Robert Francisco

Tuesday, April 25, 2006

Destination: Lake Morena

Starting Location: Campo Today’s Miles: 20.60

Trip Miles: 20.60

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20.6 Miles, Campo to Lake Morena

3107 Assent 2933 Decent

What a fantastic day, perfect cool temperatures and great hiking. We arrived at the border after a dripping condensation night. I was at a complete loss for words for my register entry and was a bit annoyed by the so called minute men who are literally camped beside the Southern Terminus Monument. When we arrived one of them walked over to check us out with his pseudo military apparel and an A5 Colt Automatic on his hip. Based on the look I shot him he likely got the impression that I was not interested in a self appointed militia whose rhetoric is full of prejudices. I understand the immigration frustration and I am sure these guys think they are doing well but citizens in camouflage with guns are not my idea of a reasonable solution. Wow, politics on my first day? Our hiking to Morena was idyllic; perfect weather, great scenery, and good company. Jeff is a great hiking partner and our styles worked well together. We hooked up with T-minus and hiked together most of the day. At our first meeting T-minus said “Oh you are go-BIG,” and this startled me until I realized that many of us were active participants on the 2006 yahoo group. Still having someone know you somewhat and having never met them was odd. We had a great time getting to really know each other. One thing that was really tough today was having my dad drop me off rather than joining me. He is my best friend and best hiking buddy, but physically he is no longer able to follow me on crazy adventures like I followed him as a boy. Leaving the border all he could say was “wish I was going with you” and my only reply was “me too” and then turned and walked away. Now we are back in Morena with Mom and Dad and pork chops are on the menu.

Destination: Lake Morena

Starting Location: Campo Today’s Miles: 20.60

Trip Miles: 20.60

3107 Assent 2933 Decent

What a fantastic day, perfect cool temperatures and great hiking. We arrived at the border after a dripping condensation night. I was at a complete loss for words for my register entry and was a bit annoyed by the so called minute men who are literally camped beside the Southern Terminus Monument. When we arrived one of them walked over to check us out with his pseudo military apparel and an A5 Colt Automatic on his hip. Based on the look I shot him he likely got the impression that I was not interested in a self appointed militia whose rhetoric is full of prejudices. I understand the immigration frustration and I am sure these guys think they are doing well but citizens in camouflage with guns are not my idea of a reasonable solution. Wow, politics on my first day? Our hiking to Morena was idyllic; perfect weather, great scenery, and good company. Jeff is a great hiking partner and our styles worked well together. We hooked up with T-minus and hiked together most of the day. At our first meeting T-minus said “Oh you are go-BIG,” and this startled me until I realized that many of us were active participants on the 2006 yahoo group. Still having someone know you somewhat and having never met them was odd. We had a great time getting to really know each other. One thing that was really tough today was having my dad drop me off rather than joining me. He is my best friend and best hiking buddy, but physically he is no longer able to follow me on crazy adventures like I followed him as a boy. Leaving the border all he could say was “wish I was going with you” and my only reply was “me too” and then turned and walked away. Now we are back in Morena with Mom and Dad and pork chops are on the menu.