[9] 77 miles from the border!

Howdy friends! I write from Julian, California at the moment, less then a week’s walk from the Mexican border. Things have come full circle as I find myself walking with another lovely Joe — this one of France, not Ohio :) — and realllyyyyy slowing down my mileage to enjoy the last few golden days.

Will do a proper write up of the details past weeks when I’m off trail, but for now, some pics of recently encountered friends, flowers, mountains, etc:

Sandy, who I met all the way back in Oregon and hung out with Abu and Uncle Yudha and I, drove down from Joshua Tree NP to hang out. :)

Some current feelings: preemptive nostalgia, eagerness to do something soon besides walking/eating/pooping/sleeping on repeat, disbelief the end is nigh, bitter-sweetness, fullness from desert sky — those sweet sunsets and sunrises!! — and hunger for home, for space and time to process this excellent adventuring.

Love,

Alia