Today we celebrate one month on the trail. Yesterday, we were taken to our favorite store, REI, where we were both happy to purchase new shoes, and speak with the salesman, Nick, about our journey thus far. He spoke with an inquiring mind and later mentioned he was interested in hiking it himself. Our trip concluded with Panda Express and a coffee for Melissa and Reeses Peanut Butter Cup Ice Cream scoop for myself. The remainder of the day was spent conversing, enjoying the cooler than average temperatures, (which is not the case today) and of course our second past-time eating.
The day ended with one of the most touching stories of the trip thus far. Donna and Jeff Saufley told their legendary “Story.” The story was told around the campfire with company of 3 of the 7 house dogs and the dimly lit stars as a backdrop. Donna spoke about how this came to be per-say, and now 3000 plus hikers later, they are still smiling and welcoming folks with open arms. Prior to the story, I was able to spend a few moments in the garage with them as they finished the laundry of the 20 or so hikers who rolled in yesterday. We spoke about the small town politics of Agua Dulce and grandor topics of socital norms, our current state of affairs, happiness, and capitalism. I shared with them a story that hits home as we walk on this quest, a book that was passed to me from my sister after my cousin Micah found it thinking she would be interested in it. A story told by Dr John Francis, an environmentalist and California native. Visit his website and watch the short 60 minutes video, you too will be touched.
So today we awoke to a loud 80’s record at 6:08am and we have since rode bikes to the local cafe and enjoyed some delicious breakfast sandwiches and hashbrowns. We are planning on departing this afternoon, headed north towards the hottest stretch of trail across the Mojave Desert. Hopefully, I can consume the remainder of delicious cookies and tasty brownies before we get there in a few days.
~Justin
1 Comment
Bill and Alex · May 23, 2010 at 6:29 pm
Glad you are missing all the summer snow that we are camping in. I am jealous that you will be hiking through the desert as I dig out my Sorrels to hike through the snow for the next 5 days. Oh well enough complaining, I hope you are having a great time. We miss you and can’t wait till you get closer to Oregon. Happy hiking and keep practicing your cribbage..