The logistics team was hard at work before I left.  I arrived in San Diego on Friday, April 25 and met Moira.  We met Ernie for lunch in a great restaurant and watched Ernie drink like a fish- not bad for 95 years old. Then we shopped for some things at the REI store and headed for rest at the hotel by the trail head.

Saturday, April 26 was day 1-  I hiked a short way and then went to the hiker's kick off party! Heard a lecture and got 3 pairs of free socks- score! I am signing the register at the southern terminate at the very beginning of the trail.  The road behind me is the wall built at the border-Mexico is on the other side.  It is very wet, cold and damp so it was a short day.