The first day

We've all gone through the first day of school enough yes to know how it goes. You feel a little awkward, a little nervous, you adjust your clothes and hair obsessively. The first day on the trail was a lot like that. Better, of course, but still with the shy hellos and smiles and how-are-yous. Checking out everyone's interpretation of the "thru-hiker dress code". Lots of excitement and hope in everyone's eyes!

A 4:30 wakeup got us to the trailhead at 6. We started at the monument about fifty feet from the border fence with a mob of people brought in by some trail angels (kind people who volunteer to help hikers on the trail). Among them was Lizzy, a friend of mine from missoula who's hiking the trail with her brother! I was ecstatic to see her (and ecstatic in general). So after taking the obligatory photos with the monument and saying goodbye to Clara's parents, we set off into the sunrise! Journey... Begun.

Lake Morena

Clara, Shelby and I stuck together and flew through the twenty miles. We didn't fly up the last hill, actually. It was pretty hot and exposed but with the most glorious breeze at the top. We decided that siestas are incredible and necessary for morale. Even with a long break mid afternoon, we rolled into lake Morena at four, where ADZPCTKO was already hoppin' with tons of hikers!

More on that tomorrow, cause I'm falling asleep as I write. My best first day yet!