1/16–1/18: Climbing and hiding—Encinitas to Mt. Palomar to Rancho Cuyamaca State Park

Posted on January 18 2013

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.

1/13: Flight from the wind—Irvine to Encinitas

Posted on January 14 2013

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.

1/12: Irvine Indian interlude—Lake Elsinore to Irvine

Posted on January 13 2013

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.

1/9–1/11: Big Winds, Kindness of Strangers, and Expensive Camping—Indio to Anza to Lake Elsinore

Posted on January 12 2013

1/10: 80 km/50 mi

1/11: 96 km/60

Willows and flowers in the winter desert

I talked to the camp manager first thing. At first he confused me with another camper who was looking for a job. We talked about traveling, and he was very enthusiastic about my trip.

1/8: Moving on—Yucca Valley to Indio

Posted on January 9 2013

91 km/57 mi

After sixteen days in the area around the retreat center, I finally moved on to the next stage of the journey. My cousin in San Diego and I finally agreed on a date in a couple of weeks, so I'm going to explore the area around here for a while. A couple of folks from the retreat offered to let me stay with them, so I will most likely take them up on their offer, though they both live in LA, which scares the crap out of me.