Chapter 40

Chapter 40

 

 

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2008

 

Huntington Beach to San Elijo Beach Park 69 miles

 

This was an early start. I was so tired last night I checked into the worst motel I’ve stayed in. But it was ok. I just needed a bed. Up at 6.30 and gone by 7.30 on the last big push. A pleasant ride through towns and cities. All built up except for a couple of short country stretches. I took a wrong turn going through San Clemente and while I was wondering which way to go, up comes Berry on a road bike. He kindly stops to help me out and agrees to lead me out of the chaos I’m in. He gets me back on track and leads me through the hills and byways of San Clemente down as far as Camp Pendelton. He is a very fit 70-year-old and a true gent. So, thanks Berry for your help. Berry explains to me about this camp.                                   

Camp Pendelton is an army base where, before 9/11, you could have sailed through on your bike. Because going through it is the shortest way South. But now is restricted entry. Berry suggests I should ride the freeway.  Because if I’m stopped I’ll have to show a passport and there may be other restrictions. Or I could be turned back. And you know how I feel about backtracking. The freeway is noisy and hot but it’s straight. 

I go for the easy option. The base was open, and it was OK to ride through it, as long as you had I.D. and weren’t a threat but my goal has always been to take the shortest route. So, it’s freeway for me. Normally cyclists are not allowed on the freeway. But there is an exception here because of the restricted entry.

I will never criticize the traffic on the Naas Duel carriageway again. I have to stop a few miles up the road for some respite from the traffic. There is a services area and it’s a good place for food. I’m getting the strangest looks and some comments about the fact that I’m here on the freeway. People don’t realise I’m allowed. But it’s all very friendly. People are very tolerant. Well, when they are not behind the wheel.

I’m soon I’m into Oceanside and Carlsbad. I had met Jim earlier and we agreed to meet in Carlsbad State Park for the night. But when I get there they won’t take hiker bikers for some reason. Wondering what to do, I leave a message with the ranger for Jim that I have gone south another 9 miles and he soon follows. We meet up at San Elijo Beach and pitch our tents. It’s a cloudy evening but nice. It’s my last pitch of the trip so make it good. 

The camp is a bit crowded with families and vans and we are pitched next to a tent full of teenage girl guides. There is a train track between us and the town. After getting settled, its early and I’m over to the town to try get internet and to have a look around. I poach the internet from outside a real estate office with their permission, of course, to do the blog. Sitting on a park bench poaching the internet, the proprietor comes across and says he is closing his office but has left the internet on, so I can continue using it. Wasn’t that generous.  I have also sussed out a good spot for breakfast in the morning. Plans to be a great final breakfast. 

Back over in the camp. We are pitched right beside a girl guides camp and I’m in bed at 8. These little tykes are playing Hide and Seek till 10. KIDS!!! 

Put that with the train track 100 yards away with the trains which give loud, long blasts on their horns (if that’s what they are called) till 3am. Not going to be much sleep tonight... Big Finale tomorrow. 54 miles to the Mexican border... bring it on... No pictures today. Nothing really worth seeing.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Comment

Peter said: Hi John G, we've been in Latton all week so missed your blog. Have to say though that the bandana is real cool!! It'll turn a few heads around Latton, so will those sexy 'pins' (Geraldine's comment) You've done a fantastic job John, enjoy your last few miles. Looking forward to seeing you soon. Love P&G

Frances said: Congratulations John, you've done a great job. You should feel very good about yourself. What's next - Tour de France? I've put in a call for Mary McAleese to meet you at the airport, hope she make it.

Eileen said: Hi John really going to miss this blog but looking forward to hearing about your adventure first hand when you come home. Very best wishes to all the lovely kind people you met along the way. See you soon. Love x

John replied: Hi Peter, I think I’ll have to have the bandana surgically removed. I quite like it. Hey Frances, You’re great for sticking with me. I feel so proud of myself. Yes, I do. And my Wee Sister, Thanks Eileen for following me so closely. I always felt you were never far away. I love you.xx

 

 

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