October 17 Mileage 45 New Brighton State Beach to Monterey The raccoons fight and play and eat my dinner spills half the night. And then I spend some time worrying about my bike getting stolen by the local homeless who frequent the nearby railroad tracks. Although my legs are tired, I’m ready to go early. … More Day 8: Street Cred Is My Stink
October 16 Mileage 37 Pigeon Point Lighthouse to New Brighton State Beach A full dorm. 6 ladies. Silent sleepers. How nice. I sleep so damn hard which feels so damn good. My mind says I need a rest day but miles make I must. I head down the highway and almost immediately a truck coming … More Day 7: Cowbell, Brussel Sprouts and Friends
October 15 Mileage 31 Montara to Pigeon Point Lighthouse My one and only dorm mate is a snorer. Earbuds in. It’s called music earplugs. The night is one long soundtrack with mood swings. The ground is soaked outside. I’m so glad that I’m inside and if I had any doubts, it starts to downpour. But … More Day 6: Not Barfing and Not Finding Water
October 14 Mileage 28 Sausalito to Montara Couch city is the best. I mean, I really like barn owls but prefer not to worry if I’m on their appetizer menu. I awake rested and ready to conquer another day. Oh and did I mention the view? Lights twinkle across the bay. As daylight emerges, the … More Day 5: When The Wind Tries To Stop Me
October 13 Mileage 42 Tomales to Sausalito Somehow I survive the night. Barn owls I know. Black tailed deer I know. But let me tell you, I heard the scariest screaching-grinding cry ever. I imagine the creature coming over and gobbling me whole. I devise a plan how I’ll defend myself. Meanwhile, the barn owls … More Day 4: When Eyebrows Fill With Sweat and it Cascades Into Eyes
October 12 Mileage 37 Guernville to Tomales I know it’s a low mileage day so I sleep in. Lounging in my tent I finish my journal. Just before my pirate friend drives off I give her an organic lavender sachet from the farm. I stop at the coffee shop and soak in the local scene … More Day 3: Wherein Barn Owls Circle With Talons Out
October 11 Mileage 52 Hopland to Guernville My red and yellow ‘sneaks’ out of the vineyard. But as I approach the end of the row, one truck appears. It’s turning around as another approaches. Well shit, I can’t hide now. So I push out of there like I’m supposed to be there. Full of confidence. … More Day 2: Giants Fan Wearing Red Is Confusing
September 11 Mileage 20 Woody Pass mile 2649 to US/Canada Border mile 2660 (+9 to Manning Park) The ground crunches below our feet. The frost heave ice towers crumble under our giant-like strength. Nothing can stop us now. It’s not even a consideration. We savor the morning and the sun, knowing this is really it. … More 13
September 10 Mileage 19.25 Harts Pass 2630 to Woody Pass 2649 It’s before dawn and Meander is working to set up his little wood fired stove. Despite the cold we emerge. Frozen hands make the packing up slow. After at least a 3 lb. crap, I finally join the group at the wood stove where … More Mr. Woody
September 9 Mileage 13 Mile 2617 to Harts Pass 2630 We’d heard there was going to be trail magic at Harts Pass. Perhaps we were getting a little hungry or the fond memories of trail magic were moving our legs fast. But before all that we had to climb. Switchbacks. To. Hell. No really, I … More Shrekerita
Journey Return 