Hello everyone! We have finally made it to California. Getting into California-we entered in extreme winds. If I stopped to take a break, it was difficult to get back on my bike without being blown over. I think it was worst than any Kansas winds. We made it to the border of Nevada and California and from there on out it was a climb beginning the Sierra Nevada's. We arrived in Woodfords, California. It was our first town in California. The motel was no longer in business. The closest campsite was 1.5 miles and another one in 6 miles. Honestly, even a mile more in the winds we were just not up for. The lady in the grocery store told us about a Bed and Breakfast. We stopped by with no one home so we made some phone calls and we were able to set up camp in their back yard. Kasey came home and offered us inside, but we made ourselves comfortable outdoors not to mention the amazing views of the mountains and the garden they had. Many people have weddings held in their yard and we set up camp under a shelter with the ceiling lined with Christmas lights. It was like sleeping under the stars. We sat by the fire in the living room, showered, and had tea before heading to sleep for the night. Kasey made us feel very welcomed and at home. It was nice being in a house. She cooked a wonderful breakfast. Our first experience having a "Dutch Baby Pancake". Thank you Mountain and Garden Bed and Breakfast for your hospitality! http://www.themountainandgarden.com/
We have spent one whole day climbing over the Sierra Nevada's. The biking was tough, but knowing it was the last big climb until we reached San Fransisco got us through it.
It has been amazing we have been on the road for over two months and the biking is still tough. We camped near Silver Lake. The campground was already closed for the season, so lucky for us it was free to set up camp there. Though it was a bit cold.
The campground host was still around and he was leaving the next morning. He gave us wood to have a fire. Silver Lake was located near the top of our climb of Carson Pass. It took us most o the day climbing it. We knew we would still have a bit more climbing in the morning, but I didn't want to push ourselves anymore that night.
I read some in my book and went to sleep.
We woke up early. We slept well, but once we were out of our sleeping bags we realized how cold it was. We attempted to restart the campfire with unsuccessful attempts. We boiled some water for oatmeal and tea, packed up and headed out. Once we get over this climb most the ride is downhill to San Fran, so that is good.
We ate a great lunch at Kirkwood.
Once again we were touched with the kindness of strangers in Kirkwood by a women and her sisters who gave us money to treat ourselves for dinner. THANK YOU! (We have set the money aside until we find a spot we want to eat at a lot.)
Probably 3 days until San Fran.
My goal: Make it to San Fran with 0 flats!!! That would be pretty amazing to go across country with no flats.
Hopefully to Sacramento today.