March 8 - Zero Day in Julian

It's a little early for a zero day but the snow and cold were a bit much. I was hoping for a lamby March instead of the lion it's turning out to be.

The Julian Lodge continental breakfast was awesome as was the company. My new teacher friends were in early before taking off to Warner HS to continue work on the school's WASC certification. Tomorrow they'll drop me off at Scissors Crossing so I can continue my journey on hopefully clear trails. 

Matt and Cody, the Aussies, took off mid-morning to resume their hike with micro spikes in hand. Good journeys fellows! I'll look for your footprints to guide me. Before they left they turned me onto Mom' Pie House which give PCT hikers with permit in hand a free piece of pie with ice cream and a drink!!! They're awesome!!!  

The employees at Mom's were very friendly and truly enjoyed having me.  To accompany the pie 

I chose soup and half sandwich with iced tea. 

Spent most of the morning wandering the streets looking for a place that could polish out the damage to my sunglasses. The auto supply store was a great help but the polish left the lens wavy. After a while a replacement pair was located in the liquor store for $7.99. What can't you find in a store in a small town? 

Apparently you can't find a Gallo Dry Salami, unless it's the kind that's bigger than your head. Craving some salami on the trail lead me to all stores with groceries: Jack's, the Corner Deli, and liquor store. Jack's won out with a large chunk of aforementioned salami and a box of wheat thins. 

The afternoon was spent geocaching, preparing for departure, walking around Julian, and reading in the lobby of the comfortable Julian Lodge. Boring actually. 

Late in the day the snow is mostly gone. Tomorrow should be a stellar day for hiking. Perhaps I'll make up lost ground? 13 miles to water, then 10 more to the next water. Hmmm, maybe I can make it halfway to the second cache. 

Now, what's for dinner? Romano's appears to be the only place open. Fortunately the food is good.