Who wants to be a thru hiker?

What an amazing day.  I've met some many nice people since leaving Portland.  I really enjoyed the train ride even though it was sleepless.  It was great to talk to Russ and Paul on the train ride. 
When I first spoke to Russ and found out he didn't have arrangements made for his San Diego arrival, I decided to ask my trailangels if it was ok if he tagged along.  All was well and we eventually met our trailangel after midnight without a hitch  I knew we were in good hands when I saw a PCT symbol complete with custom angel wings on his vehicle.  It was off for a  quick nap and we were soon off to Scout and Frodo's for breakfast.  There were over 30 people there and we were wisked off to the border.
It was windy and rainy when we arrived at the border.  I took part in a group photo and made the easy decision to start Friday instead.  Off to the campground at lake morena where I quickly set up the tent between rain showers.  I took it easy for the rest of the day.
Had a great time meeting other hikers.  Such a wonderful group. Everyone is so nice.  I could go on forever.
The highlight of the day was being selected to play "Who wants to be a thru-hiker".  It's modeled after the famous game show.  I was sitting in the back of the room directly behind the person who was picking the contestant.  The class of 2012 hikers all had thier hands up and I merely had my finger raised.  She surveyed the crowded room before looking directly at me.  I did pretty well since I'm from the west coast.  In fact I live just a miles from the Mt Hood National Forest.
I did well until the very end and used my 2 remaining lifelines and narrowing it down to a 50/50 on the final question. I guessed wrong and didn't make it to Canada but I learned we will be passing near the Mitsubishi mine.
In a way, I'm glad I didn't know the answer to that one!  Everyone I talked to later thought it was a tough question and some of them have even hiked the trail.
Fun times for sure!  Getting up at 5:00 for a ride to the border and the start of my hike! 

Paul