The New & Improved Dasek Family

The New & Improved Dasek Family
Clive Nicholas Dasek (2 days old)

The Dynamic Duo

The Dynamic Duo
Daddy Longlegs and Sassy Sunshine sketched by Stewball

Saturday, March 28, 2009

Ready...Set...Shave!

It all started with a dare one night when we were getting settled into bed. Nick said "why don't you just shave your head for the hike...I dare you" and that's all it took. Rachel has always been intrigued by the thought of shaving her head, however it's not something a woman does on a whim for an "everyday" look. Six months on a trail was the perfect opportunity to push yet another limit and it's just hair it'll surely grow back.

The plan was to let the ladies in Rachel's bible study do the honors, but when we weren't able to make it to community group Wednesday night due to our shake down a "See the Daseks Off" pot luck was thrown together along with the chance for more people to get in on the shaving. Everyone had their chance and at least seven different people either cut a chunk of hair off or ran the clippers over Rachel's head. Rachel's brother Nicholas was the first to use the clippers and he seemed to thoroughly enjoy the opportunity to shave his sister's head (he's in the video above). It was a great night of good food, great friends and a proper send off which ended with a circle of prayers over Nick and Rachel. Could we be any more blessed? We will miss our family here very much (this of course includes our MH family). We love and appreciate you all so very much.




Friday, March 20, 2009

Taking Preparation to a Whole New Level


We realize that hiking for 6 months is going to be quite an adjustment. What we've learned in our research is that one of the main reasons that so many people don't complete the trail is because of unrealistic expectations. Since Nick's only done one weekend of backpacking and Rachel's extent of experience is day hikes and car camping it only seemed wise to get rid of our comfy bed and pitch our tent in its place. The first night was torture! Nick's ultra light thermarest on the concrete floor only hindered his sleep, so he moved to our luxury thermarest in the living room while Rachel tried to sleep the entire night on her back. The next morning we both woke up extremely stiff and soar. It has taken some time to get used to it, but we're getting there. Heck if we can sleep through the night on concrete the earth's floor should be no problem...right?

Wednesday, March 18, 2009

Bon Voyage Nick!

Some of Nick's coworkers and friends met up at the Triple Door to say their goodbyes. His last day was March 9th and he's been living it up ever since. Preparation for our upcoming trip is now his full time job.

Jason and Nicholas met up with us for Trivia Night. We placed second to last.

N&R enjoying the Duhks on the mainstage.

A Dasek Adventure!




It's official; we are hiking the Appalachian Trail!

Nick has wanted to do this hike since he was 15 and considering our current situation (Rachel was laid off in December, the state of the economy, no mortgage or kids...) the timing couldn't seem better. Our departure date is March 30th and we are giving ourselves 6 months to accomplish the 2176.2 mile trail. Your prayers & comments are welcome & appreciated!