The morning was cold...

We had made it most of the way! Just 20 miles left. Donna was up with the light, not that you could tell through the fog. She left first while Rachel helped Lis and Ian. Rachel left while Lis and Ian were just finishing up with packing their tent. More mylar blankets were offered and Lis took full advantage, making a hand warmer, dress, and cape. "If you're going to wear them, wear them right!" she said.

Ian and Lis eventually parted in the crowd of walkers. Ian, Rachel, and Lis all found each other at lunch as was their habit. By that time, Donna was nearing the finish line. There was no hold up to get out of lunch so they left when they were ready.

The three walked together until they hit the streets of San Francisco. With the many traffic lights, we all walked when we could but it wasn't easy to stay together. The temperature started to rise and with the leggings, pants, tank top, t-shirt, and corduroy shirt, Lis was getting hot. The line was too long for the portajohns so Rachel helped her by holding a mylar blanket around her while she stripped off the leggings and the corduroy top and tied them around her waist.

We were, after all, in San Francisco and so there were a few hills. The scenery was amazing. We didn't realize all of the great vantage points one had of the Bay while just walking along the route.

At the end of the route was a "holding station" where we stayed until around 4pm. Ian watched and waited for Lis and Rachel but they found him first. We all got our trophy shirts and put our team tattoos on our cheeks. We were then herded out the back way of the little park back onto the street.

The streets surrounding Marina Green were closed to traffic. Dave and Tony, Lis and Rachel's boyfriends respectively, called Lis's cell phone repeatedly to find out exactly where they were. While they were walking the final distance at a snail's pace, Lis broke the rule. She took the call. For shame!

Closing Ceremony began and we walked up toward the stage. We couldn't see where we were going but we followed the other cattle, er, walkers.

Dave and Tony were waiting at the luggage area near the meet and greet. Dave had tracked down Lis's luggage while Tony watched out for us. We soon found Cat and Julie, who came for Ian. We had our congratulations, grabbed our bags, and headed for the car.

The walk continued to the cars that were parked a small distance outside the area due to the restrictions made by the street closures. After we went our separate ways, Lis and Rachel finished the day with a glass of wine and a plate of curry.

Next page: EPILOGUE