Today I was able to do a combination of walking and running and I'm happy to report that the swelling has gone down in my knee. I started outside of Petaluma today and ran/walked 26.51 plus miles in 7 hours and 31 minutes.  It's a slow pace, but keep in mind that I'm 250 pounds (and dropping) running up and down and around mountains all day long.  I'm looking forward to some flatter land, but I suppose I'll get bored with that after awhile too.  Still, the mountains are tough and the roads are very narrow.  Sometimes I have to step aside and wait for traffic to pass so that slows me down too.  The wind was at my back all day, so the heavens were shining down upon me.  To me this is a clear sign from above that I am on the right path and doing the right thing for those whose voices cannot be heard.  The scenery is pretty much the same - lots of green hillsides with happy California cows.  There were also many people driving by with smiles and waving with all five fingers.  [Check out the posted comment from the Gal from Vacaville].  I stopped by Carneros Deli in Sonoma County for a great bowl of chili and some friendly conversation with many well-wishers.  Today was an overall positive experience!  Please note that I'm still looking for volunteers to assist with taking me from my stopping point to a nearby hotel and back out to the finishing point to begin again the next day.  This will be important throughout the remainder of my journey - especially in Nevada.  If you can assist, please e-mail Roseann at RoseannLaw@hotmail.com.