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Luckily I survived Sunday's tough training hike. 4.7 miles at a super steep grade. We practically flew down in a quarter of the time it took to hike up. It was a pretty hike and partially shaded near the top.
Scorched trail sign
My friends Krugs and Candy went with me and I'm so glad they did. I needed the morale support to reach the top in the 95 degree heat. I hope this isn't a precursor of the big hike in a mere 8 days.
After the hike, we stopped at the sad little nature center and cooled off. After I dropped them both off and before I made it home, I had to pull over and (cover your eyes) puke. I'm gonna blame it on the bad reaction I had from the deet wipes. Spots on my face and right hand have chemical-like burns on them. Also could be from getting over a summer cold that I picked up Thursday morning.
I just learned that Burt's Bess makes an insect repellent. Gotta try that one out instead! Ingredients include: lemongrass oil, citronella oil, rosemary oil in a grape seed and vitamin E base. I hope my face will heal before I leave. I don't want to take vacation photos with red blotches around my mouth and nose. Been using arnica gel which usually heals any slight sunburns in 24 hours. Gonna buy some aloe on my way home and soak a towel in it and use it like a compress on my face.
I'm glad I've been doing these hikes so I can be more prepared for hiking the Grand Canyon. Any mistakes I make now will make for a better hike ahead.
I only have a couple things left to buy. I think a trip to Target is next for a light colored sports bra, a keepsake notebook so I can jot down notes and maybe sketch a little, hard candy, aloe and look for that Burt's Bees Insect Repellent.
Despite all my mishaps, I am so ready! Bring on the Canyon!