October 19 Mileage 5 Monterey to Santa Cruz In the dark of the dorm the rambling Asian shuffles in and gets into bed. At least I’m not the last one in tonight. Liquidy snorting sounds erupt below me. And they go on and on. Drippy, squishy lasts at least 5 minutes. I have to hold … More Day 10: Monterey Bay Aquarium and the Monterey-Salinas-Watsonville-Santa Cruz Debacle
October 18 Mileage 10 Monterey Hot, stuffy, suffocating. This is my night in the dorm room. All the windows are closed. And if I’d known how bad it was going to be I would have opened the window. I figured though that I’d used up all my good graces by sneaking in at 11:30pm. And … More Day 9: Must Have Air or Bathing Suit Bedtime?
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
Journey Return 