Zero Day, Scissors Crossing to Julian.

4 am this morning. Taken from a post supporting a guardrail on the side of the 78 next to where it crosses San Felipe Rd.

Today I had, well, not my first hitch, but I weaseled my way into a ride to Julian first thing in the morning. Matt, Noemi, Jonas, Sean, Rob and I were all talking and leisurely packing up. I saw Janneth and Michael had scored a ride and hustled to finish packing, asked if there was room for one more in the Subaru Impreza (small). The driver, Tom, said if I could fit my stuff, sure.

Fam, don’t as a Latino thru hiker if they can fit their stuff. We can.

Tom said he needed to build up some good karma for them as he’s attempting the PCT in two years. He’s working on figuring out a plan to get away from his sales job that pays too generously to leave behind.

It was a beautiful day in Julian. I had a couple slices of pie.

I had a massive sandwich, I had some beer with Michelle and Hugh (they’re brilliant), and I went and got some gear from 2 Foot Adventures. They have a lot of cool stuff I’d love to get, but I don’t have space or need for a lot of it.

My dad and uncle got into town around 3:30 and we checked into the Apple Tree Inn. I showered and did some sinkside laundry, then we went to dinner at Romano’s. It was really yummy, and I don’t think it was just from being hungry for real food. I got a chicken cacciatore braised in Marsala wine with a really delicious side of rice, broccoli and carrots, and some pickled red cabbage. It was a unique presentation and it worked great.

Then it was to bed!