The streets were no longer buzzing with partiers when we walked back to the aparthotel this morning. This time around, our only company was the crews cleaning debris from the festivities last night, and a handful of early risers getting their steps in before the streets got crowded again. Our mission was to bring breakfast for everyone at the aparthotel and fortunately we succeeded thanks to a conveniently located Tesco, only a block from the aparthotel.
With 5,600 miles, 16 states, and too many donuts to count behind us, the trip is over, and we are now trying to re-acclimate to the routine of normal life. Rachel was back at work only a week or so later, and I am realizing that my immediate job will be as an assistant wedding planner. Hopefully I’ll find time for a new engineering job on the side soon, though!
A big thank you to everyone who followed us for this journey; your support always helped us continue on. Another big thanks to the people we met along the way who were so generous. We were so pleased to experience so much kindness from so many strangers; it was truly incredible. For everyone that took us into their homes, gave us meals, and even those that cheered for us as they passed in a car along the way: thank you SO much! You made our trip amazing; you lifted our spirits, and you kept us going!
We had another slow morning today, which always feels great after so many early ones throughout the trip. The plan for today was to go for a hike, but, first, Rachel needed to find a dress for her brother Wes’ rehearsal dinner, which will happen a few days after we make it to Bozeman.
She found the needle in the haystack at Ross’, and then we made our way to D.L. Bliss State Park, where we would start hiking. Our plan was to follow the Rubicon Trail along the perimeter of the lake to Vikingsholm, in Emerald Bay.
We left the campsite around 6:30AM and headed up the hill towards Sequoia National Park. At the gate to the park, we met a local cyclist named Bill.
He hung back on his road bike to ride with us to Ampitheater Point. He gave us copious information about the park and the surrounding area, in addition to giving us incentive to climb faster. He has done the climb over 100 times, and he told us that there are 24 switchbacks and 240 turns. The extra company was greatly appreciated, and there was definitely more conversation than there would have been otherwise.
Today, we hiked my favorite hike: Angel’s Landing. I hiked this trail with my family about ten years ago, and I couldn’t wait to do it again with Chris.
Continue reading Walter’s Wiggles (74)
