USA

Now things are getting interesting. The big city in front of me, 80 pounds of gear on me, and approximately 29950 miles in front of me. My contact from C.S. tells me that I am welcome for 1 night on a very soft couch that resides in a small loft overlooking the San Diego harbor. I am more than happy to take her up on that one, I now know without a doubt, that all the training in the world would never have prepared me for 80 pounds, 24 hours a day. My feet are killin me! After brief nights sleep I awoke to the aroma of coffee, and soft music coming from inside Jenines small kitchen. I was kindly provided a cup of strong coffee,toast, and an apple. I ate my breakfast as quickly as I could, and was sent on my way with instructions on how to find the most likely spot to hitch a boat ride. After about 3 hrs of city hiking, and plenty of less than enthusiastic welcomes at local marinas, I locked eyes with a local panhandler who was running back and forth on a bustling two lane road, enthusiastically trying to get attention with a sign that said "SMILE". It seemed to be working for him, as the endless lines of cars passed him, it was rare that a driver wouldn't be smiling. I thought to myself... this guy would be fun to talk to.We talked for about 30 minutes about why he was out there doing what he was doing, how he liked San Diego, and then he asked what I was doing? I told him, and he told me how tough hitching anywhere between San Diego and the bay area was. Of course my previous experience the day before had already clued me in. I asked him if he had any other suggestions? He enthusiastically stated "you could hop a freight!" I said sure. He said where, and how. Next thing I know im poised behind some bushes waiting for the next freight to roll by. Not quite sure if this little plan was going to work out, I made the decision to give it my very best effort. If I failed at least I could say I tried. As I waited in the bushes next to a bend in the track I realized that they looked as if GOD himself had placed them specifically for train hoppers. Im sure I wasn't the first to do this, nor would I be the last. I watched as the train slowed itself down to a crawl through the station...Only about one hundred yards down the track I waited in stealth laughing to myself about what I was about to do. When the moment came I let every ounce of adrenaline in my body spring forth as I attempted to run with 80 pounds on my back in pursuit of a train that was now speeding up again. I grabbed a rail, and jumped, hoping that at least one of my feet would land on the platform I was aiming for. Luckily one foot made it, I pulled the rest of my weight up, took a look around to make sure I was alone and fell to the platform floor in complete exhaustion. It was difficult to know where to get off at, so again I simply hoped that I would be blessed with a safe place to jump off and camp unnoticed. I was fortunate in my choice, I jumped off about 5 minutes before Irvine California where I had a solid nearby contact. I walked next to the track until I found a nice flat spot to lay down for the night. Sleeeeepy time!

As it all begins to sink in, and the doubt and fear begin to creep into my stomach.... I think to myself, Wait one minute you have been here before... you know what happens next, and it is true, I do know. You either give in to that part of you that thinks, it sure would be nice if you were at home watching a movie, eating some popcorn, and preparing your mind for the next days work. Or you refocus, readjust and remind yourself that there is a damn good reason for me to be out here. I never did like that job, that movie I would have been watching probably had the exact same outline as 5 other movies I have seen this year, and don't even get me started on that popcorn in all of its toxic microwavable glory. Im here! I want to be here! Ahhh, nothing like coming to terms with fear. Now where am i going? North. I take a long hard look North, and as far as the eye can see roads, interchanges, off ramps, lines of cars as long as ten football fields. Damn that popcorn is starting to sound good again! Ok you remember how it goes, you write up a witty sign, stick it out like you mean it aaand, wait! So 2hrs into the wait a kind soul who looks like an x hitcher rolls down his window, reaches out as far as he can and says, hey here's 3 bucks, the light rail will take you into San Diego. Thank you Jesus! I am out of here.