DAY 1 - Fun in the Sun

Tuesday, April 22nd, 2008

Location: Downtown San Diego
Campsite: Church Grounds
Miles: 29.5
Time on Bike: 3 hrs 45 mins.
Weight: 250 pounds
Temperature: 69 Degrees

Today was quite the day. After reassembling my bike, I learned that my braking system on my back wheel had gone bad. So, I spent the first part of the morning at the bike shop buying a new one.

For the rest of the afternoon, I just rode my bike around town checking out San Diego, giving my suitcases away to homeless people, because I didn't need them anymore. I rode over to the beach where I took a picture on the beach, and ran into someone who is from SLC, and found me because I had a sticker of the bike shop I go to and he's been there too.

Having the "Coast to Coast" T-Shirt is proving helpful. Many people asked me about my trip because when they looked at my shirt, they immediately knew what I was doing. Many people slowed down, and told me they think what I'm doing is awesome, and told me to keep going. I talked to a guy on a motorcycle at an intersection who just thought it was cool. I also ran into a cyclist who rode next to me for 10 minutes while we discussed my trip and his journeys as well. Then I get people who just honk to show appreciation.

Then, I made my way up three HUGE hills to make it to the temple. I just about died on those hills. I got there right before the last session of the day, and it was AMAZING! That temple is so beautiful. The architecture is all based on aome type of hexagonal star-pattern theme, and everything in the temple revolves around a circular/central theme. There's an atrium on the top floor, which has flowers and plants, and the ceiling is open so you can look out and see the angel Moroni on the top. Very cool. Seriously the coolest temple I have ever been to. One of the ladies that was at the temple helped me to get a better route out of San Diego. People are very helpful, and are very inquizitive into what I'm doing. It has only been one day, and I already feel like my trip is packed with experiences.

The guy at the front desk told me I could stay at the nearest church building's grass behind the building, so I went there and set up camp behind a "Deseret Industries" donation trailer. I fell right asleep, and didn't wake-up the entire night. I could get used to that.


Spiritual Thought of the Day:

From the Book Of Mormon: When Alma talks about looking forward with an eye of faith (Alma 5:15), he hits on a HUGE important point. We must always be looking forward, and not backwards. That's how we progress, and draw strength, looking forward to where we are going. Seek the Lord to improve your future, and he will.