Adapting

After walking about a mile to a ranger station on Mother's Day to call my mom and grandma, I came to the realization that I have not been all too clear on what exactly we are doing. We have gone over 360 miles since the Mexican border and I am just now taking my third true zero day. A zero day is when no miles and the trail are walked. I do not plan to even pick my pack up today.The Pacers won and it was an unbelievably fun evening. Many of the people we had been meeting along the came to the bar and we stayed there pretty late. Continued it at the hotel until early morning. We hung out in the room for a bit the next day. Got up in order to get to the grocery to resupply for the next few days. Able to get a ride back to the trail from the same person who gave us a ride to the bar. Back on the trail and met up with Baro, H-Bomb and Jangles. Had a nice ten mile hike to where we camped that night with the aforementioned for the first time. Slept well but got going slowly the next morning. I was the last one to leave camp. Met back up with them, Staci, Dubs, Mr. Wizard and Tim for a nice midday break. Matt bet Staci ten dollars that she couldn't do fifty push-ups. She got ten dollars richer. Pressed onward until we were walking along a creek. Saw that there were fish and a place deep enough to get in the water. Matt caught a beetle and attached it to the hook that hung off the end of his trekking pole with fishing line. Within twelve seconds Matt had a fish on the line. It was deliciously prepared over a nice open fire with some seasoning salt on it. The following day awaited a decision as to do the detour away from the supposed unsafe bridge and hot spring or partake in frivolous activity. Our decision making could not have been better. There were a few spots that were washed out on some fairly steep slopes but nothing unmanageable. The topless women and wonderfully warm waters were enough to make even the down and out man happy. There was the unfortunate event of a gentlemen sitting on edge of the hottest pool who managed to prop his uncircumcised member loftily in the air. We spent the night there and enjoyed the stupendous views the evening had in store. Marched until about lunch time when we came to a parking lot with a trail angel awaiting us. Warm hot dog, beans and potato salad. It was all scrumptious and much appreciated. Matt and Hollywood wanted to stay there and I decided to press forth. It was only going to get warmer. I hiked with Trip once again. He set a pretty good clip. Did not get too warm and the day started to cool when we got to the lake. I was planning to get about nine miles outside of Cajon Pass where a McDonalds awaited. I wanted to make sure i made it for breakfast. Ran into Baro, H-Bomb and Jangles and ended up just staying there bittern miles out. I woke up at five to make sure I was going to get there in time for breakfast. I talked to Matt and he stayed about five miles behind me. I made it for breakfast with ease, but I was not sure if Matt was going to make it for the Pacers game at 1230. I never should have doubted him. He strolled into McDonalds, said "Where is the TV," no TV, "Where is the Best Western?" he went and got a room, so he could watch the game. It was a marvolous establishment with hot tub and pool. great night rest and we headed out to cover the twenty two mile dry stretch in one day. As the day progressed the plans began to change. We got to a point where it said there was a poodle dog bush avoidance detour. It was just written on a piece of paper and stuck on a post. There had been previous warnings of PDB, and it had not been that bad. Matt, Staci, and I decided to charge through. The dog was everywhere! We all definitely touched it. Staci called someone she new in the area and they were willing to come pick us up, so we could stay two nights at their place and have a cheap zero day. The only catch was it was going to be a 28 mile day. Matt wanted to scream and yell at the TV during the Pacers game the next day and did not feel like walking the full distance. He stopped with a big group of people about five miles out. Staci pressed forward. I sat, talked to Matt and ate a couple oatmeal packets. Put my headphones in my ears and more or less ran the last little bit to make sure they didn't leave me or were not waiting on me. Caught up with her after about three miles at a campground where Mr. Rainville was going to meet us. It felt great to be able to just sit in a car. Arrived at their home and there was warm pizza waiting. Enjoyed the company of Staci and the three Rainvilles. Hopped in the shower and scrubbed my body down. Felt great and I hope I got rid of all the PDB. Slept very well. Woke up the next day and just enjoyed a nice relaxing day. rode bikes to the store and to get some food. Felt nice to stretch the legs impact free. Played some games and enjoyed the stagnant life.watched the Pacers game. Unfortunate undoing. Spent another evening talking to the Rainvilles. They all went to bed and I watched a few episodes of the Big Bang Theory. We got a ride back to the trail, but the gate to the campground where we got picked up was locked. We walked the two miles to the campground and then walked back to the highway to hitch a ride into town. Went to pick up our packaged, and i went to go meet up with Matt. Staci got a ride to the trail to keep moving. Matt had been in a room with six people and had a fun night out. They had decided to stay another night, I had a zero day and a four mile day. We had a great time last night. A fun group, some whiskey, a little BBQ and some good tunes.