10-20-06
Start: Campground at Mt. Diablo
Destination: Lafayette Ridge, CA
Elevation: 310 ft.
Miles: 15.5
Weather: Hot, sunny (California rocks!)
Well, we didn't get eaten by the coyotes last night. Or, the coon, the fox, or whatever other critters were scrounging around our campsite looking for scraps we may have dropped. Mom and I have both gotten very good at talking loudly to ourselves when we head to the bathroom, or when I go to hang food. While one is talking to themselves, the other laughs. I don't even know what we say... it's just to let all those creatures know we're there. They are probably sitting in the dark woods laughing and saying, "What a couple of weirdos!"
We hiked down from Mt. Diablo into Walnut Creek. We stopped at a convenience store for a hot dog and sandwich, and when we left there we did a "Dizzy Dames" move. It was funny! We hit a button to cross a busy road. Now keep in mind that we look completely out of place when in town with our backpack and wooden hiking sticks. So everyone's got an eye on us. Anyway, we cross the street, run into a sign that reads, "No peds, use crosswalk." So we hit the button again and cross to where we just came from, cross the other way, then across to where we wanted to be, which was simply kitty-corner from where we were. We walked back down to the trail, walked down the road, through a park, and came out almost exactly where we started after lunch. We just didn't realize we were right there. We walked in circles for about an hour, laughing at ourselves the entire time. We were sooo tired from the circles, that when we came to a soft, green patch of shaded grass in a park, we rested. Made some calls, had some coffee, mom napped... it was nice.
Then we got up and went. We went from hills to city, back into hills, then back into city, and tomorrow we're back in hills again! I saw cows up there, too, so we'll have company.
We're being hosted by a wonderful family tonight. Michele works with Pharmion doing PR work. Pharmion has been great, holding a fundraiser for us in Kansas City, and remember Denver!? They flew our hubbies out to surprise us! So when Michele heard we were coming through her neck of the woods, she called - and we're very happy. Our alternative would've been campin' with the cows! Her husband, Tom, made a great turkey and spinach lasagna for dinner, too. Thank you, Michele, Tom, Dylan and Ryan for a great stay!
Wow. Only 7 days 'til the finish! One week... next Friday. Tomorrow will be our last Saturday on the ADT.
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