I flew from NZ to the US on 17th of April. Before I started the trail, I spent a few days exploring Los Angeles and San Diego. At times I felt like I was on a regular backpacking trip, and at other times I considered what I was here for and the nerves kicked in.
Throughout this time, it felt surreal to be in California, and the trail still seemed impossibly distant. After all the planning that had brought me here, and with just a few days left, I still felt as though I had walked into a dream. I wrote blog posts as I traveled to practice the writing, find my rhythm and to help me solidify the memories I had already started to build.
These days were full of excitement, disbelief, and anxiety. The people I met in hostels and various bars were full of questions, many of which I had no idea how to answer. I would have to actually walk the trail before it would feel real, and finally I might find answers to some of these questions.
-
Day -5, 18 Apr: LA to SD
After getting a really good rest on the flight to LA, I have no troubles with jet lag, although the time difference is only really 7 hours from Sydney, or 5 from Christchurch where I’ve spent the last week. I wake up easily this morning at 8:15 am and head downstairs for a coffee. I
-
Day -4, 19 Apr: San Diego & Chula Vista
This morning I went for a mish a little bit north to the outdoors store, REI. I knew I needed gas for my cooker since it’s not possible to bring that on a plane, and I was hoping to replace my socks with something not made of cotton. I picked up a Pronto card at
-
Day -3, 20 Apr: Ocean Beach SD
Today I headed up the line to Ocean Beach, about 10 minutes north on the trolley to Old Town, then 20 minutes west on the bus to the coast. This area is like Mount Maunganui, Papamoa, and the old stories of New Brighton Markets, combined. It’s exactly the cruisey, West Coast surf town vibe which,
-
Day -2, 21 Apr: SD & Barrio Logan
A relaxed start to the day today. I made some pancakes in the kitchen, and chatted with some of the other guests, and the hostel staff who are all really cool people. I think that’s a bit of a hack, put out free pancakes in a hostel, the ice breaks and everyone gets talking. After
-
Day -1, 22 Apr: San Diego to Campo
Today marks my last day in San Diego at the hostel. I enjoy one last pancake breakfast and talk with the guests before checking out. The hostel is kind enough to allow me to stash my bag for a few hours while I enjoy the sights of San Diego one last time. Balboa Park is
Trekkin Weka 
Leave a comment