in Washington's Cascade Mountains, Monique does her best to look like (a) a Pirate or (b) Aunt Jemima

The road to the John Muir Trail - good times.

"I think I can, I think I can.." - Monique trains for a trek along the John Muir Trail

Long Lake in Bishop Creek Canyon.

The beginning of a very long walk.

Free samples=JAZZ HANDS.

Monique's shadow, complete with big, huge, gnarly backpack.

Too much weight in the pack = gotta tape the feet for support.  Ouch! Here, we learn a lesson: NEVER try carrying more than half your body weight on your back.

Mather Pass, taken from the OTHER side, with the Palisades in the far background.

Everything's in bloom!

Near Mather Pass              (elev 12,100ft) , with the Palisade Peaks in the background.

Here's where we came from as we hiked up Pinchot Pass. (above) And (below) - the view beyond Pinchot Pass.  The scenery is too large to fit into the viewfinder!

At Pinchot Pass, elev 12,050ft.

Approaching Pinchot Pass - such blue waters!

Here, my hiking companion realizes one of her ambitions: to take a bath at high elevation. What a veiw!         (I mean the scenery, of course)

Gotta love a bandana in the high Sierra!  Otherwise, you end up with a burned scalp. And that's just GROSS!

Nothing but granite, blue skies,  & clear waters. Get outside!

Monique braves the suspension bridge at the JMT / Woods Creek Trail junction in Kings Canyon National Park.

Crocs...all the rage for in-camp footwear.  (I can't believe I consented to Crocs!!)  By the way, they make your feet sweat.

Castle Domes, Kings Canyon National Park

Above & below - spectacular views along the Woods Creek Trail.

Trees - up close & personal.  Pretty Sequoia!

Woods Creek, above. South Fork of the Kings River, below.

Snakes - up close and personal...not so pretty!

(above) Did someone just wake up? Is someone missing her morning coffee? Don't worry, kiddo - you're almost there.

(below) Here's Ranger Frank, a world-famous John Muir impersonator, who gave me a lift to Fresno.   I LOVE YOU RANGER FRANK!!

Another trail shot, nearing the end of the journey.  (risking sunburned scalp, too)

The confident ladies who gave me a lift after the hike was finished.  Thank you!!

Foot-related injuries sustained as a result of athletic tape and many miles of marching.

After a sponge bath, in Ranger Frank's car en route to Fresno.  SO HAPPY!

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