Arrived today in Camp Nelson, in Sequoia National Forest (again). Beautiful spot right by a river and for the first night whilst on my own, I made a camp fire. And a good one too.
California is really blessed with campgrounds, most of the ones I have stayed at have been publicly run. You get your own pitch, picnic table, grill fire, and fire pit. Most nights I have made use of the picnic table only, to lay out all my shite, and cook up noodles - I've been so tired and focused on bed.
Today I was tired too bit the beauty of my pitch, the abundance chopped wood, a half read newspaper, and temperature approaching freezing made the difference. It took all my cub scout skills with old leaves, small twigs, pine needles, and newspaper to get it going but it's roaring now.
Today was a cold and slighty wet start as overnight rain cleared. Then a lovely ride past citrus fruit farming land into a beautiful cattle valley - hopefully the pictures still capture the light.
As I started the inevitable first stiff climb of the day, I saw and got overtaken by another cyclist! Shock horror. He was in lycra, looked to be in a hurry, and continued for a mile ahead, about 1/4 of the total climb then headed back down. He was about the 6th cyclist I've seen in 2 weeks. Lycra clad riders rarely stop to speak.
First 2000 ft climb of day completed, I rolled into a small town for fuel. No I've not attached a moped engine, it's what I've come to see food as.
Then came a wonderful 4000 ft climb up to Camp Nelson. The sun came out, the wind was at my back, the road surface was good, the club sandwich was burning well in my stomach and the road really interesting with switchbacks and little sharp inc lines. I really enjoyed it, and I find it really cool to see myself writing that. I've found a climbing mode and speed with all my gear that really suits me. Weird.
Anyway, as I await the sun to go down tonight I have the company of this literally roaring fire and gentle white noise of the river to enjoy. No need for ear plugs tonight.
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