San Diego 3-Day Journey, 2013

Day 1  Nov. 15, 2013

Under an overcast sky we begin with Opening Ceremonies at the Del Mar Fairgrounds.  After warming up with pre-walk stretches and a little dancing, me and a few thousand of my "friends" take our first of many steps in our war against breast cancer.

As we dance our way out of the Fairgrounds, we are quickly met with honking car horns, pom poms and signs of support letting us know we are not in this fight alone.  We first pass through Del Mar and make our way along the beautiful ocean and on to Torrey Pines Natural Reserve, where we meet our first challenge...a very long, and windy road to the top (what hill?).

It's mostly down hill from here... It begins to drizzle, but this does not dampen our spirits.  We press on past Salk Institute and UC San Diego, soon arriving in La Jolla Shores for a wonderful lunch, presented to us with a smile by none other than our past South Bay Walker teammate "Lunch Lady Kathleen".

After refueling and resting our weary feet for a bit, we continued our march through La Jolla, the community of Bird Rock, and Pacific Beach. Like horses running for the barn, we near our target...Crown Point Park, where we are cheered by spectators and our home for the next two nights awaits us.  3-Day Camp.  Crew has been working hard all afternoon preparing dinner for this hungry bunch. They have snacks, water and chairs to rest our aching feet. Ahhhh. Day 1 in the bag!

Day 2  Nov. 16, 2013

Though a bit breezy, the skis were clear, Day 2 took us past Sea World, where we were greeted by some of its inhabitants, Mission Bay, Point Loma Heights, and Sunset Cliffs with its spectacular views.

At Pit Stop 1 I took a brief 'ice break' at Medical with an aggravated ankle.  After a quick wrap job, I was on route again, quickly catching up with my team at the following Grab & Go.

After yet another wonderful lunch break at Bonita Cove, it was off to Mission Beach, and around the Bay back to Camp for dinner and Camp Entertainment. Ahhhh. Day 2 in the bag!

Day 3  Nov. 17, 2013

Sunshine greeted us on the morning of Day 3.  Our final trek took us down Sea World Drive, down along the San Diego river banks, under the 5 Freeway, and into Old Town San Diego.  We stopped briefly at Grab & Go before proceeding up Juan Street.  Well folks, this is a pretty steep hill, and the only way I can get to the top is with the aid of my trusty hand-held fan.

We arrived before long at lunch in Pioneer Park, where Sean surprised us with an ice chest full of ice cream bars! I love this man! After lunch we trudged on through the community of Hillcrest, then on to Balboa Park for another Pit Stop.  Our final lap took us through the Gaslamp Quarter as we found our way to Petco Park.  Our final destination!  We collect our 3-Day t-shirts and take a break before Closing Ceremonies.  Ahhhh. Day 3 in the bag! 

Another beautiful journey. Thank you San Diego for hosting such an amazing event!