Day 6

After we awoke this morning, we drove to the south part of Temecula, and found a street to park the car. Unfortunately the McDonalds near old town Temecula near the street we actually parked at wouldn't let us park there. Rainbow, where my last ending place was was only 7.3 miles away from where we parked my car today. Because of the highway in the city, I concluded that we would not likely get a ride to Rainbow so that we could walk the legitimate 7.3 miles. We walked all the way to Rainbow, and all the way back to my car. So we did double mileage today, with the walk to Rainbow not even counting. But hey, whatta ya gonna do, eh?

Before leaving the from the car we met a man named Steve who inquired about the nature of our walk. We talked for a while, and when we started to leave he said "nice shoes". We had the same pair of hikers on. Is that cool or what?

On the way back to the car (only about 1.5 miles from it) we spoke with a nice lady named Anna Rude. Don't let the name fool you; she was the antithesis of rude. She was very nice to talk with. I gave her one of my home made cards, and she said she would spread the word about our walk. Thanks, Anna! It was a pleasure meeting you!

So, tomorrow the plan is to get through the city of Temecula. We will probably have to walk back to today's ending point and back to the car, here at McDonald's on the north end of town. They graciously are letting us sleep in their lot and letting us leave our car parked there tomorrow.

Why are we taking a whole day to get through one city? For one, getting through all the crosswalks will take more time. Two, we still will not probably get a ride from one side of the city to the other. If I had a bus schedule it might be different.

Justin did well on his first walk today. His feet are really sore, and of course my feet and ankles are very sore.

Overall, even though we only netted 7.3 miles, the day was a good one.

7.3 productive miles + 7.3 backtrack miles = 14.6 total miles today

Happy New Year!

Day 3

Would you believe that I got so cold last night that I started my car and cranked up the heater. Then off to slumber land. I woke up not too long after that and luckily the fuel gauge hadn't moved much. I'll try not to do that again. I woke up around 7:30 and walked into the McDonalds I was parked at and had two breakfast burritos. Then I drove the google walking directions and decided to see if I could get permission to park my car at the Rainbow Volunteer Fire Department. They were eager to help out and said "of course". We talked for a bit, and I told them my main reasons for the walk. Their names are Eric and Ricky. Thx guys. Upon leaving I said thanks and Ricky said something I'll never forget. He said "Thank you" to me. That inspired me so much. You guys got my day going really great.

It took me about 1.25 miles of walking before I was able to hitch a ride back to yesterday's ending point. It couldn't have been a nicer couple. Thank you Bill and Mary Lou Goodson. We had good conversation and before I knew it we were at McDonalds.

It was a beautiful walk, with two long hills I had to climb. I came across a branch formation that looked as if a carcass of a cow or horse had been hung over a stump. You have to see it to believe it. When I reached the fire station the guys let me in to chat for a bit and to refill some water bottles then another guy took a pic of us.

Oh yeah, I think I'm starting a book club. lol! I read a little bit of Viktor Frankl's "Man's Search for Meaning". There were some quotes in the forward I'd like to share. It looks as if I'll have time tomorrow to blog about them. we have severe weather approaching. A winter storm, in Southern California! It's supposed to last from tonight and all day tomorrow. The following day looks promising, though.

I'm at Barnes and Noble typing this. Either today or tomorrow I may try to find a truck store where I can take a shower and shave.
I've been told the price is reasonable.

Thank you all for reading and I hope you continue to follow.

12.3 productive miles + 1.3 backtrack miles = 13.6 total miles today

Pic 1 - From left to right - Ricky, me, and Eric

Pic 2 - Tree system that looks like a carcass is draped over it

Pic 3 - I don't know this guy? No, just kidding, it's me