* I wrote this mostly finished draft, a short time before our return to Cape Town. Things are different now.

Muizenburg!

Well, my hiking on the AT is on pause. We are off to CT tomorrow for 2 months. Our friend Sleeping Beauty is supplying our lift to a downtown Philadelphia hotel for tonight. Uber to the airport in the morning. We always do our trips this way – it eliminates that day of travel stress we both dislike. The trip starts a day early!

SB is going to keep my car happy while I’m gone. She (my car) needs a few trips to the shore to keep herself running at 100%. We both function best that way.

I think some of us are really drawn to water. Me, I am definitely that way. Always have been. Part of that I attribute to Aunt Kit. My Godmother took me to the shore every summer when I was young. I am so grateful for those summers. I am a surfer because of her.

Long Beach Island

Everyday, I think of surfing at least once. It may be a t-shirt, or the pair of Vans I am wearing. Maybe the paddle board I take to the local waterways. Maybe it’s the live cameras I watch of the different places on the East Coast where I have surfed. Maybe it’s just the way I am. It is truly in my blood.

I used to think it was immaturity. I was sure that a grown up should not still be wearing Vans.

Well, guess I will never be a grown up. I will be buried in Vans, some flowered Baggies, and a blue jean shirt. Huh. Never thought if that before. That sounds right.

The shirt will be denim, but it will have a 5 inch stripe around the middle at chest height. Orange with big yellow polka dots! Like the one I had and wore until it rotted away in 1966. I bought it at “The Summer Place” on Long Beach Island.

I loved that shirt. I’m going to make another one. I have the right denim shirt. Now to find the right material for the band…

Anyway. Off to Cape Town today.

I will be surfing in Muizenburg before a week goes by.

I remember saying to myself that I will try and surf until I am 60. Now I pretty much know that I will surf at 70.

Surf at 70. Now there is a goal.

Finish the Appalachian Trail before I die and surf until I’m 70.

It’s decided.

All In