Day 2! The forecast was for scattered sprinkles or light showers, of which we did have a few today. . .but to start the day things looked pretty nice. Partly cloudy skies, once again upper 50s and low 60s to get things going, and dry weather off the start line. Another great day for a walk of any length.
Start time was promptly at 6:30a, and there was already a group that was ready to go 20 minutes before that.
One of the people who was waiting to get going this morning apparently has acted on an idea I got just last night - what if one was to try and do all the 3-Day walks around the country in one year? Kevin, you're light years ahead of all of us on that.
Once again, we were assisted on our route by volunteers. This event could not be held without these people, and anyone who was participating in the event would tell you we're grateful to have them.
The 3-Day changes its route on each of the three days, so for many people who want to express their support, they only get a chance to do it once a year. Here, some nurses (?) from Kaplan College brought some homemade treats for walkers to sample along the route. The cake-pops were especially tasty.
On the subject of cakes, a pink cupcake made a special trip down from Carlsbad to show support - how awesome is that!?
Today's route took us by Sea World, and they came out to say hello - applaud our efforts - and Shamu was giving hugs to walkers.
The cheerleading squad from Westview High School had a rousing cheer to support walkers as they made their way to one of the Pit Stops, this one in Sunset Cliffs. The cheer they did was great!
Sometimes, support along the route is much simpler. This homeowner dressed up their livestock with a pink boa collar and ribbons on the horns - which I thought was worthy of a photo. It was not until later, when I was getting ready to post these pictures, that I realized there was what appeared to be a pink cowpie in the yard. Hilarious!
This was the view in Sunset Cliffs at about mile 15 today; I know there are more than a dozen 3-Day walks around the country, and I also know that every city has got great things to offer. But San Diego's 3-Day is the largest of all of them around the country and I can't help but think that this sort of view along the route is one of the reasons why. We live in a great place.
Here's Janet and Sharon from Escondido; they are walking because they lost their mom to breast cancer at the age of 42. Everyone you meet on these walks has a story as to why they are walking - so many people are touched by breast cancer, some more directly than others. Janet and Sharon are so admirable and inspirational, it's an honor to have been able to spend a few minutes with them today.
The Christmas decorations in Ocean Beach went up this morning.
Crossing the finish line at Day2. Still no blisters, which is great, but a little wonky on one calf and ready for a shower at camp. Maybe a little "over-ready." Note the sunshine all around early this afternoon! A far cry from what we had on Day 2 with last year's 3-Day. The other thing I'll point out about this photo that you might not notice is the length of my shadow. Even though it was just after 1pm when I crossed the finish line, the sun is very low in the sky. We're less than six weeks away from the winter solstice when the sun is the absolute lowest in the sky. Even a few sprinkles earlier today couldn't cast a shadow on the demeanor of the walkers on the route. One more day to go.
