Chester here we come 7/9

TC had worked out that from Belden to Chester (our next layover day) was 35 miles which means a 20 mile day and a 15 mile day. Turns out the distance was 46 miles (2 days of 23 miles) and we had to be there because our first visitors from Santa Cruz were meeting us on a specific date. We were so excited that someone was coming to meet us but the pressure was on. To get out of Belden was another 5,000 ft hike in 90 degree weather. Fortunately there were rivers, streams and springs to keep us cool. We soaked our shirts 4 times and immersed our entire bodies when we could. It took us 8 hours to hike to the summit. We then decided to eat dinner and walk on. This was at about 5:30. The food and tea energized us and we were able to complete our 23 miles. We ate dinner with Mr. President, and made a friend. He lives in San Fransisco and works for Google. FC loves this guy already. One of those instant connections. He walks the trail not with ear buds plugged in but with a speaker hooked to his device so he can hear what's around him and the stuff coming from the speaker. Just imagine carrying around a transistor radio. You hear him from a distance. We went our separate ways and did meet again in Chester. That day we walked 14 hours. Yikes. 

     Our descent into Chester (another 23 miles) was easier than going up but there were no rivers and only 2 springs in the early morning. (We carried 4 liters each) We could not cool down. TC is much more affected by the heat than FC but did not complain. FC was practically prostrate and if she had a prostate it would probably be enlarged with the heat. By 2:00 pm we had reached the halfway point between Mexico and Canada. FC was focused on an army can container on the trail she was trying to pry open and did not see the monument or realize she was halfway. TC sat down and began to cry. FC still absorbed with her task found the sign in journal within and signed our names. When she looked up she saw the small 3 ft monument commemorating the halfway point and saw TC's tear streaked face. "I didn't think it would be so hard" said TC. FC went over and sat in the dirt beside her. She didn't cry. She was too hot and tired and they still had 8 miles to go. She could not celebrate. This momentous moment was not so momentous yet. We all arrived at Highway 36 and stood for a minute or two before a local bus came by and drove us into Chester (8 miles). We didn't have to hitch. 

     We arrived at the Best Western where Moxie and Mr. President were waiting to check in. The BW, home away from home. A place of coolness and comfort. We had made our reservation a few days before at Lookout Rock before Buck's Summit and it's a good thing we did. Mr. President, got the last available room and he was before us In the line. Without that reservation we would have been denied our only constant comfort on this adventure.

     Our friends Nikki and Judy had driven their brand new Roadtrek van to visit us and were recuperating from their trip on the north shore of lake Alminore. They had only just received the van a few days earlier and had very little time to get organized. They had brought their 2 German shepherds on the trip and after the long drive and windy roads they were recuperating too. This was their first trip away from home. The next morning the whole gang moved over to a motel next door to the BW to have more space and be closer to us. It was fun to hang out together and eat Chinese food. We felt special and blessed to have such good friends take the time and make such a great effort to meet us. Thank you guys and your sweet dogs.

      Today we received a  $20 gift certificate for a restaurant in town from a dentist in town (Dr. Webb), cookies from his wife and new toothbrushes. Dr. Webb has section hiked the PCT and wants to support PCT hikers. How kind is that? He checked a sore tooth in Glitter's mouth for free. Rock on Dr. Webb.

Photos taken of all the through hikers that visited Dr Webbs office. 

       Tonight was Mexican food with about 8 other people. (Moxie, Glitter, Tortuga, Mr. Sandals, & Princess our gang) Tomorrow is Princess's birthday. Tomorrow we are back on the trail. Stay tuned.