The last 30 days.

Here we go.

The countdown is on, and there is much to be done, and much that has been done. As June 25 approaches, we are busy but excited — more so when we hear how excited everyone else is, particularly those of you who have never been to this part of California. Sharing this setting with all of you sold us on this location.

We have firmed up and finalized the itinerary for the week, so visit the web site and see what we have planned. There's a printer-friendly version of the calendar you can download. Also consider checking out some of the links on the destination and itinerary pages to plan some adventures of your own. We hope that you come along with us for our activities, but we also hope that you experience the redwoods on your own terms. This is your vacation, too. Note that times have changed for some of our scheduled events.

Otherwise, keep an eye on this blog and watch for e-mail updates from us during the next 30 days. And get damn excited.

Jason

What's a wedding ceremony docent?

Over Mexican food/beer last night we enlisted our good friends Jessica and Charles to help us keep an eye on people as they arrive for the wedding ceremony to make sure no one wanders off down the wrong trail or aimlessly through the ferns and giant trees. While there are no lions, tigers, or bears to worry about, we are trying to fit 50 or so people on a narrow trail in a manner that allows everyone to experience the ceremony without trampling nature.

Basically, they're an extra two people who can listen for questions and reassure people as they arrive for the wedding — and as people head out after. Sounds kind of like an usher, but since there are no seats or bride's/groom's side at the ceremony, they are more informational than tactical. Jessica suggested "ceremony docent," based on her experience working for Scripps Institute of Oceanography and the Birch Aquarium — an erudite, yet fitting title.

We're happy to have them no matter what they're called.

Jason

One-woman band.

We have been debating whether to have music during the ceremony, and if so, how — seeing as we're getting hitched on a trail in a forest down by a river.

The solution came as we were listening to songs on YouTube. We found a Bob Dylan song we liked for the procession, and as we were listening to it, we both kind of thought, "You know who could do a sweet version of this song — Becki!"

A quick e-mail later and we had recruited our good friend from high school to provide a little guitar and vocals to kick off and close our ceremony.

Woo-hoo!

Jason

Uncle Charts Trail in 'Off Chance' that Nephew Proposes There 26 Years Later

My uncle, Brian Williams — source of my "Brian" middle name — called me last night after reading the Engagement page on our wedding web site.

Before becoming a CHP officer he worked as a land surveyor, first for a private company, then for the U.S. Forest Service. In 1981, he served on a crew assigned to chart a section of a new trail that would stretch from Mexico to Canada. Survey crews throughout California, Oregon, and Washington had begun piecing together this 2,650-mile trail comprised of new lengths connected with existing tracks. The trek became known as the Pacific Crest Trail, and the length my uncle helped chart runs through Warner Springs — a two-mile section of which Sarah and I hiked and got engaged on in February 2007.

As a surveyor, he planned the route, making sure the trail wasn't too steep and that the views were good, among many other responsibilities. The view was beautiful from the place we had a picnic and got engaged.

I thanked him for planning ahead.

Jason