Day 2

DAY 2:

Woke up at our site surrounded by poison ivy at Hauser Creek and packed everything up. Our group ate breakfast (granola) and had a stretching circle. Each person performed their favorite stretch and everyone else copied. We all headed up the trail around the same time. I feel an instant bond with everyone I meet. The comradery between backpackers, trail angels, and towns folk is AMAZING! I am reminded of the comradery I experienced in the military; the only difference is that I am with hippies. :) I left Hauser Creek at mile 15 and walked a fairly easy 5 miles into the Lake Morena Campground. Apparently I am very fast. I am extremely slow going up hill due to hip and back pain. However I think this helps me conserve my energy because I start flying down the trail when I get to the top of wherever I'm going while everyone else is exhausted and out of breath. I suppose I am a tortoise instead of a hare. I arrived to Lake Morena early, set up my tent, and went to a convenient store a mile down the road. I later met up with "my group"... Ruth, Dave, Greg, Beads, and Cookie Monster. I also met a famous thru-hiker named Billy Goat. He is older. I was so star struck that I practically jumped on him. He didn't mind. Haha. I ate lots of good food including warm banana bread that trail angels Tom and Darlene gave me and a yummy hot dog from a different trail angel- I forget his name. I also drank lots of milk and beer... both items that aren't on the trail. The kick off is one giant party. I feel like I belong. It's an incredible feeling knowing beyond a shadow of a doubt that this is where I am meant to be. It's kismet! I also lightened my pack weight by about 10 pounds. I had a 28 pound pack EXCLUDING water and food weight. I got my pack down to about 18 pounds. This weight should be much more manageable, especially once I am in the mountains where I will encounter inclines, snow, and altitude changes. I'm not sure when I fell asleep, but I slept like a baby! Life is great!