The Third Leg of The Trip (Is that possible?)
I spent too much time thinking about this. I guess you could have a thousand legs because a millipede has the most legs?? Originally, I thought only two (humans). Someone help me out here!
I wrote most of this from my campsite in San Simeon Creek Campground, in the town of San Simeon, in San Luis Obispo County, Southern California. I’m finishing it now in the town of Guadalupe, at the beginning of Santa Barbara county! The luxuries of lugging your laptop instead of shipping it!
Aside: Definitely NOT a luxury. This thing and its charger are way too heavy!! It’s not peanut butter or chocolate! I can’t even eat it! Maybe I haven’t tried hard enough…
The past couple weeks have been quite eventful- healing, restful, fun, recharging, exploring, lounging, eating lots, sleeping lots, and getting to see all sorts of friends and family.
From arriving in Mountain View, I was ready to be done with biking for a WHILE.
Now? I couldn’t miss it more and be happier to be On The Road Again. Having taken two weeks off, seeing and hugging my family and friends, doing some leisure biking, some surfing and rolling around in the ocean (finally!!), some sailing even, taking four planes AND two trains, I couldn’t have been longing for the open road more. Everything it entails- I missed camping, setting up my tent, eating peanut butter tortillas on the side of highways, meeting people from all over the world and country, and seeing once-in-a-universe beautiful coastal vistas.
To give you a run down of the off-bike time, I:
Bike around the Los Altos hills,
Ate a real breakfast everyday,
Knew where I was going to sleep 24 hours in advance,
And got to live with a good roommate and friend!
After that, I flew up to Victoria, British Columbia to visit my parents as we all tripped out to Tofino, Canada’s surfing capital set into the Pacific Rim National Park (it’s a rainforest!):
We hugged lots, finally bringing an end to Ben’s seemingly twelve-hundred year hug drought (me and California the same for real),
Had an epic roadtrip out to the coast (They keep goats on the ROOF),
Tons of surfing, swallowing lots of saltwater in the spin cycle called the Pacific Ocean, catching serene waves, and getting very cold and wet and then very hot and dry,
Got to see my first university friend since school ended!
Marveled at the wonders that the plane is.
It was like the first time flying for me. Getting on the plane, feeling the g-force as it takes off, seeing the ground disappear below me, and watching as we covered hundreds of miles in minutes and hours. All of the progress, every single hill, curve, and bump in the roads that I took from Central Oregon down to the Bay, absolutely flew by. What I had accomplished in two weeks, took a mere two and a half hours in a floating, tin can with wings. Such a feat of engineering. Humans and their capacity to shape the world to fit their wish and desire is inspiring. All that had to happen to put me on that flight, and cross country borders in such an efficient manner felt cool- I was a part of an all-consuming process that picks people off the ground in one place and deposits them a world away. Mostly, I just though about telling everyone on the plane how many more hills there are when you have to go over the ground.
Upon getting back to Mountain View, I took Labour Day off to road trip with Claire and her friends down to Santa Cruz to hang out at the beach.
Super fun spot and I always recommend swimming to beat the 100 degree heat. After that I had one day to ship my things, pack the bike, and take care of some chores before hitting the road.
Leaving Wednesday morning marked my 82nd day of biking. I had a relaxed ride out of Mountain View, towards Los Altos and up over the hills to Soquel. I rode on an adventurous bike path that was a mixture of paved, crushed rock and sand, and double track that took me to the Old Santa Cruz Highway. Just as the temps reached 90+ degrees, I was saved my tunnels and shade of redwoods as I climbed up and was rewarded with almost an hour long descent to the coast. Smelling the salt in the air, and feeling the sea breeze cool you down in your hair, on your skin, and in your face will never get old. I cruised my way down to the beach for lunch before heading to my campground for the evening.
Thursday was my birthday. I had an excellent day planned for myself- heading down to Monterey, checking out the 17-Mile Drive, and hopping back on Highway 1 for some rugged coastline and finishing at the Big Sur.
This was one of the more interesting birthdays I’ve had. Probably the first birthday in my life where there was no one to sing “Happy Birthday” except for my lovely mother, who left me a voicemail rendition which I’ll treasure forever. Shoutout Mom!
The only other day I’ve felt both so happy, content, and satisfied, while simultaneously being sad for what could’ve been, and nostalgic, was on the day I missed graduation. In a way, it feels like I missed my own birthday? I even missed birthday dinner in Kingston! It was one of the first birthdays I’ve spent not being surrounded by my good friends or family, which I definitely missed the most. I didn’t even feel in the mood for birthday cake or ice cream (I know right, ridiculous).
Narrator’s voice: Indeed, Ridiculous. He must be lying. He’s only saying that because in the Big Sur wilderness, there are no birthday cakes or ice cream. Wait and see how long he lasts. He thinks he’s so big and strong, big tough guy, can go two days without ice cream because he WANTS to. Silliness.
I definitely didn’t miss my birthday and had the most rewarding day in a long time- seeing the Big Sur and this section of the coast was a huge goal for me and it’s been on my list forever.
It felt like the best way to conclude another year of growing and learning. Ultimately, my trip has been a celebration and I try to celebrate each and every little thing, every day, and life itself. My week in California, my week with my family, and seeing friend were all celebration enough. I know there will be more in the future, as there’s always something to celebrate about! It will likely be someone else’s birthday next time! Anyways, it’s just one day of the year and feels a little silly, but I like reflecting and this is what you signed up for! As always, hug those close to you, celebrate them everyday, not one day of the year, and keep letting them know you’re there for them.
As always, onto the yummy pictures.
I had two long days back to back, but the legs are feeling in great shape, I’m doing much more stretching than the first time around, and I feel completely fulfilled and at peace. I’ve found my best is being present and what a better way to practice than listening to the waves crash as I fall asleep in my tent.
Today brought some more scenic views of SLO county as I made my way into Morro Bay and Pismo Beach.
The morning was overcast and the marine layer helped keep the heat at bay. Leaving the coast to come inland is always tough, but I know I’ll be back tomorrow. I got super excited when Suzie and Ed, the couple I met before taking my two week vacation, reached out and said I was catching up to them!!! We tried to link up tonight but, I couldn’t quite make it to them. I hope to cross paths with them tomorrow! I was jumping with joy on the road today as they gave me some heads-up advice and added some quips about the road ahead. Knowing cool people are nearby is exciting!
Anyways, now in Guadalupe, I’m checking myself in for some birthday dinner (unsure of ice cream, as always, we’ll see where the road takes me). I’m staying in the courtyard at the city hall and there’s currently a quincenira happening in the group room next to me. I just heard a live performance of “Despacito” (no Justin Bieber), quite electric. They’re supposed to be done by 11? We’ll see whether the ear plugs get put to test or if I get taken pity on and invited in for some socializing.
Aside: Most everyone seems to be dressed in black shirts and ties. Not sure if my swimsuit and sun hoodie will make the cut.
Cheers and thanks for your time!
Remember to always fall forward and pick yourself back up!
I read this in Stauffer; I think people were wondering why I was smiling looking at photos of a family that clearly wasn't mine. Or maybe you got some new subscribers!
Lovely pics. Rumor going around is that the quincenira was super lit (as the kids say these days).
So glad you could be with family! Your pictures are really awesome for us. Be safe we love you.