The High Sierra
[ Day 5, Part 1 – June 17, 2012 ] I slept until almost nine, which for those unfamiliar with backcountry days and ways is far beyond normal waking hours. When I finally crawled out of my tent, the campground was almost deserted and the sun peered down from its mid-morning perch. Mindful of both […]
Heaven (With Mosquitos)
[ Day 4 – June 16, 2012 ] I woke up before five and packed my things in the dark, determined to be on the road by sunrise. I was far from fully rested, but I had no interest in sharing the tunnels of Big Oak Flat with motor vehicles, nor did I wish to […]
The Devil Saddle
[ Day 3 – June 15, 2012 ] Though I’d anticipated a tough climb into Yosemite, I soon found myself dealing with an altogether different challenge. My firm, unforgiving saddle and lack of prior training dealt me an unexpected handicap: sitting on the saddle hurt! This unforeseen discomfort soon colored every mile, dampening the pleasures […]
Once More a Traveler
[ Day 2 – June 14, 2012 ] I woke up early, hoping to beat the midday high temperatures across the Central Valley. Back on the road, I continued my descent through Del Puerto Canyon. The narrow roadway dropped about 1,000 feet over 20 miles, through ranch land that suggested a way of life far […]
Raising Anchor
[ Day 1 – June 13, 2012 ] Late morning sunlight poured into my living room, highlighting a mess of touring items. From spare bike parts to flip flops and dental floss, I had everything I needed and then some; there was nothing holding me back except my own sense of time and place. I […]
Crystallization
[ Day 0 – June 12, 2012 ] In 2008, I rode my bicycle from Seattle to Boston with four friends from college. I have lots of fond memories from that trip, but one made a particularly strong impression: It was late afternoon in a small North Dakota town. I was chatting with an old man […]