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Published: November 7th 2013
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I can see the end. It's strange to think that I left basically a month ago, and now before I know it I'll be back in NJ. It's exciting to be driving east again, but also bittersweet. This has been an incredible journey and I know I would have liked to take more time if I could. But it's been beneficial in many ways, too. I still have nearly a week to go, but up to this point I've certainly gotten many positive things out of the trip. But more of that later. Right now I'm waiting for an oil change to be done on my car so I don't have too much time to write. I got a terrible night's sleep last night and feel like a zombie so this will probably be brief.
I think where I left off last time, I had just arrived in San Diego and was getting ready to start my WFR (Wilderness First Responder) course. The course was challenging but I really enjoyed it and received my certification at the end of the 5 days. Now if I decide to pursue leading student trips in the backcountry, that important step is out of
the way. The class was held at a campground just a few miles outside Tijuana, Mexico and it's actually where I had the worst weather yet on the trip. I was in the middle of the desert and it managed to rain for a day and a half. The instructor was great and kept us inside when it was raining hard, so it really wasn't bad.
After the class finished I spent another day in San Diego and had a relaxing day at the beach on Halloween. From there, I went to Los Altos, about 45 min south of San Francisco, to visit another friend for the weekend. We did some touristy stuff in SF around Fisherman's Wharf, Lombard St, Haight Ashbury, and Christie Field to see the Golden Gate Bridge. From SF I went to Yosemite for 2 nights and hiked to the top of Yosemite Falls. I really only saw the valley but boy is it beautiful. Everywhere you turn is something else to take your breath away. I would have liked more than a day there, but it's certainly better than not being there at all. From Yosemite I came out to Salt Lake City, which
is right where I'm near now. That drive ended up being my longest time wise yet, partly due to the loss of an hour from changing time zones, but also due to some unexpected but minor car issues which now appear to be resolved. I got up way too early this morning and went to Antelope Island for a short hike and to watch the sun come up over Great Salt Lake. From there I wandered around Temple Square and downtown Salt Lake. Tomorrow I'm headed back to Denver, then Santa Fe, DC and home. A lengthier post will follow after I'm home. For now, enjoy the photos!
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