When 6:30 rolled around, I DID NOT want to get out of bed, but I did anyway.  We were in the home stretch.  I didn't allow for time to dry my hair, so I used two shower caps to make sure it didn't get wet. I was in and out of the shower quickly and started packing our stuff.  

After Matt's shower, we carried our bags down stairs (this hotel had no elevator) and loaded the car. While I put on my ankle braces, Matt went back inside to grab a couple of bagels from the free breakfast display. At 7:00, we stopped at McDonald's to buy drinks. The drive thru line was so long that I parked and Matt ran inside.

Once I had m braces on, I proceeded to change shirts in the parking lot. It was early and not many people were around. Everyone was in the drive thru line. I looked around to make sure there were no cars nearby, but just as soon as I took off my shirt I saw two elderly men sitting inside McDonald's looking out the window. I imagine that I provided some conversation material for the two of them. I was tempted to wave, but decided that it would be better to pretend like it didn't happen. I smiled and got back in the car. 

By 7:10, we were on our way to the drop zone. There was some confusion in McDonald's and Matt ended up buying three drinks instead of two. He said it was easier to just take the third drink than try to fix it. No worries!  I am always thirsty.

We were almost to the drop zone when I spotted a bald eagle on a telephone post. I couldn't believe my eyes. We've seen a bunch of bald eagles, but never one this close.  I had to turn the car around so we could get pictures! The eagle didn't stay long.  In fact, he seemed irritated by our presence.  He left screeching and making a fuss.

What a great find on the way to the DZ!  A few minutes later, we were at the drop zone. Time to complete our waivers and meet the locals!