Lovely Tail Wind to Fort Hancock

We didn't have a good night in the El Paso hostel, shared with Lisa. Room was unclean, noisy music and talking outside but a palace compared to India. Left this morning with Dee, Merv and Todd and Dee set a cracking pace of 19 mph. Stopped at McDonalds for a second breakfast. Lovely. Traffic was fairly light. El Paso is an unremarkable town with a big history. 'The Pass of the North' sits where the westernmost tip of Texas meets Mexico and New Mexico. The california gold rush of '49 brought a surge of westbound traffic to El Paso. In 1873 the population consisted of only 23 Anglo-Americans and 150 Mexicans. The Rio Grande, on which EP sits has changed course numerous times causing boundary disputes between USA and Mexico. It is described as 'a stream, a mile wide and a foot deep'. With its closeness to Mexico, El Paso has an air of lawlessness about it. The ride today was quite uneventful, 54 miles of flat farmland but we had a lovely tailwind. Avg was 15.4 miles and I covered the distance in 3.30 hours. I was chased by 3 dogs but rather half-heartedly, as it was in the heat of the day.I shouted 'home' a couple of times in my best Scottish Accent. I could feel pins and needles in my legs with fright. We are camping in a school ground at Fort Hancock looking over at the boundary fence with Mexico. Hope we have a quiet night, the local Sheriff has already called round to check us out. No signal at moment.  Still loving the life.....

Las Cruces Old Town

Published with Blogger-droid v2.0.4

Billy the Kid Courthouse

Published with Blogger-droid v2.0.4

I like Dugs

Published with Blogger-droid v2.0.4

Ranch horses for Anna and Rosie

Published with Blogger-droid v2.0.4

How many cyclists does it take to repair a puncture????

Published with Blogger-droid v2.0.4

Cruising to El Paso on Hwy 28.

There has been mutterings in some quarters that my daily blog is not arriving in time to enjoy with the cornflakes. I can confirm that I update it nightly in my dark tent but sometimes there is no signal so it is the next day before it departs. We are now going into the wilds of Texas so smoke signals could be even more lacking. I'll do my best. We had a lovely late start today, 8.00am and the sun was up so warmer.We were cycling just 55.1 miles, and the El Paso Hostel where we are staying couldn't take us till 2.00pm so no rush. Yippee, a proper bed and no tent packing. Today we crossed from New Mexico into Texas.On leaving Las Cruces immediately got lost and added a few unneccesary miles just for the fun of it. Visited Old Las Cruce Town which was 'real neat'. Saw courthouse where Billy the Kid was sentenced to hang. This is very prosperous looking area, farmland, pecan trees to the horizon and now also vineyards. I have been surprisingly impressed with what I have seen of NM. Green, scenic, prosperous, people extremely helpful. I had stopped at the roadside to have a drink and a motor bike passed. The guy went a couple of hundred yards down the road, turned, came back and asked if I was ok. Thoughtful. The roads into El Paso were extremely busy. Three lanes of traffic hurtling along. The family would have a fit if they could see me. EP is a big sprawling town with a huge history. Maybe more on this tomorrow. Alannah has picked up a tummy bug so rode in the van today. Another state down - 5 to go. Texas is the biggest .....still loving it.

Skunk Skulking Around M and M's.

Woke in the middle of theoo night to the shout of 'skunk', footsteps and whispering. I quickly checked my tent zips were all closed and cooried down in my sleeping bag. Apparently, Robert M had awakened to the sound of rustling, got up and found a skunk had managed to get into the food box and was pulling out a bag of M and M's. He had a job chasing him off as he was a determined wee devil.  Glad he didn't come near me!!! Anyway, rose late at 6.30 as this had to be a relatively easy day of 60.9 miles from Arrey to Los Cruces. Flat with rolling hills. After about 25 miles the gang stopped for second breakfast at Hatch. I had pancake with fried egg ' over easy'???? This area is rich farming land for chillies and pecans. The photo above is of stark pecan trees stretching into the distance. Some fields are flooded in water, some are not. Just in different stages of growth. The day became quite  arduous due to a strong headwind and the heat. I find more than anything this , give me the cooler hills anytime. I usually arrive in camp mid afternoon so this gives me plenty time to get organised and rest. We are well looked after, beer or soft drinks plus nibbles await us. We only have to ask for something and it is provided.  This is a diverse group of people. Most cycle alone but pair up from time to time. This gives you the best of both worlds, the freedom of the open road but also security if you need it.  El Paso tomorrow. Still loving this life......

Published with Blogger-droid v2.0.4

Reaching for the Sky in Emory Pass, 8228 ft.

Had the best nights sleep yet in this darned tent. 10.00pm to 5.00am but woke to a dark, below freezing morning. The wind chill made it worse so we were all huddled in the laundrette having breakfast.  Left, to do 60 miles, with long winter gloves and 4 layers on. I know by 10.00am, I will be peeling them off as, as the day goes on the temperature will reach the high 80's. This is the day we go over Emory Pass, our tour high point, 8228 ft. We started at just over 5000 ft and climbed to the top over 18 miles. It was a wonderful steep, steady cycle with deep gullies, high cliffs, pockets of snow with the sun filtering through the trees. There was a stunning viewing point at the top looking over the valley and distant mountain ranges. This is the land of the Chiricahui Apache who were rounded up in 1886 as prisoners of war. They were eventually released in 1911 but not allowed to return to their homeland.  Our climbing efforts were rewarded by a terrific 10 mile descent but as we levelled out we had to contend with a strong headwind. Stopped in Hilllsboro and had some of their famous Bumbleberry Pie with ice-cream. The pie is made with raspberry, rhubarb, peaches and blueberries, mmmm. We are camping in Caballo State Park tonight beside the Rio Grande. I am acquiring the cyclists tan - arms to wrists, top of knee to ankle and to finish it off, panda eyes!!!! Linda will be horrified. Jon and Alan made beef stew with mashed potatoes tonight - lovely.  We are certainly well looked after but at the same time given freedom to stop and explore. It just gets better and better.....still loving it.

Published with Blogger-droid v2.0.4

A slight incline.

Published with Blogger-droid v2.0.4

Frolicking at 7340 ft on the Route to Mimbres...

Today we were given the choice of two routes. Think of a triangle, the easy way was 27 miles along the base. The hard, hilly way was up and down the sides, 52 miles. I and 5 of the men chose the harder route. It was beautiful, like the Ross Road but much longer. Tall pine trees through a twisting, turning road. I saw deer, a heron, squirrel and ducks. It was so remote and quiet. We crossed the continental divide at 7340 ft and Todd (Stanley ) said we were 'frolicking along'. This is a lovely valley. 'You sense the quietness of the peaceful headwater of the Gila where the Apache leader Geronimo was born. Hear the voices of the Buffolo Soldiers as they patrol deeper into into the wilderness trying to maintain peace. Walk the paths of the early miner's trying to find the mother lode up the next canyon.' I coped very well with the cycle. It was freezing early morning as we left at sun up. I arrived at camp just slightly behind the men so quite satisfied. I'm glad I chose to go this way as the route had everything. History, few cars, scenery, peace and quiet, sunny. No wonder ...I'm still loving it.....

I Love Silver City

It was lovely having a day off after 4 hard days cycling. We went in the van to visit the Gila Cave Dwellings, some felt sick as it was a long winding road of over 30 miles. These dwellings were built over 700 years ago and are the best preserved ancient structures in the area. Think houses built inside high cliff caves. Talked to a couple there and the lady on hearing my accent said she had visited Scotland once on a walking holiday. Said the place was called the Isle of Arran!!!! We had a great chat and photos taken. Silver City, as the name suggests, originated from silver mining. The area is rich in copper and silver ore. Full of history too, Billy the Kid and the Apaches. This was their land and they constantly raided the miners making mining very difficult. Judge McComas and his wife were killed by a band of Geronimo's Apaches in 1883 and there 6 year old son kidnapped and taken to Mexico. Silver City is 6000 ft up but very warm. Great rest day.....Still loving it....

Apache Cultural Centre!!!

Published with Blogger-droid v2.0.4

Apache Village - Very Poor

Published with Blogger-droid v2.0.4

Geronimo!!!!

Published with Blogger-droid v2.0.4

Outside Safford

Published with Blogger-droid v2.0.4

Silver City and a Day Off. Yippee

Sluggish this morning, after yesterday, so by the time I got this darned tent packed it was 7.30am before I left. Only 36 miles today so although still hilly made it to Silver City by lunchtime. We passed through the continental divide and as I was with a group there was much photo taking. In Silver City we are 6000 ft up and I can feel the slight effect of altitude. Heart racing a bit. Went into town in the afternoon and bought a skirt !!!!! Just what I need on a bike tour. Also bought Mace, a dog deterant spray as some cyclist got chased by 3 dogs the other day. This is one of my biggest fears. Will have to ditch the spray afer the tour as it is illegal in the UK. Good campsite, great laundry and shower facilities. SC is the home of Billy the Kid. He committed his first crime of stealing here , aged 15, and was jailed but because he was so slight, escaped through a chimney. More about the SC area later but must get some sleep....still loving it...

New Mexico Here We Come

This has to be the hardest days cycling I have ever done. 74.7 miles of relentless climbing in heat in the high 80's. Up, up winding, zig zagging through mountain passes. My legs were sore but breathing was ok so knew, although it was tough, that I was coping. We climbed 5400 feet and man did I know it. General Kearney passed through this way, guided by Kit Carson opening up the route from New Mexico to California. Had a great compliment paid to me by Dave, our fearless leader, he said ' You are good, you are strong. You will have no trouble on the mountain.' That gave me a great lift and kept me going for the next 10 miles. We passed into NM, putting or watches forward by one hour, and immediately the terrain changed from scrubland to a lovely pine forest. After 45 miles of hard climbing we still had another 30 of steep rolling hills. Lisa and Robert C rode in the van again. Robert C lives in flatlands and is not used to hill cycling. He is feeling quite depressed. Camp tonight was not the best, one toilet and one shower between 14 of us and other campers but we managed. Thanks to Andrew, Betty, Cams and Michael for there support. The comments keep me going. Much harder now but guess what ....still loving it...

Safford in a Hurry.

Another long day of 77.8 miles in the high 80's. Left at 6.45 am as Robert M and I are cooking tonight. The route took me through Geronimo but disappointing as it was just a couple of run down houses. This is 'Apache San Carlos Native Reservation' land and you need permits to camp, fish, hike etc. Snow clad mountains in the distance but land is barren and the native villages very run down. Someone is making money as there is a Casino in the area. Hard day again with 2500 ft of climbing but pushed myself to get in, in good time. Camping facilities were good and there was a good social room with cooker. I made ground beef ( mince ) with pasta and Robert M made a salad. Seemed to go down well. Wish I could get haggis?? Felt very tired tonight with hard cycle, darned tent and cooking. The honeymoon is definitely over. Some disgruntled people in camp saying 'it is no pleasure now, just endurance.' I'm glad of all my training on the Arran hills so....Still loving it.....

Brutal Hills on the Road to Globe

Ok this is the first of 3 long days and it was a killer. 80 miles in temps. in the high 80's. Left Phoenix on my own and proudly negotiated the suburb route out of town. Beautiful ranchstyle houses, no high rise in sight. Cycled past Tomahawk Road and Apache Jct and kept my head well down. Had to make sure we had plenty water as there were few towns so I was carrying 3 bottles. Then the climbing started, up through rugged, jagged passes. Took my time and coped well although very steep. Lisa was struggling with the heat and heart palpitations and Robert C said he could go no further and would have to stop. I therefore wasn't too surprised when I saw the van go back for them. We had to cycle through a long dark tunnel and it was awful. I can hold my line in traffic, and on this tour I have been in some busy roads but this was frightening. The roar of the traffic and the dark was disorienting and I was all over the road. Anyway made it through and the rough, stoney cliff faces were beautiful. We must have climbed 4000 ft. I felt strong when I finished but then had to pitch my darned tent etc. Globe used to be a bawdy copper mining town and there is still mining in the area but it is more a sedate trade centre. On Superstition Mountain lives the legend of the ' the Lost Dutchman Mine'. Apparently in the late 1800's he would disappear into the mountains and return with vast quantities of gold ore. He told no-one where his mine was but when he died, left a riddle. People have been searching ever since to no avail. There's gold in them thaur hills. Hard day today, more to come but......Still loving it.

Lazy Day in Phoenix

Ok I don't have a smoke signal yet but will continue with blog anyway. Had a lovely rest day, sunbathed in morning at the motel then shopped in the afternoon at an fantastic outdoor shop REI. Bought another cycling top and new bumbag. We are all developing ' panda eyes' from the sun. Just saying. Still loving it...........

No Smoke Signals In Them Thar Hills

Just to let you know I am alive and kicking. Signals have proved difficult through the hills. Extremely gruelling last 4 days but we are now in New Mexico and all well. I don't know when this will get through, hopefully soon. Still loving it...

Tempe to Globe To Safford onto Buckham

Janice is sorry she cannot up date her blog herself because she is having problems due to her phone.I received texts to say that Tempe to Globe was very hard day and very long unrelenting climbs but Janice managed to arrive safely at Globe. Next day to Safford was also a very long mileage and very hot as well. Today Saturday Janice cycling onto Buckhorn in New Mexico.Also another day of long mileage. I hope Janice can sort out the problem with her phone re her blog, as I am not good at this but will keep up dates via texts from Janice till problem sorted out. Murray

On the 'Flat' list.

Published with Blogger-droid v2.0.4

Spike Covered in Frost

Published with Blogger-droid v2.0.4

Murder and Mayhem on the Road to Phoenix.

Rose about 5.00 am to find bike and tent covered in thick frost, -5 deg. Ugg. Left about 7.00 am as we had. 73.1 miles to cover today. Took about 4 miles for frost to clear from bike. Cruising along and suddenly puncture in back tyre. Still the sun was out, a good broad hard shoulder so quickly got back wheel off. The culprit was two large pieces of wire from shredded truck wheels. Truck wheels have wire mesh embedded in them and when they burst they explde everywhere. A cyclists nightmare. Dan caught me up and just took over. You know what, I had the courtesy to let him. Then the support van came along but by that time we were sorted. Now I am up on the 'flat' list. Reached the outskirts of Phoenix only to find our route blocked by the Police as a body had been found in the canal alongside our bike path. A tv crew were there and the presenter Steve Ryan was interested in our trip. I asked him ' are you famous' and his cameraman said ' he likes to think he is'. Lol. Had a nightmare of a time negotiating Phoenix, over 30 miles, kept getting lost. Had a chat with Postman Kieran, big broad hat, very friendly. Eventually made motel but I felt really strong and could have gone on. Put tent etc out in the sun to dry. Did laundry so all clean now. Will try and upload photo of bike covered in frost. Day of tomorrow, Wednesday. Still loving it...just saying...

Published with Blogger-droid v2.0.4

Cacti Only found in Arizona

Published with Blogger-droid v2.0.4

My Abode

Published with Blogger-droid v2.0.4

Janice on Highway 60

Published with Blogger-droid v2.0.4

Apache's on the Road to Wickenburg

The storm blew through so we had peaceful night and I slept quite well. Rose just after 6.00am and on the road by 8.00am. This was quite an uneventful day, long straight road, Highway 60, with a few steady climbs. We made 55.8miles and I arrived ( Nice camp, good facilities so did some washing.) The sun was out but still chilly, and  I was one of the few who wore shorts. Just saying. High hills on both sides in the far distance covered with snow. Again after about 20 miles I cycled on my own. We tend to leapfrog each other stopping for coffee, photos, etc. Stopped at a diner for lunch and it was the typical western type, long counter, with stetson wearing locals at the bar. Notice on the door read 
'No Firearms Allowed'. Apparently, Arizona is the only state that allows firearms to be worn.  Plaque outside Wickensburg told of Massacre, in 1871, by Apache's of 6 men and one woman who were riding in a stagecoach between towns. Gave me a strange feeling.
So far there have been 6 'flats' in the group. Still going strong, still loving it......

Published with Blogger-droid v2.0.4

Storm Alley at Salome.

Sitting in my tent 4.45pm in Salome and the hailstorms are howling through the valley. Hoping and praying the tent and I don't take off. Oops, just had to just pop outside and hammer some pegs in as the tent side caved it. The hail was about the size of a 5p piece and covered the ground like snow. Now the sun is out and the wind has dropped - but it will be back, seems to come in waves. What a country. We woke this morning to a bright, sunny day with a tail/side wind. No rain so the shorts were on again although it was much cooler. Thank goodness - too much sun is not good for you. Just saying. Left at 8.00am after a wonderful nights sleep in the motel. A mere 40 miles today so made Salome before 1.00pm. A few gradual hills so quite pleasant. This is gold mining country and everyone is free to try and find gold. Most gold mines are closed but some are reopening as gold is now a very valuable commodity. Stopped at a trailer diner for homemade crisps or 'potato chips', and talked at length with 'Joyce and Arleer' about the area. It is full of RV Parks because so many people, like them, migrate south for the winter ,from cold north USA. The owner of the 'roadside cafe' was going to church so left huge flasks of coffee for everyone to just help themselves. This is the local meeting place and much fuss was made of us. Southern hospitality. Saw loads of '3 pronged cowboy' cacti today. Apparently, it is peculiar to this area and grows no-where else. On leaving the small town of 'Hope' there is a sign that states 'You Are Beyond Hope'......says it all doesn't it. I start the day cycling with the group then after 15/20 miles, if I am confident with the route cycle on my own. I enjoy the space and freedom. So far away for Mother's Day but thanks Michael, Richard and Jill for messages. Happy MD Granny Grace - I hope you got a card..... It is now 8.00pm and storm seems to have passed. Eating and drinking plenty. Camp site tonight in RV park and quite good. Still loving it........

Goodbye California.Hello Arizona.

44.7 miles today. Very, warm, windy night but I had the best sleep yet. Up at 5.15am and I just hate the mornings. I swear my tent, sleeping bag and mat all grow through the night as I try and stuff them into their bags. Zig-zagged on roads passing huge fields of crops in different stages of planting. This is the bread basket of America and a huge industry. Cotton has been grown and you could see the residue on the ground. I picked some and could feel the seeds inside which will be separated and turned into oil. This is the route Mark Beaumont followed and I see landmarks that he mentioned in his book. On going through Blythe some of us stopped for b'fast at 'the Lions Club' gathering. Serving huge pancakes, sausages and syrup. Eat as much as you like for 5 Dollars, and we did. This is all for charity and the place was packed at 9am. Families, couples, groups, workmen taking carryouts. Amazing. My Scottish accent always takes a trick so the organisers wanted a photo of me. It was a warm but more cloudly day so a very pleasant cycle. Climbed about 1000 ft with a nice downhill at the end. Good ride. We sadly left California for Arizonia. One state down, seven to go. When we arrived at campsite the wind had got up and rain was forecast so Dave booked us into a motel. I am lying on a nice comfy bed, after a fantastic shower typing this. Tomorrow the forecast is to be colder with rain. We'll see. Can't remember if I mentioned it but the dogs I heard howling the other night were actually coyotes......... Still loving it.

Flying Scotswoman on the Trail to Palo Verde.

67 miles.  Up and away by 6.45am to escape the heat of the day. Nice warm night and slept well. Seem to sleep in two hour cycles. On leaving Brawley, Robert C nearly got wiped out by a truck. We were turning left and he pulled out in front of it. I went to follow but saw the truck. The driver sounded his horn, these American horns are loud and we all got a fright. Decided to go at my own pace today and felt much better for it. Was at camp by 1.30pm. It is baking hot if you go too slowly. Cycled on my own for a good part and loved the freedom. Drinking lots of water, Dave made two water stops to top us up. My grandchildren would have loved it today as we passes miles and miles of huge sand dunes at Glamis with buggies for children,adults and families. We also went through the Chocolate Mountains which looked like big chunks of choc. Long straight road with desert on each side. Good tailwind so I was in top gears and romping along at 22mph. Passed ' 3 Slashes Road' so to much amusement I explained what it meant back home. We are all beginning to gel and get to know each other better. Great crowd.Hot shower but camp site not up to much. If you go on u tube and type in 'sdcheapshot' then click 'profile' then click 'more videos' you should see film of us leaving San Diego. It was taken by one of Dee's cycling friends. Love, love, loving it.......... Keep the comments coming.

Published with Blogger-droid v2.0.4

Thanks

Thanks for comments Lyndsay and Scott. You inspire me and make me laugh. Can't seem to get into my comments to reply properly.  Love Janiski.

Published with Blogger-droid v2.0.4

Freezer to Furnace on the Road to Brawley. 67.6 miles

Had good early morning start at 6.00am. More organised now. Dismantled tent etc before b'fast to warm me up as it was below freezing brrrr. Straight into the hills again but ' muscles macmillan' was fit for it. Felt good. Passed close to Mexican border, high wall and fence disappearing into distance. Custom patrols everywhere. Next, 10 miles of very steep descent which took us into Yuha Desert. Long flat road for the next 37 miles. No shelter. I began to flag after a while and had to take a break under the only tree in sight. The fact there was a dunghill there didn't matter. Temperature reached 94 deg and we are not even in Gulf.Actually, quite rich farmland in places. Hay bales piled at side of road waiting for transportation. Rich crops growing fed by canal irrigation. Meeting interesting people, 86 year old man originally from Netherlands. He was translater for Hitler and now he and his family own big ranch out here............ Jackson on traffic duty telling us about Mexican infiltration. Staying at compound tonight with swimming pool. Got in just after 3.00pm boiling and jumped straight in pool. Lovely.  Love my tent but hate it in the morning when I have to pack it. Bike and me fine, I can see the heat is going to be a problem, but I am not the only one. Think I will call the bike Spike, long story that involves an iguana. Lisa has knee problems so rode in the van today and tomorrow, hoping it improves. Still loving it....

Published with Blogger-droid v2.0.4

Alpine to Boulevard 35.8 miles. Up, Up, Up.

Brrrrr.... it was cold this morning, below freezing.Quite a bit of condensation in the tent not helped by the fact I knocked over a water bottle and soaked some of my clothes. I was fairly warm through the night, certainly not cold. We were very cold having b'fast out in the open but once the sun came out we quickly warmed up.  Made lunch, cheese and meat roll plus banana then departed straight into the hills and it was constantly up.  Quite relentless. Just like cycling to Lamlash but going on for 40 miles. One or two downhills today though which was nice. Legs quite burnt.  Scenery was lovely, trees, scrubland looking out over hill ranges to Mexico in the distance. Customs officers constantly patrolling road but not interested in us. Spoke to firemen at their station in Pine Valley and had photo taken.  We were cycling on Old Highway 80 and a local explained its history.  This road opened up the route west. Staying tonight in another Indian Reservation camp site. This one much nicer, clean with hot water. Todd and Merv made dinner, tuna pasta. Todd reminds me of Stanley Baxter, looks and mannerism. Feel fine and recover very quickly when we stop. Still loving it.

Published with Blogger-droid v2.0.4

Fantastic First Day to Alpine.

Great first day. Cycled to Ocean Beach where Dee's cycling club gave us a rousing send off and escorted us out of town. Plenty photos of us dipping our back wheels in the Pacific. Sunny day again in the 70's. Did 43 miles today and it was all up. No reprieve, constant steady climbing. Coped well although when I was on my own took wrong turning and gave myself steepest climb of whole day. We have our own maps so do not ride as a group. Usually in pairs but I had left my partner on the hill. Had to turn back and go down hill again ahhh. Pitched tent no probs and am now nice and cosy, although dark. 8.00pm. Went to nearby casino for buffet meal. Eat as much as you like, and I did. First nation people, Indians, main clients in casino. It was a beautiful ride today through some lovely parkland. All managed although a few suffering tonight. I would say I am in the top half of the group especially on the hills. We climbed about 2000 ft. Camped in Vegas Indian Reservation, wide open space with white fences. Still loving it.

Published with Blogger-droid v2.0.4

Last Day, Holiday Over

Visited 'old town' in sunny SD today. Fascinating hearing about American/Mexican war of Liberation. This is a beautiful city with plenty to offer, history, scenic, beach, music, arts. Sorry to leave but tomorrow is the big day. There are now12 of us with 2 leaders. 4 women and 8 men. 2 from NZ, 1 Norway, 1 England, 7 Americans and me. Some seem very experienced touring cyclists so I hope I hold my own. Had team talk tonight but no surprises. Head for Pacific first thing in the morning,dip back wheels then go 'east young woman'. Next stop the Atlantic.  Bring it on. Excited but nervous. Still loving it.

Published with Blogger-droid v2.0.4

Its Just Like Bay Watch

Went to supermarket and bought food for lunch, dinner and tomorrow. Really like this hostelling way of life. People come and go everday but all sit with you and chat. Met four more riders Jonathon, Todd,Daniel and another Robert. All Americans. Weather sunny again by afternoon so went for cycle. Got sunburnt yesterday so covered up. Just saying.  Cycled round Mission Bay Park to Pacific Beach and Mission Beach. Very family friendly. Kids playing 'soccer', sports days. Toilets about every 200 yds. Cycled down beach boulevard. Just like Bay Watch. Skaters,walkers,cyclists max 8mph, skateboarders etc. Young beautiful people.  Lifeguards advising surfers where to surf.  Back at hostel made smors over open fire. Two large biscuits with chocolate and toasted marshmallow inbetween. Mmm.... Clocks have gone forward an hour so only 7 hours behind you now. 

Published with Blogger-droid v2.0.4

Fascinating Sunday

Robert persuaded me to go with him to the nearby Presbyterian Church and I'm glad he did. Received a warm welcome at door and given my name on a sticker. Inside Paster John was quickly greeting us and interested to hear I was from the 'Mother' country. Service totally different. Big screen with hymns and then headings about sermon. Much clapping during singing and after readings. Minister just in suit. Church was packed, a lot of men and young people. All curious about us and our travels. Do I live in Brecon,eh no...Very contempory service. I enjoyed it. Duller today. Wanted to go Downtown but no buses running. Maybe cycle later Still loving it....

Published with Blogger-droid v2.0.4

A Day of Highs and Lows.......

Recovering from jet lag. Made two huge pancakes this morning but couldn't finish them. Too greedy. Decided to cycle to phone shop as having a few probs with mobile. About to set off when I noticed I had a puncture. Couldn't believe it and I haven't even started. Walked to bike shop and had it sorted. Guys gave me new tube for free when they heard my story. Nice. Cycled slowly to beach, watching traffic on WRONG side of road. Met Robert, fellow cyclist and we cycled out to lighthouse, 20 miles, stunning views. Huge military cemetary above the bay. Robert thought some 'significant' hills. He obviously hasn't cycled on Arran. Just pimples. San Diego is clean, scenic, vibrant. People extremely friendly and tolerant of nervous female cyclist. Must go, time for hostel BBQ.

Published with Blogger-droid v2.0.4

Janice. Assembled bike. San Diego Hostel.

Published with Blogger-droid v2.0.4

Sunny San Diego

Basking in the sun having spent a couple of hours assembling bike. All looks good. Hostel is basic but adequate. Made pancakes with syrup for breakfast, poured batter from jug. Easy. People very friendly and helpful. Interested in what I am doing. I have to repeat myself the whole time. I see blank look come over their face as I waffle on. One guy thought I was Russian.

Published with Blogger-droid v2.0.4

Janice in San Diego

Just a short message to say that Janice has arrived safely in San Deigo. Hopefully once Janice settles in at the hostel and assembles her bike and sorts out her mobile phone with an America sim card, she will be able to update her blog herself. The time difference is 8 hours behind us.
From Murray.

Goodbye, See You In California

Leaving the Island a day early as the weather forecast is not good and the last thing I want is to be stranded and miss my flight. The Arran roads will be a bit quieter for the next couple of months, no blue jacket holding up the traffic. Thanks to all the tradesmen, bin men, NAC vans, bus drivers, County Carpets, etc for their tolerance and cheery waves. Ali and Johney,also Mark for their encouraging words and toots. At least I think that's what they were. Lindsay and Scott for the great 'soup and 2 rolls' at Sannox Golf Club, Catocal Bay Hotel, Sandwich Station and Kinloch Hotel for great food and shelter during the stormy winter. Finally, thanks to Murray, Jill, my 3 wee ones, family and friends who gave me support and space to do this trip. I'm sure, at times, I will miss them very much but the preparation is done so now onwards to enjoy the experience.

Well My Bags Are Packed and I'm Ready To Leave

Squeezed in At Last

All  Ready to Go

On Saturday I had my last training cycle, thank goodness. Just a gentle 21 miles with my sister Isla and Murray. The sun was actually shining and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I managed to source the part for the bike headset so the bike is running very smoothly. What a relief. Today, Sunday, we boxed the bike for the flight to San Diego and had a bit of a struggle.  British Airways demand that the front wheel and pedals are removed, the handlebars turned and tyres deflated.  We padded the bike frame out with bubble wrap, cardboard and tubing then tried to squeeze the bike into box. Some part was always sticking up or out but eventually we got there and were still speaking. It will be my difficult job in San Diego to  remove and assemble it. My two medium bags are packed, everything  pushed and pummelled into place

Ceremonial Dumping of Filthy, Non-Waterproof Winter Jacket and Overshoes. Yippee

Gone and Forgotten

What a great feeling, training is over so getting rid of my non-waterproof, smelly, filthy winter jacket.  It served me well but its days are over.  The same applies to my overshoes, they have had it, ripped and falling apart.