We Made It - Woo Hoo!!

'

Imperial Beach, CA at the Mexican Border.

My Paulie was there to meet us - Yay!

·        1,953 miles, average 50 miles per day

·        6 1/2 weeks with 71,386' of Elevation Gain

·        Route: Blaine, WA to Imperial Beach, CA

·        1 flat tire – 1 day without a shower

·        1 day of rain

General routine – 3 days camping- 1 day motel - 3 days camping – 2 nights motel for full rest day.  Massages on rest days.

Grateful

Today we rode 40 miles and took a ferry to Coronado.  Tomorrow an easy ride to the border  and my Paulie will be there to welcome us - yay!
How do I feel?   Grateful beyond measure!  For an epic trip filled up to overflowing on all levels. Grateful for the health and stamina to undertake this venture.  Each day we have been particularly  thankful for safety on the road and the wonderful support of family, friends, and complete strangers that encouraged us at every turn.  Special thanks to my boon companion Melody.  We were simpatico throughout the trip in an other-worldly way.
It is not bitter-sweet like I thought it would be to be finishing.  It is only sweet.  I left nothing on the table and I am ready to be done. Amen and amen and amen.

Looking toward San Diego from Coronado.

Last Night Camping - A Story to Remember

40 miles to South Carlsbad State Beach
We were looking forward to one last night camping. When we got to the campground, it was full. We were waiting in line because I was prepared to beg for a postage stamp sized piece of ground to pitch our tents. The camp hosts offered for us to follow them and they had space for us.  They had an empty big canvas pole tent, brought out a queen sized air mattress, a light, offered dinner, beer, and smores.   We took them up on most of their kind offers.  Not quite sure this counts as camping, but we are happy campers:)
AND we went swimming in the ocean!  Not just wading, a bona fide swim. SO MUCH FUN.

                                   Some of today's bike path by the beach.

                                     Our swimming beach at Carlsbad.

                                                  Serendipity yet again!

We Rode Through Los Angeles!

Wow, clearly I'm impressed:)  Who knew you could really just ride your bike through LA?!  Remember, I'm country girl from. Elk.

Craziest thing, we found excellent bird watching on a dumpy section of the LA River right in town. Osprey, heron, pelicans, stilts, Canada geese, and egrets.  Not to be trite, but you really can find beauty in the most unexpected places.  Also unexpected were horse set ups right in the city by the river.

After announcing 30-40 miles as the plan today, we actually rode 60 to Dana Point. Staying in a wonderful hotel. Hit a lucky bargain.

Long Beach was charming with a beautiful marina.

                                                         Long Beach

                                               Bike path along LA River.

                                    Horse set ups in LA - Who knew?!

Touring Like Tourists

We are in the final stages of our grand journey and determined to enjoy our last few days of beautiful California to the fullest. We're slowing the train down to a leisurely 40ish miles a day.  It felt very luxurious today with 33 miles to Redondo Beach.  We're staying in a motel here.
We started our day with mega traffic through Malibu and finished with 20 miles of seashore bike trail bliss.
I didn't take pictures of the incredible ocean views of all the beaches we rode through. I just can't do them justice.  I expect the pictures to wane from here on out. We're almost too filled up to take them, though here is one of our beach bike trail today.

17 miles of on the beach bike trail!

Turkey Vultures

42 miles to Malibu with ferocious winds.
 Wow, Malibu is pretty hoity toity: ) We camped in a private campground with another view site.  By far our most expensive campsite.  Had a spectacular fresh seafood dinner within walking distance.

This post is dedicated to the unsung majesty of the turkey vulture.  They have been our constant companions since we started in Blaine. So much has changed with the miles gone by, but always we find the big black birds circling and soaring in the sky.  I think they're beautiful and their consistency is somehow comforting.

                                       Our feathered friends the turkey vultures.

Beach Boys

51 miles to Ventura.  The beaches from Santa Barbara south definitely conjure up Beach Boys songs - Surfin' USA!  I rather expect that vibe from here on out.
   We were grateful for bike paths most of the day. We're camping in a private campground in Ventura.

                                                         Santa Barbara

                                                 

                     Awesome new bike path that kept us off busy Hiway 101.