Hello, goodbye, it's nice to know ya.

The Free Box in Telluride = one of the most amazing things we've ever experienced.  We hope to pass this on elsewhere...it was reminiscent of what we find "Hiker Boxes" we find along the trail...but included more everyday goods & things.  We were told by a local that Patagonia has a jacket inspired by the Telluride Free Box that's made with recycled materials.

Keith perusing the free box (we found amazing stuff & traded a few things in return)

After leaving Telluride, we passed through Four Corners (border of Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona & Utah).  Had an emotional drive through Navajo Nation in Arizona, got sand blasted as it was very windy throughout Arizona & parts of Utah, saw some amazing land formations, got really hot then really windy then was snowing by the time we reached the east side of Zion National Park.  But it was sunny on the west side.

In four places at once

Had the most amazing less-than 24-hours stay in Zion.  Totally blew us away.  We decided to buy a National Parks Annual Pass so we can swing back through there & potentially other places in the fall on our way back east.

ZION

En route to Angel's Landing

Angel's Landing...can you see the tiny people climbing it?  Keith did this...I, on the other hand, did not...!

Swung through Las Vegas on our way through Nevada.  Left $6 poorer than we came in, but we can now say we've been there, done that.  And never shall we be back again (on purpose).

Playing the cherries for my mom!

We found the PCT on our drive across California!!!

Locally-grown avocados...7 for $1!!!!!!!!!!

We have had so much fun spending time with Keith's Uncle Randy, Aunt Vicky, Aunt Shelley & cousin Alex during our time here in Santa Barbara.  They have spoiled us with tons of delicious food, lots of laughs, Tai chi lessons, walks on the beach, wits and wagers (with and without the early answer reading by an unnamed party) and lets not forget the amazing hula hooping extravaganza!!! We have nothing but love for our California family, and we hope to carry the good energy that we encountered here with us as we start our trip north!

The above named extravaganza

Santa Barbara beach during sunset

One of the many lizard friends we've made...these guys do amazing push-ups

Uncle Randy, Aunt Vicky, cousin Alex, Aunt Shelley & us at the Santa Barbara Earth Day Festival

We leave tomorrow morning for our train/bus trip to San Diego where we will meet past PCT hikers Scout & Frodo as they will host us at their home (along with other current PCT hikers) & drop us off at the southern terminus of the PCT Monday morning.  The hospitality we have experienced even thus far on our trip has blown our minds.  You people have been good to us.  We are thankful to all of you whom we have visited & for those of you who have allowed us into your homes & have supported our adventure!!  Much love to you all!!

Until we meet again, The Narrows at Zion!