(un) Happy Feet

My darling little feet need to read about 'cooperation'. They certainly aren't understanding the concept nor are they willing to learn!

Going into week FIVE (already!? GAH!) I have realized that my feet are not to be taken advantage of. The poor darlings are dying.

After "borrowing" my sisters amazing Garmont hiking boots a while back, I have unofficially adopted them. They are fantastic boots but have decided that they no longer enjoy having my feet in them. I have terrible blisters (and when I say blisters, I really mean that the whole back of my foot is raw and open) on the backs of my heels, my big toes are numb, and a couple of toenails are falling off. It's an adventure trying to get them back on track, but for that I have my birks - my awesomely comfy birks... <3 Ahhh it's love. Another three weeks until I'll be able to give them an extended break (week off from July 7th to 14th!). Until then, Nurse Elena (my roomate and 'Advisor Geo' for HDI) is fixing me up every morning before we trudge out into the great green wilderness.

No heels when I get back into Van though - just sandals!

We seem to be quickly running out of grids to do here in Big Creek. We're scheduled to stay here at TeePee Heart Ranch at least until the end of July, but it's looking like we're going to get shipped out of here sooner rather than later.
The last couple of days have been easy fixing up and filling in of older grids that we have already been to, and the only ones left are still inaccessible (thanks to rain and snow). It's looking like since this is a bit of a lull in the soil sampling business, the geos are going to take a couple of us out mapping to get in on the fun stuff and involved in creating the local rock library. The rock library is a project that Chris and I are getting going - taking a sample of each type of rock from the area, describing it, writing up the descriptions, and characterizing any deformation or alteration that is present within the rock. It's a big job, but it's perfect for us jr. geos.

After we get sent away from here, our next projects will be up near Vanderhoof, BC!
We'll be staying in fly camps (tents, thermarests, sleeping bags etc) in different areas doing exactly what we're doing now but with more ruggedness. This is paradise, and our stay is quickly coming to a close! Maybe after the fly camps it'll be an all inclusive resort?! (HA!) We shall seeeee... adventure awaits!

-C