Start: 0845 - Acton KOA
End: 1300 - Hiker Heaven (Saufley's)
Miles (today): 11.5 (10 PCT, 1.5 off)
Miles (cumulative): 471 (385.5 PCT, 76.5 alternate, 9 off) 

Nick was a little slow to get up this morning (he may have celebrated a bit too much last night?) but I was up early - despite wearing earplugs, the sound of cars on the road woke me up.  It was good, though - I had a chance to chat with Proton, I took my time eating breakfast, and I talked to Special K.  The more and more I get to know Special K the more and more I like him - he's fun to be around, he has an infectious personality, and he makes me laugh.  Special K may have convinced me to give listening to music a try.... We'll see. :) 

The hike to Agua Dulce was fun - it was cool and overcast AND I gave my new downhill technique of shuffle-running another try. So far, so good (although a few guys still passed me, which I felt was unacceptable - I need to work on my technique a little more I guess.  And I probably need to lighten my pack a bit, too).

We passed the spot where the PCT trail was completed so I had to get a picture.

The trail took us underneath an interstate again - this time I did it alone and without a headlamp.  

After going through the tunnel we found ourselves in Vasquez Rocks Park.  What a cool place! The rock formations are incredible; alas, none of the pictures I took do it justice (the scale and depth of field just isn't there). But believe me, it was cool.  

Once in the town of Agua Dulce, walking to the Saufley's/ Hiker Heaven took a little longer than we anticipated.  And Nick was hungry.  And I chose the wrong route to get here - apparently, if we had walked down the street one block north of the one I took us on, we would have walked by the restaurants AND been able to take a shuttle to the house.  Did I mention Nick was hungry?  Oops.

The Saufley's know what they are doing - as Trail Angels go, they are top notch.  The whole operation is such a well-oiled machine that it satisfies me somehow.  Their attention to detail, their excellent planning, and their organization is awesome.  For example:
1.    They have a trailer next to the house for hikers to use.
2.    The bathroom in the trailer has all the hair and body products you need.  Disposable razors, toothpaste, floss, a hair dryer, brushes, etc. It's nice - it feels like home.  There is a sign-up sheet on the door and I think the shower pretty much runs nonstop.  (Yes, of course I showered even though I just showered yesterday. I even shaved!)
3.    They have clippers and shavers so I was able to shave Nick's head.
4.    They accept packages.  Packages are put on shelves in alphabetical order by name so they are easy to find.
5.    They have a tent with computers for hikers to use.
6.    They have wifi.
7.    They have a tent full of boxes where you can ship stuff out (we bounced Nick's new shoes and some food ahead).
8.    The hiker boxes are organized by what's inside (food, clothing, supplies, toiletries, etc).
9.    There is always music playing.
10.    The trailer has a full kitchen with utensils.
11.    The trailer has a living room with a TV.
12.    They organize trips to REI.
13.    There is a shuttle to the store/downtown  that leaves every hour.
14.    Their backyard is used for tents.
15.    There is a grill.
16.    There are tons of places to charge your devices.
17.    They have a system in place for laundry - you drop it off and THEY DO IT FOR YOU.  They even have loaner clothes so you can wash everything.  (We paid to do our own  laundry at the KOA yesterday... Damn!)
18.    They have porta-potties.
19.    There are places to hang your packs (to keep them safe from their 7 dogs).
20.    They have a scales so you can weigh yourself and your pack.  When I weighed myself it said I've lost 15 lbs, which scared me until everyone said the scale was off by 5 lbs or so.  Add in the water loss and I'm ok.  Whew! I didn't weigh my pack, I don't want to know how much I'm carrying.

I asked L-Rod what got them started and she said it all began because they used to volunteer at the mile 17 aid station of the local marathon and really enjoyed it.  When they learned about the 'sport' of thru-hiking they decided hikers needed an aid station, too.  Well, this is a pretty awesome aid station!

We had 5 packages waiting for us- our resupply food, the food we bounced from Pioneertown, Nick's new shoes, new sacs for food, and my favorite: a care package from my soul sister Candee.  :) :) :) 

In Candee's package were letters (amongst other things) and those letters were so wonderful! I sat on the porch steps, snacked on the almonds she included, and just couldn't stop smiling as I read the letters.  Candee's husband, Nick, even tossed in some beer bottle caps to remind my Nick of what he's missing, to which my Nick lovingly said, "What a dick".  :)

Liz/Dirt Squirrel and Nettles showed up and I was very happy to get a little time to talk with her.  She has a very welcoming presence.  :)

Nick took a ride into town for some brats to grill and for some beer (which he shared with Special K).  He also bought apples, bananas, carrots, and a pepper for me.  Nick and Special K cooked and drank while I talked with Saunter.  Saunter and I had a great conversation and I hope to run into him again.

Special K thinks he has a trail name for Nick and me but I am not accepting it! Do you hear me, Special K?