Two Goodbyes

I had to say goodbye to my Dad today. He didn't sleep well and was still sick this morning. We were discussing options when Yogi stopped at the Mt Laguna store and said she was headed to the San Diego airport. Yogi is a legendary triple crown hiker, meaning she has hiked the three long US trails--the Appalachian, Continental Divide, and Pacific Crest. She also publishes the very popular Handbook and Guide for the PCT. Moose, a fellow thru hiker knew we were looking into the possibility of trying to find a ride for Dad and he hooked us up. Within minutes Dad was on the road with three strangers, no cell phone, and no reservations to get home. It was really tough to see him go, but I really don't think it was much of a decision. If he had been marginal he could have pushed on. But, the longer he was sick, the weaker he was getting, and the longer his recovery was going to be. He's taking a train and bus and should be home at midnight. It was great to have him here with me at the start of the hike and now I can look forward to hiking with him on a different section than we originally planned. Get well soon, Dad!

I also said goodbye to Mt Laguna when i hiked out at 1:00. Others were waiting for it to cool a bit but I was anxious to get back on the trail. I started out alone, but shortly ran into a group of guys and hiked with them until they pulled away from me. It was a sort of United Nations hike--a guy from Australia, one from England, an American, and an Asian.

Before I left Mt Laguna, I bought a can if Coke and hid it in the middle of my pack. Hiking in the heat of the afternoon makes me crave a cold Coke so I planned ahead today. (By the way, Dad, you owe me one!)

Saw my first, and second, snakes on the trail. The first was just a little one, the second was a large rattler...but it was dead.

Walked over a ridge with trees on one side and the Anza Borrega Desert on the other. It was pretty wild.

Hiked 10 miles with the intent to go a little further, but a group was gathering at this large picnic/park area and I decided to stay. I'm glad I did as it was a fun evening. Billygoat, another PCT legend showed up too!