After waiting and waiting for FedEx, Hogged Up resupply box arrived. She had been tracking it, called FedEx to find out what was up with her delivery? They promised it would arrive today. Shortly after 2pm, several hours after our checkout time, Mrs. FedEx hand delivered the package. Hogged Up was ecstatic. Being a Vegetarian, it is tough to buy resupply in small town USA, and seldom do they have what she wants. So disaster was everted and all was well.

While we were waiting for FedEx, Fearless was being interviewed by the local radio station in town. After reclaiming her poles last night, she stopped by “The Peak“ and asked if they were interested in covering human interest stories? Once she shared a bit about who she is, they asked if she was the one who left her poles at the trailhead? I guess word gets around the town of Pinedale.

She arrived shortly before noon and for close to an hour, Fearless shared her story of being diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 2016. She had gone to work and was slowly loosing control of her legs. After many incorrect diagnosis’s, a Neurologist told her she had MS. She had lost her mobility for a period of time but while she was in the hospital, a verse came to her. “I praise you Lord, I am fearfully and wonderfully made!” To this day, this is her belief. And anyone she can share it with is enormously blessed by her story.

Fearsome is Fearless! She is courageous, powerful, and no diagnoses or disease will stand in her way. She hiked the Appalachian Trail with the support of her Father Stephen Fear, Dave Tilden and many others in 2023. This was the same year I hiked the trail, yet we never met. But after she finished it, she knew there was more she could do.

This year, Fearless has a goal of raising $50,000 for her non-profit that helps people who have been diagnosed with MS. Collaborating with grass roots organizations and small businesses, she has provided clients with wheelchairs, scooters, service animals, and equipment that allows them to be able to live life to their fullest. The mission statement for Fearsome is to empower people living with Multiple Sclerosis to stay mobile, independent and experience the restorative power of nature and getting outdoors.

With the radio show complete and Hogged Up food delivered, Albert drove us to Sandy Lake Trailhead. This is quite a feat in itself. We drove for two hours on the highway, then through the plains and up the somewhat maintained forest service road. We passed several herds of Pronged Horned Antelope, Deers, Cattle and Sheep.

As we approached the trailhead, the rain arrived. There was one ominous dark cloud overhead, so we disembarked from Albert’s truck and promptly made our way to the outhouse. Luckily for us, it was clean with plenty of room for the three of us to take shelter. This is starting to sound slightly familiar! Within ten minutes, the big bad black cloud passed and we hit the trail.

We had a late start but managed to crank out a little over two miles before finding a place to camp. Oh, it always feels good to be back on the trail! Rain or shine, thunder or lightning, hail, sleet and snow, you can’t keep us from hiking southbound. Here we go again!

“I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” Psalms‬ ‭139‬:‭14‬ ‭NIV‬‬