In the sun on the one oh one we were walking on and on.

You can get a deceptively large breakfast at the Lamplighter Inn. Captain Ron, the lobby captain, keeps a big basket of fruit next to the kringle and if you look hard enough you can spot the instant oatmeal. Don’t be greedy, though. Nobody likes that.

After you have filled your belly and packed your bag, thank the Captain and show yourself the door. You have much to do.

Turn left and head west on 101. You can look at the map the lady at the info center gave you. Take the bridge, but be careful. The slightly elevated walkway is narrow, about two feet, and the guardrail is lower than your waist. Remember you are top heavy and bridges are windy. You can use your left hand to lightly touch the guardrail with each step. There will be large vehicles rushing past you. They will suck you toward them, just a little. Do not overcompensate! The three different heights of the walkway, the road, and the water will be disorienting, but stay true and you’ll be fine.

After the bridge, continue on 101 until you reach Seaside. Take 12th Ave to the ocean and make cheesy pasta on the beach. Play in the sand and get your feet wet. The water will be cold at first, but you’ll get used to it. Leave the beach with a little bit of sand buried in all of your belongings that touched sea air.

Try to find a place to stay the night near the beach. Knock on some doors. You might not have any luck and will have to go back into town a ways. Find Richard and Billie’s house. They might let you stay out of the kindness of their hearts. Be thankful. It is incredibly nice of them to let you stay in their backyard.

Setup your tent and unpack your gear. Sit down. Really feel what it is like to take off your shoes. Make a pillow out of your extra clothes. Open up the fly and let the coming of night put you to sleep.

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After the fact addition: Before you fall asleep, Billie might offer you some of her sister Linda’s birthday cake with ice cream. You should accept.