Day 115

Well, it has been quite the journey. As day 115 has come and past, this marks the final blog before the thrilling conclusion of: Nation Run, 2008! It is amazing to think this is the last night of the trip, and they chose me, Travis Visco, aka Travy, aka Trapster, aka T-dog, aka Travis Visco, to write the blog. I'm so proud of all the guys, and so happy that they have had such fortune and generosity along the way.

So onto today. The team woke up in the Julian Sheriff Station early this morning, and began searching for some breakfast. Since most places were not yet open, they decided to try their luck at Julian Cafe. However, the woman working there informed the team that they too were not yet open. As luck would have it, the waitress, Christy, happened to be the daughter of a man the team met the previous day. When she learned the team had met her father, she was more than happy to open early for the guys. They all enjoyed a massive breakfast that was really satisfying.

As the guys hit the road, spirits were through the roof. Everyone has been in such a great mood, and it's making everyday awesome. Today's running was especially easy, considering the almost 3000 foot drop in elevation. The downhill running, combined with the great scenery and awesome weather made for a really enjoyable day on the roads. To top things off, the guys have been getting more breaks between pushing the joggers, thanks to the extra hands of Rick and Dan. With their spirits so high, the guys found themselves bursting into song as the were running. And not just any songs, but none other than Disney songs. Such favorites as "I Can't Wait to Be King", "A Whole New World", "Under the Sea", and "You Ain't Never Had a Friend Like Me" could be heard from he team. Rick especially was impressive with his vast knowledge of Disney lyrics. The best moment came during the singing of "Hakuna Matata", when out of nowhere an unseen stranger joined in! I guess everyone loves Disney, and singing! To top off today's run, Papa Durkin joined the team for about 4 miles towards the end of the run. His constant support has helped make this trip a success, and it was great for the team to run with him. As the guys continued running, Ken had some interesting flashes of the future. He really feels like this trip is going to inspire more people to follow in their footsteps. And 10 years from now, when a group of best friends are running across the country, they'll be in a great mood and be singing. And what will they be singing? Ken is convinced it will be High School Musical. That will be their generations old school stuff, that they can use for throwbacks. Ken, I <3 you. After a real easy and enjoyable day of running, the guys came into their last stop before the Pacific, in the town of Romona.

By the time the team finished their run, they were all real excited about what tomorrow will bring. As they headed to the Romona Cafe for lunch, they decided it would be nice to eat outside. Even though there were only tables for four, they put their minds together and made a table for five! As they were sitting outside relaxing, a welcomed surprise for Rick and Andy showed up. Both of their lovely and supportive girlfriends came to continue their support, and bring even more good spirits to the day. After the meal, the guys decided that they would spend their last night in a hotel. This will give them a chance to organize and clean up their gear before tomorrow. It also made it possible for them to catch "Little Giants" on TV, which could only make the day better. Of course their stay wouldn't be complete without some shenanigans, so Andy and Dan made sure to take care of this. As Andy stood on the second floor balcony holding the rooms key card, he bet Dan he could flick it from there into the pool, which was a fair distance away. If he was successful, Dan would have to retrieve it. As the rest of the guys looked on, Andy tried his best. So what if the odds were against him; all it would take is that one time, just one time to get it in. To the disbelief of all, Andy was able to get the card right into the pool, and Dan had to honor his word and get it. In the somewhat chilly air, and even cooler water, Dan got into his boxers and jumped in to get the card.

After the fun and games, the guys went out to a big dinner at a local Mexican Restaurant (insert Nick Pampena reference/joke). After a nice big meal, the guys headed to a store to stock up on some food and Gatorade. Durkin and Mama Durkin then went off to enjoy some delicious Coldstone ice cream. Two lovely girls were able to give Durkin a nice yummy cup of peanut butter chocolate fudge ice cream. Mmmmmm. I can picture it now. He was very satisfied with the ice cream as well as the service, since the girls were not only very excited about the guy's trip, but also they were attractive! YEA!

The rest of the night was spent with the guys hanging around the room, getting ready for tomorrow. They plan to wake up real early and hit the road by 5 am, and be at their final destination, the Pacific Ocean, around noon. Everyone is so excited about tomorrow, and these last couple of days have been a culmination of all the great things that have happened on the trip. Durkin said he was really pumped, but it still hasn't hit him that tomorrow is the last day. He's going to bed tonight, thinking tomorrow will just be another day on the road. But tomorrow is not just another day. It is the first time the guys will see an ocean since day 1, about four long months ago. With the support of their family and friends, the team will accomplish their goal of crossing the country, with only their bodies as a means of transportation. Not only is this such an amazing feat, but it is also economically wise, considering today's gas prices.

As I finish this blog on the last night of the Nation, I can't even imagine how great tomorrow will feel for the guys. Everyone that knows the guys from home, as well as friends made along the way, will be sharing in that excitement tomorrow as the guys crash into the Pacific. I am so proud of the dream that has been made a reality. This trip is such an inspiring story of friendship, generosity, commitment, memories, and accomplishment. I'm not sure what else to write to express how I feel, but I'm sure all of you reading know what I mean.

Nation guys, you are awesome. Congrats on making this happen, I hope tomorrow is simply amazing because you all earned it. I can't wait to see you all again. Thank you to all of those along the way that helped make this trip as great as it was. Without the support and generosity, the guys would have had a lot harder time getting to where they are. Also, thank you to America, for allowing the guys to run across you.

Good feelings all around. Nation Run 2008. I'm glad I know these guys and that I was a little part of this great journey. This has been T-rav, coming to you from the Atlantic Ocean, wishing I was in the Pacific. PEACE!

Side Notes:
-Alex Grout is proud of the guys
-Congrats to Joe Reed, National Runner-Up in the 100 and 200 meters!
-Nation guys are the coolest