They have a sweet little dog named Annie and she likes to help me out by sitting in my lap as I try to type or read my guide book. I am only here for one day so I won't be able to do any real sightseeing in the city. I think that is OK though, I am ready for the quiet of the back-country. It has been a wet spring here so I am hoping that the desert flowers will be in bloom.
It is sunny, warm and beautiful here. They have an orange tree in their backyard that is covered with plump juicy oranges. The weather will be sunny and 70-80 over the next few days but there is also a wind advisory for Campo of 60 mph gusts. What a way to start my trip! Oh well, whatever the weather brings I can take it. All I need to do is keep walking, and maybe wear a bandanna on my face to keep the blowing sand out.
The trip starts out with water challenges. It is 20 miles to the first water so I will have lots of water weight on board for the first day or two. This beginning section has a lot of dry sections so I just need to figure out my personal water needs while hiking and deal with it.
I have some extra items on board until I figure out exactly what works for me and I have some extra food too in case I want to just rest for a day. I intend to take it very slowly in the beginning so to avoid injuries or blisters. Since I am carrying 7 liters of water and the extra stuff, my pack weighs 45 pounds. This is not what I had in mind but 14 pounds of that weight is water weight...and I need to drink. I am so ready to get on the trail. Love to you all!
Hi Korinda. I'm a friend of your parents in Kennett Square, and a UU from way back. Looking forward to following your journey. All the best, step by step. Carol
ReplyDeleteHi Korinda! I must have remembered subconsciously when your start date was, because I logged in on your second day. Here in Ojai, we've had temps in the 90s. I'm hiking along the top of Camino Cielo, and had a rattlesnake encounter similar to yours. My naturalist friend and fellow hiker assures me they are as afraid of us as we are of them, but we almost stepped on it! So lovely to look down at my Altras and think of you! Such a wonderful read. Thank you for being a courageous inspiration and role model.
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