Tuesday, 17 September 2013
Day 12. Laguna Beach to Encinitas. 51 miles.
An eventful day which started with nae breakfast as at 8.00am the diner across the road from the motel was not open. We decided to start riding anyway as the road was busy, would become busier and for the next 8 miles have no shoulder or bike lane. By contrast at the end of our day, the cycle signs were stating ' cyclists may use full lane'. We ate a good breakfast about 11.00am, felt fine. Our route travelled 10 miles through Camp Pendleton Marine Corps Reservation, at the gate marines checked our passports and asked our business. Very interested and friendly. Apparently at one time you could pass freely through this massive base but since 9/11 security has been tightened considerably. We could hear the ' thump' of mortar or tank fire in the distance. We felt our progress was being monitored the whole time. Found a motel easily enough and had time to hit the beach and enjoy the surf. The surf, I suppose, was relatively small but was oh so powerful, could knock you over and with a strong undertow. Lifeguard tower was making sure surfers stayed clear of swimmers, sea was warmish and I just loved it. Tomorrow is our last cycling day as we are now in San Diego County, don't want it to end.
Monday, 16 September 2013
Day 11. Hermosa Beach LA to Laguna Beach. 51.2 miles .
Today we continued through the metropolitan area of LA. As my book says ' Travel through any city is demanding. Riding through the nine cities of that make up the Los Angeles coast area stresses the word ' demanding ' to a whole new dimension. ' I followed our excellent cycling maps and managed fine, to quote Murray ' you were bloody magnificent '. I felt quite chuffed, praise indeed. Amazing the number of beaches we passed, must be about 100 miles of almost continuous sand. We ate breakfast at a beachside restaurant and watched a couple set up a exercise circuit on the beach, then complete all the stations. Wondered if they do that every morning before work. Long Beach was fabulous, affluent, miles of berthed cruisers, beautifully laid out. Yes, we did see the Queen Mary, looking glorious. By afternoon the temperature was mid 30's but as usual more bearable on the bike than off. Mixed roads today, some exceedingly busy with no shoulder, others broad and safe. Some terrific broad quiet bike paths, by the sea, where we could get up some speed. Another short day of 50 odd miles, any more and Murray's butt hurts him too much, he really is suffering. Finding good motels without any problem, people very interested in our journey. On arrival I immediately wash any dirty clothes then the bikes become washing lines, usually dry by next day. Loved today, was varied, challenging, places of interest, a few hills to enjoy. Good stuff.
P.S. Not getting good wifi signal so photos etc a bit slow to go. Will catch up eventually.
P.S. Not getting good wifi signal so photos etc a bit slow to go. Will catch up eventually.
Sunday, 15 September 2013
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