Category: A Day Off

A day off to collect some strength because cycling in the heat and over a long distance, day after day takes its toll.

We were ready for a break. It’s been six days since our last rest day in Pueblo.

Today was immensely hot – 110 degrees Fahrenheit in Larned.

Last night we briefly met a charming Englishman, called Stuart.

Andy and I had suggested that it would be nice to spend sometime together.

Stuart was up for this and because of circumstances out of his control he’d been at a loose end for a couple of days. He was up for some company with some fellow Brits.

So, some much needed shade was welcomed, along with a nice refreshing cup of tea, and some fun and frolics, with a fellow Brit. As you can see below, we had a good time.

I’m not sure that The Santa Fe Trail Centre can constrain three Brits at once ????

The town of Larned.

Having a personal chat!

Tied to the track!

I spent five minutes in the cell.

Andys now in jail ..

Stuart enjoying a cup of tea?!

I woke up refreshed this morning after sleeping in a comfortable and clean bed, and ready for my Grand Canyon day off. Im afraid of heights so today could go either way. I either can’t relax or I throw caution to the wind. This day had been planned since September 2015!

The day started with a hearty breakfast with Andy, Rory and Vicki – Rory and Vicki are 2 people whom without question opened there home to two cyclists, made us feel very welcome, took care of us. I feel blessed to have met two amazing people and I am proud to call them my friends.

After breakfast, Rory and Vicki took Andy and I to the airport to collect our car rental. We were automatically given an upgrade and decided on a bright yellow jeep. It was cute!

Andy was the named driver because I felt more comfortable being the navigator. The drive to the campsite was beautiful with different colours ingrained into the mountains. The sky was clear and the sun was shining brightly.

The plan was to stay @ Jacobs Lake campsite. This was roughly a 1 hour journey, in a car from the Grand Canyon.

As soon as we arrived at the campsite we set the tent up and decided to see the Grand Canyon by sunset. So we hot footed it, chasing the light to the Canyon. On the way we saw deer in abundance, they’re beautiful and elegant. We slowed down not to startle them and took sometime watching them.

The Grand Caynon was spectacular. However, I found it a little overwhelming because if its size and the sheer drops into the Canyons seemingly bottomless crater. The sun set on the Canyon only for a few moments until the sky blackened.
The journey to camp was slow because there were a hundred deer eyes reflected in the headlights and we watched them quietly.

Back at camp the tent was lit by a small light with stars lighting the unpolluted Sky. A beautiful night.

30 th and 31st May.

Two days to rest and take the feet off the peddles. With the intention of staying in Lee Vining and visiting Yosemite.

We hired a car for 2 days and took a drive to Lee Vining. My first impression of Lee Vining was that it’s a charming small town. located on Highway 395, 13 miles east of Yosemite National Park, California.

Lee Venning is located next to Mono Lake. The lake? is a vital resting and eating stop for migratory birds and has been recognized as a site of international importance by the Western Hemisphere Shorebird Reserve Network.Yosemite soothed the soul. It was the tonic that put the spring back in my step!

El Capitan and Yosemite meadow

El Capitan stands tall and powerful like a skyscraper surrounded by astounded people.

Andy and I enjoyed other delights such as Yosemite falls, Yosemite meadows, Half Dome and Glacier point.

Yosemite Half Dome – held up by my finger!?

Yosemite Half Dome – best not trying to fly @ this height

Yosemite falls

Sadly all good things come to an end and we said goodbye to Lee Vining and Yosemite. It was time to get back to the bike…

I forgot to say, Andy couldn’t find the headlights whilst we were inside a tunnel on our way to Yosemite. The tunnel was about 100 meters long. Scarey!!