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.

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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.

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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.

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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. 

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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....

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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.

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Janice. Assembled bike. San Diego Hostel.

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