Day 28 – hIker heaven to Martindale RIdge road

April 24 | Miles 454.5 - 462.6

Today was a glorious nearo with magic I never saw coming.

I wore earplugs last night and slept like a baby. Waking up, I stood in the sunlight for a few minutes and watched the horses mill around.

Some of us walked to town and majorly overwhelmed one of the two breakfast spots that were open.

I ran to the grocery store to top off my resupply. On my way back, some serendipity occurred.

I was thumbing for a hitch back when I heard a guy ask, “you need a ride?” Roger ushered me into his silver Range Rover and told me all about the extra beer he had and how sweet his pool was. He dropped me off and I told him to have a blessed day.

Ten minutes later he was back at Hiker Heaven yelling for Birthday Girl and suddenly I was the owner of a nearly full 36-pack of Coors Light.

And an hour later, we all changed into some loaner bathing suits, grabbed towels, and strolled up to his door (I barely remembered his address so it was a little bit of a gamble when we came knocking). Sure enough, out came Roger with open arms, welcoming us into his (very dank smelling) abode and offering us all cold beers.

We swam, drank, and tanned like vacationers. Roger told me that my nice smile was what made him invite us in. He was a consummate host, coming out in the following hour with fruit, a veggie plate, hot buttered croissants, goat cheese, and a giant chocolate egg leftover from Easter. We got the full hookup.

I thanked him profusely and gave him the trail name of Party Master, which he loved. A good time was had by all.

After I got a second shower back at Hiker Heaven, we chilled as the afternoon heat subsided. Tonight we hiked a few hot miles out of town to get ready to hit the freaky Casa de Luna tomorrow. Packs heavy with the Coors and all our food, we decided to each drink one along the way, which was a half-good choice. The effects of the shower were pretty much reversed. But one thing is for sure–the trail provides.