Day 2 4/17 Tuesday 7:16PM

I feel very small out here.  I'm not lonely, but I do miss my dad.  I couldn't have asked for a better nights sleep. We woke up at 6 packed up camp, and did an easy 3 miles to Lake Morena.  I took a shower and it felt amazing.  It seemed a little early in the hike to be showering, but there was no denying that I needed one.  I figure it's best to get in the habit of taking one when I get the chance.  While I was eating breakfast Papa went to fill my water bottles, and weren't we surprised to hear someone hollering his name.  It was David our good friend we made at kickoff last year!  He broke his back 6 weeks ago and is still trying to hike this year.  It was really nice to see him.  After breakfast it was time to say goodbye to my dad.  It was a pretty sorry sight as I set off from the Lake, waving blearily at the blob I could barely distinguish as my dad.  My tears dried soon enough, and I enjoyed the first solo leg of my adventure.  I felt stronger than yesterday, and the miles fell away through picturesque fields of yellow flowers, and shady stands of trees.  I took my shorts off and waded down stream at cottonwood creek until I got to a spot deep enough to slip under the rippling waves.  Refreshed, I pushed on until lunch time stopping at bolder oaks to eat more salami and cheese.  Those sugar snap peas are about the worst I've ever had, and I'm going to throw them away .  I hadn't seen another hiker all morning, but they all caught up with me as I took my after lunch rest.  The British couple, and two NEW Israelis came and sat with me, but I decided to keep hiking while they were still mixing their tuna.  The next stretch was quite steep, and very hot.  I got a stern warning from a rattlesnake just off the trail.  It took a lot of will power not to mess with it, because I couldn't tell how big he was, but everyone will be very proud of me that I held back and continued respectfully on my way.  I found the familiar campsite and Yellowrose Spring at around 5pm.  This is where I hiked to over several days last year when my leg was still a mess.  I washed my face in the spring and took my shoes off before starting supper, and was just adding olive oil to my mashed potatoes when the Israelis walked up.  I'm happy to share my campsite and get to know them better.  We all talked and ate and laughed and brushed our teeth, and now we are going to bed.  I remembered that "goodnight" in Hebrew was "lailah tov" and there was a chorus of that about two minutes ago.  It's 8:05. The Frogs are going nuts.  First complete day on the trail and I'm pretty sure this is going to be the best thing ever.  My sore throat and cough are gone, my groin-hammy that I strained yesterday feels better, and my pack is pretty comfy.  Probably going to hike as far as Mr. Laguna tomorrow. 



I miss y'all!
XOXO

Georgia