88 km/55 mi
Well, after a lot of hemming and hawing and waiting for new tires to arrive, I finally decided to head into Mexico. To be honest, my heart hasn't been in it. The last two weeks have really taken a lot out of me, and I was considering some other possibilities. But in the end I decided to give at least Baja a try; if things don't work out, that's fine, but I couldn't come so close without at least taking a look.
Tomorrow I'm leaving San Diego, headed for the border! I think I've got at least the most important things finalized, and so I'll be heading to a campground just north of the border tomorrow and crossing from Tecate, CA, to Tecate, BC, the next morning!
94 km/58 mi (5500 ft elevation gain!)
91 km/57 mi
I bounced around the coast for a few days because of the stupid hike and bike rules: San Elijos one night, up to South Carlsbad one night, then back to San Elijos. Ever since I've been in California, camping has been like going to the DMV: everything is by the book, no consideration of extenuating circumstances whatsoever. The campsites were more than half empty, but they couldn't let me stay on the same site for a few days because of the principles involved. I'm grateful that there is a hike and bike program at some of the state parks, but it doesn't make up for the exorbitant fees charged even in winter.
118 km/73 mi
A few days ago I prided myself on planning out the entire rest of my stay in the US, at that time about 11 days. Here's how many of those days will work out as planned: 3, if I'm lucky. So much for planning ahead.
Lake Elsinore
88 km/55 mi
I had about 2000 feet to climb today, piece of cake! Then I was in the Mission Viejo–Laguna Hills–Irvine area. I thought Palm Springs was ritzy! The strip mall has valet service! There's a lot more green here, of course, and it is very hilly.