Reflections on the Journey

At the end of any journey, a thoughtful person reflects. What were the highlights? How does it compare to other experiences? Was the goal accomplished? Was the effort worthwhile? What have we learned along the way? How has this changed us?

Bryan and I discussed these questions, reviewing the trip, while we drove on to Yuma to visit friends before finally stopping for the night at Santan Valley/Phoenix at Jan and Gord Webster's. I admit that I wanted more time to process and to relax at Bryan's sister's in preparation for writing our final blog.

What were the highlights? This could perhaps be called "Taste Tester Tourism" because we only sampled a little of what each area had to offer. Those who have spent more time realize how much we missed. However, we did get an overall impression, identifying places where we would like to return for the 'whole meal deal'. We saw so much in such a short time but loved the variety and the richness of people, landscapes and experiences. We need a blog to help us remember the details. Driving through redwood forests and along the ocean more than compensated for the tension of urban traffic.

We started out by comparing this trip to Bryan's cross-Canada experience but were soon more immersed in the present. Now, from the vantage point of the end, these are our observations. Bryan found this trip tougher, more demanding, despite the shorter distance. In the 19 days, there was only one day that he could call 'easy', with many long climbs, winding roads, ocean winds, tight switchbacks that meant no downhill respite, and heavy traffic at times. This trip demanded more technical cycling and alertness all of the time.  Across Canada he was able to stick to secondary highways without having to detour from freeways. The Rockies had an end, with Osoyoos being his hardest climb, but there were more challenging ones here, coupled with traffic. Vancouver was the only city Bryan had to navigate a part of, while San Francisco, LA and San Diego were unavoidable and huge. The trip in 2009 was fairly straight forward, but there were many times here when the bike route suddenly became a freeway where bikes were not allowed. In 2009, Bryan was able to simply stop at tourist information to find his way, but this was not always the case here. Even with a highly recommended book, we constantly had to search out information from several sources to plan the next segment. Signage was sometimes poor for cyclists in California or bike routes were far too complex.

However, this trip was easier for Bryan as well. He had a support vehicle right from the start, he didn't pitch a tent at all, and had access to internet. It was so good to have the on-board navigation system to check the distance ahead, to help us get through urban areas, and to find motels. We could put the bike in the SUV when he was illegal on a freeway, or when the distance to the next town was too far for the daylight hours. Cycling in June (2009), there were longer days, so he could cover more distance, unlike in March. It was also colder in March, especially with ocean winds and many campgrounds not yet open for the season.  On this trip, Bryan didn't have to worry so much about food since it was easy for me to keep him fed with lots of restaurants and grocery stores available. We enjoyed many gourmet suppers, feasting on seafood as we had in the Maritimes. Motels are more inexpensive in March, but the ones we stayed in were comparable to the ones in Canada. We like those smaller, independently owned places with unique differences.
It was also great to be able to stay in touch with friends and family with internet. Every motel had WiFi, which we used each evening and morning.

Did we accomplish our goal? To answer that we have to first identify the goals. We wanted to share the experience. We absolutely did that. I often viewed the route with an eye to the shoulder of the road and the conditions that Bryan would encounter. We shared our perspectives and individual experiences several times during the day, recapping over supper. We wanted to see the country. Did we ever! And in slow-paced detail. Bryan wanted to cycle the 101. He did this, as much as was possible. There were times when safety over ruled. If Bryan did not feel safe or if we would have trouble re-connecting in a big centre, he put the bike in the SUV. Sometimes, we had to get to the motel further down the road than he was able to cycle in the remaining daylight.

Perhaps some stats at this point would be useful. The mileage on the Escape indicates that we logged 5287 km from Outlook, SK to Imperial Beach, CA. The cycling portion was about 2047 km of the total 3033 km from Washington to California. That means that over the 19 day, Bryan didn't bike about 986 km, which includes not biking in San Francisco, LA or into San Diego. It took us 4 hours to drive through LA alone!  He cycled 4 days in  a rainy Washington (428 km), 3 days in Oregon having found his cadence in the sunshine, and 12 days in California (1193 km). He would have liked to say he touched the Mexican border, but 6 miles away in Imperial Beach was as close as he could get in that area. He had one flat tire, repaired the bike twice and has totally worn out one chain. This is the same reliable bike that he crossed Canada with in 2009.

So, was the effort and expense worthwhile? Absolutely! We have the resources and time, the encouragement of many, and positive feedback daily. It was good to see Bryan's satisfaction with his day's ride. As well, the shared experience brought us together in a new way. We also met many good people who impressed upon us the generosity and hospitality of the USA, just like Bryan's 2009 impression of Canada. We gained a renewed respect and understanding of environment. What God has created is truly so good. We became more sensitive to the lives of people who live in demanding environments, and those who struggle with poverty and homelessness. Finally, we have been challenged to trust in unfamiliar or difficult situations and have been reassured by God's faithfulness. We are thankful for safety, good weather, good friends, and so much more that is intangible. Thanks to everyone who encouraged us along the way. We will pay off the credit card, but the memories and experiences are priceless.

Day 19: Mission Accomplished!

We had a great start to our day in the breakfast room at the Old Town Inn. This family business has served up personalized hospitality since the 1940's and continue as Cesar and his staff answered our questions with good advice. As well, this place is right along the Pacific Coast Highway and close to the metro bus, trolley and tram. Pretty handy!

We caught the 9:30 bus for a full day at SeaWorld, whales, dolphins, roller coaster and wet rides included. The crowd was light until the sun came out after dinner, but we left by 4:00 when we were damp and the piped music became too much. The programs were professional and entertaining, just as we had anticipated. We really enjoyed the views from the Skytower and the Skyride but one roller coaster ride was enough for me. Something that bothered us, however, was the omnipresent junk food and souvenir booths. How would a parent fend off whiny requests from tired children by the end of the day? The educational aspect was shaded by the commercialism.

By 4:00, we caught the bus back, tired but satisfied with our day so far. As we rode, Bryan felt that it was too nice a day to not cycle. On top of that, the light traffic on a Sunday would be better than Monday morning for biking the 27 km to Imperial Beach. So, not long after we got back to the inn, we checked out the route and he was on his way to the Broadway pier to catch the ferry for Coronado. He was impressed with the two cruise ships, aircraft carrier, banquet ferries docker there right in the heart of the downtown. After disembarking, it was clear cycling into Imperial Beach, the end point of our adventure, just across from the Mexican border.

We celebrated with a supper of the usual past at a very unusual local restaurant. We have never been served so much tasty food at one sitting but it was a fitting end to an ambitious project. I am so proud of Bryan for finishing strong in our West Coast adventure.

Day 18: A beautiful day in the neighborhood

Today, it seemed like everyone was outside, enjoying the warmth (+20 C) with various activities, including remote control plane and kite flying in addition to the usual beach fun. Interesting to see people biking with a surfboard! Families and kids of all ages took advantage of the Saturday on the beaches or highways. Bryan enjoyed biking along with other cyclists and talking with them. While he waited for me at a coffee shop at San Clemente, he found out that some take the Amtrak to a point and then bike back or do the reverse.

Bryan felt in good company with so many others who are his age or older. These Californians are an active group; in fact, I think they may have reduced the national waist size. The fitness level among those living near the ocean seems to be higher than what we have observed in other states, even if there is fast food available everywhere.

Bryan was invited to join a group of cyclists to navigate through the vast Camp Pendleton military base, which is noted for its strict boundaries, but  we had already decided that he would hop in with me and take the #5 to Oceanside. After that, he completed his 92 km ride at Terry Pines Park on a very positive note.

My day was also positive. I enjoyed Skype dates with both Lisa and Jenna and their girls before heading into light traffic. I was glad that my two connections with Bryan were seamless even though we were in urban areas all the way. I also had time to take a walk along the beach in Oceanside, including a cool retro store. It was like reliving my life from the 60's to the 80's.

Although we didn't see the famous Torry Pines golf course due to a construction detour, we had no trouble getting into San Diego and to our motel for the next two days. After a relaxing time beside the pool there, soaking up the sun, we strolled the historic Old Town not too far away. Even in the off season, there were crowds checking out the museum displays, spending money on anything you might think of, and having supper at a variety of restaurants.

Unfortunately, I forgot to take my camera whenever I went walkabout today. However, I decided that I should capture some of the flowers that I have enjoyed all along this part of our trip. Wherever we go, on city boulevards, in yards, and along the highways, bright spots of color make my day. Our motel has a beautiful courtyard, using different flowering shrubs and trees, as well as focal points of flowers like bird of paradise. What you can accomplish in landscaping without being interrupted with winter here!

I think that we will be very comfortable here for the next couple of days. Tomorrow, we will explore all that Sea World has to offer. With our adventure soon completed, there are a few places to take in before we carry on.

Day 17: Cruising Los Angeles

With lots of urban sprawl ahead of us, Bryan and I drove out of Ventura this morning to check out the route we would use. After breakfast, he set out on his bike while I relaxed in our room. The traffic was light and he had no trouble finding his way on the #1 to our meeting point at Leo Carillo State Beach. The Santa Monica mountains gave him a bit of a gradual climb and enough time to wonder about a fairly recent forest fire. I couldn't use the navigation because it kept suggesting that I go on the #405. With a  written list of directions and a bit of backtracking, I caught up with Bryan, none too worse for wear. We had a relaxing lunch, then packed the bike in the car. Trying to find each other in a city is tough and Santa Monica was just 5 miles away. Bryan was a bit annoyed that he could ride only 56 km today If he had been alone, as he was in 2009, he would have just powered on. He still likes my support though!

For the next four hours, we covered only 120 km, going from one urban area to another in quick succession with increasingly solid traffic. We did take time to stop on a beach near Malibu, but didn't feel much like Malibu Barbie and Ken in the cool breeze. We cruised Sunset Boulevard in Santa Monica and tried to find a place to park without  luck so we just kept cruising. The LA airport was along the way, which made us think of how easy it is to fly into a big city and just explore a small part without trying to get through it. Our goal was to just get out of town asap!

We continued on through one beach community/city after another, with names like Manhattan, Hermosa, Redondo, Long and Seal.  I saw the offshore drilling rigs that I hadn't noticed earlier. Bryan sees a lot more cycling than I do when I drive. I did some navigation for him though, since the onboard system insists on taking us to highway 405.

We finally arrived in Huntington Beach, ready to stop for the night. After negotiations with the motel owner for a reduced rate and a walk to stretch out/check out the mall, we bought our groceries and headed back to the inn. Since it proved useful this morning, we checked out the route for tomorrow again. This time, however, we parked downtown and walked the wharf. We seem to do this often in California. When in Rome.... And these Romans like to come out en masse. They were swimming and surfing even thought we had put on jackets. Although the sun was shining, it felt a bit chilly. Perhaps they are just used to the cool, but so many girls in bikinis? We were the wusses I guess. Then again, they can't imagine our winters.

Perhaps it is the stress of traffic and commuting that makes the ocean shores and beaches so appealing. I can understand the lure of playing in the waves, even fishing off the pier, after a day at work which includes a long commute. There is a constant interplay between the natural and man-made environments. We are both just as happy to be past the sprawl that is Los Angeles County.
In fact, we celebrated with a glass of wine after a supper at Denny's. Never leave home without a Swiss Army knife/corkscrew. Here's to tomorrow and San Diego!

Day 16: It's getting a little zooy.

We started the day in a quiet bakery/cafe with a delicious Danish pastry. Bryan left, taking the very scenic route that I followed later, complete with a golf course, a vacation ranch, and huge trees hanging with moss. There was no shoulder but there was no traffic either.

That didn't last for long! Once he was on the 101, Bryan joined the hordes of vehicles. He said that he didn't enjoy that ride so much, especially getting into Santa Barbara 78 km later. At one point, the shoulder totally disappeared in a construction zone. There was nowhere for him to go but into the vehicle lane. Why do highways in California have a bike lane and then suddenly have a sign posted saying that cyclists are not allowed, especially when there is no other road to exit? We are again grateful for cellphones to supply a change in route and to locate each other once he arrives. I am also very thankful for the navigation system on the Escape. What did we do before they existed?

We met at Stearn's Wharf just after lunch, the sun shining brightly on all the cruise ship tourists, cyclists, and walkers. Apparently, Santa Barbara is the birthplace of beach volleyball too. What a great way to spend the first day of spring. Fishermen were also loading and unloading their boats while sailboats bobbed in the marina. A cruise ship was anchored in the bay, with ship-to-shore boats delivering visitors. Bryan and I walked the beach, then decided to head to the zoo.

The long walk to the zoo paid off. We got a good stretch and enjoyed observing the animals there. It is a well laid out park with lots of green spaces for family and an obvious educational program. To return to the marina parking lot, we hopped on a shuttle bus. The driver entertained us with trivia and his thoughts on a variety of topics, non-stop.

At last, hungry and a bit tired, we walked to the wharf again for a supper of fresh seafood, prepared right in front of us. There was a tank of live, huge crab that were up to 7 pounds.
Then, fed and satisfied, we braved the gridlock on the freeway out of town, headed for Ventura. The owner of the motel is a unique woman with a generous sense of humour. Like everyone else we talk to, she is interested in our adventure and wished us well as so many others have done. Bryan thinks that he has found a route from here to somewhere near LA that will be bike friendly. Here's hoping!

Day 15: A matter of good taste

We started our day by leaving the ocean views for vineyards and garden fields busy with workers along the highway. Row upon of strawberries, cauliflower, and many other vegetables in various states of readiness to be picked or planted. Bryan was very interested in the irrigation systems used and almost stopped to ask someone about their farming practices. I did stop....long enough to buy a box of the sweetest, juiciest strawberries that I have ever tasted. Imagine the many hours of intensive, manual labour to continuous crop this land. I will appreciate their efforts even more when  I pick up veggies at the grocery store.

I continued on past the Vandenberg Air Force Base, the place where long range missiles are tested, and arrived at a park just before Lompoc. While I waited for Bryan with his lunch, I met Tim who tried his best to sell me on the benefits of  ham radio in areas with limited cell phone coverage. His demonstration included response calls from as far away as Florida. Pretty impressive! He also kindly supplied me with advice on how to navigate our route, including 10 AAA maps of the area. Five of them were of the LA area alone! When he left with his 2 grand daughters, another helpful soul arrived with his 4 grandkids. While we chatted, Bryan arrived. By the time we left, we felt a connection with Rob who blessed us by praying for us.
Both Tim and Rob were good ambassadors of California and, even more importantly, of God's love.

We diverted from the 101 to Highway 246, towards the" Denmark of California", Solvang. I booked into the Viking Inn with our kind Oriental hosts, then headed downtown to explore the fabled shops, including so many bakeries. While I was gone, Bryan completed his 100 km for the day, had a rest and came to find me. This town tastefully celebrates the heritage that the 3 Danish founders hoped to preserve when they started the folk school here in the early 1900's. The shops are classy and interesting, the baking looks amazing, and there are lots of places to stay and eat.The farmers' market was colorful with an overwhelming variety of produce and products. After our walkabout, we relaxed in the sunny courtyard of the motel. Bryan also had a chance to compare notes with cyclists and get advice from the owners of a bike shop, which encourages him to set his goal for Ventura back on the 101 tomorrow. Later for supper, Bryan did justice to the Danish smorgasbord.. We look forward to Danish pastries for breakfast....mmmm so tasty!

Day 14: From fame to fortunate

Perhaps the tourist section of our trip is starting in earnest from now on. We have enjoyed the scenic byways, great food, and brief stops along the way to check out the local sights. Today, we were tourists until 1:45 but it's not every day that you pass by the Hearst Castle. We were not disappointed! This grand scale building project that lasted almost 20 years with the magnificent landscape surrounding it is unforgettable. As well, for the first time in 50 years, tourists were allowed to roam the grounds after our part of the tour ended. Of course, this was a tribute to fame and wealth of the Hearst empire, but it was also a generous bequest by that family to the people of California. It was fun to imagine the famous movie stars and media moguls that must have enjoyed these grounds as we did on a beautiful afternoon.

Since Bryan still planned to cycle this afternoon, we had lunch in San Simeon. The wind was favorable yet again, so he set off with the plan to arrive in Pismo Beach. He had smooth sailing until he blew a tire half way along. No problem, he just fixed it and continued on.

While he was fixing the tire, I was gleaning information from a very knowledgeable woman at the Chamber of Commerce in Pismo. She insisted that I call Bryan right away with an alternate route that would keep him off the illegal-for-cyclists 101. We were fortunate to have her good advice for a great Italian ristorante for supper as well. She also helped me map out a route into Santa Barbara that will keep Bryan legal for the next 2 days. After that, we may just continue with the bike loaded in the Escape to get through Los Angeles. We will see what traffic is like on the edges, near Ventura. Common sense/consensus says the congestion will only increase.

Once Bryan arrived after his 96 km ride, we walked the pier with many others who were out for the sea air or trying to surf the waves. We feel very fortunate to be on this adventure, with so many helpful people cheering us on. We have also been blessed with safe travel and inspiring experiences.