March 8th I think...
Already time is different. I haven't had time or the desire to turn on the tv or get the news. Our days are starting to get into a rhythm and routine of getting up early at sunrise, lugging out bags out to the van, eating some hot oatmeal and yogurt for breakfast, bringing the bicycle out, pumping up the tires, making a trail mix snack bag and a peanut butter sandwich for lunch on the road, filling up two water bottles, resetting the odometer, attaching the cue sheet, heading out, reaching our final destination safely, eating dinner together out by the trailor, packing up for the next day, and getting to bed early.

The ride from San Diego to Alpine to Jacumba, CA yesterday was a challenge. We had a 45 mile trip through many hill?mountain? climbs. I had a new favorite five letter word of the day. It was CREST! That meant we could see the top and new we had a break from climbing. Up and down all day, but mostly up!!! I had flat tire number two about 2 miles from the final destination. This time it was my front tire. I called for back-up from the SAG driver because I could not undo the lever it was on so tight. Luckily, Ann again happened to come along to rescue me. This time I had her talk me through it while I changed the actual flat. The SAG wagon came and we could use the big pump which makes it a whole lot easier. I made it the last two mile, a little late of course, but threw on my swimsuit after a very quick shower to go into the natural hot springs for a well deserved soak. Dinner was early that night because of the time change. Linda made turkey burritos with guacamole that someone brought from their avocado grove. We also had salad, succotash, and left over birthday cake.

During the night it turned very cold, and there was frost on the windshields. We left at dawn at 32 degrees heading up some more toward Brawley, CA for a journey of 65 milles or so. As we climbed upward, the sun rising, the cold air blowing and tearing my eyes, I knew it was going to be a good day. There are two women that headed out with me. We seem to go about the same speed, need to take breaks at the same time, and laugh a lot along the way. After our climb, we turned on the interstate and started this fantastic 10 mile descent down the mountains. The vistas were fantastic. Rounded boulders dotted the landscape and as we picked up incredible speed flew down into a huge valley into the desert that went on for miles and miles. We saw some mini white lilies as well as some small purple and yellow flowers. That's the benefit of being on a bike. you really notice some of the subtle changes in flora, fauna, shades of rock outcroppings, and soil on the way.

With many stops for fluids, and snacks, we bicycled through about 67 miles of terrain, mostly flat. By the end of the ride it was 75 degrees. We all felt a great sense of accomplishment. Life is still great in paradise. The winds were with us and not against us today.
It's getting late after 9 pm and we are up at dawn so will sign off for now. Think of me on my 90 mile journey tomorrow!
Hugs,
Robin