10-24-06
Start: Muir Beach, CA
Destination: Bolinas Ridge Trail, CA
Elevation: 1490 ft.
Miles: 12.9
Weather: Foggy, but nice!
We had to wake up from a very comfy, cozy state this morning, and it was tough. We did end up lying in our sleeping bags about an hour longer than usual, though. We are a little ahead of schedule, so we've been allowing ourselves to relax just a little these last few days. It's really been nice not to have to push ourselves to the point of throwing our packs and flopping onto the ground in exhaustion.
We started hiking through some pretty thick fog. We couldn't see the tips of the hills we were headed towards. That might be a good thing, because we did have to climb from the beach back up to a ridge. So we just climbed all morning.
Sarah and Pam called early saying they were excited to come out and meet up with us, and they were on their way already! Mom and I got excited and trucked it to the Pan Toll Ranger Station/campground where we planned to meet them.
Mom and I got there, put our packs down, sat down, listened to a couple of tented bikers snoring, giggled, and sat for a moment. Then I saw this car slow, stop, kind of sharply turn into the parking lot, and then I heard one of them say, "HEY!!" It was such a great reunion! I think Pam flew out of the car before Sarah even had it in park! We all hugged and said our hellos, and Sarah took some photos. We sat and talked while munching on snacks that they brought for us. We chatted for at least a half-hour. Then we continued on hiking. What an absolutely awesome surprise to have them here to witness our finish! Hee-hee, and we don't have to camp tonight - SWEET!!
So they hiked with us through a gorgeous stretch of shaded, wooded trail. Sarah took more photos (she's a photographer at 4imprint), and we hiked about 2.5 - 3 miles in. They turned back so they could meet us at the next point with the car. We met up there about the same time again.
We quit a little early so we had time to get back and have a nice dinner with them. When we got back to the city where they were staying, we got to the hotel, unpacked our stinky stuff, stunk up the hotel room (I'm not going to miss that!), went for coffee, and did a little shopping! It was weird to shop. I felt obligated to tell everyone what we were doing - not only because it's a great cause - but because mom and I looked a bit grubby. But we splurged for the very first time in almost 9 months and bought an outfit. We were thrilled to have something nice to wear to dinner. We felt normal! We weren't going to be uncomfortable in a white-cloth-napkin restaurant! Yeah!
Aaah, so what a great day. Tomorrow Sarah and Pam are going to hike with us the whole day. It's going to be fun!
Only 3 more days 'til the finish!
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