Viejas to Pine Valley, CA

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Shawne says...
Miles Today: 13.4
Total Miles: 63.1
Flats Today: 0
Total Flats: 2

We started off today from Viejas Indian Reservation with little to no motivation. Packing up camp was a slow process as I found it very hard to concentrate on the tasks at hand. The climb out of the reservation was extremely difficult, and it was very steep. I had no energy in my legs. After stopping several times to rest, we made it up the road to the Interstate. We stopped to stretch, and I felt the blood start to flow freely through my body. We now had to enter Interstate 8 and travel with the big dogs.
Even though the incline appeared severe, it actually was easier than the previous hills. I pedaled with moderate effort in third gear for quite some time. Toward the top of the four mile stretch I did have to downshift, and take a few breaks. We were passed by two other bicyclists on the way up. One informed us that we were one week behind a group of 14 cyclists taking the same route.
We climbed and coasted our way to Pine Valley. Jo's knee was really hurting, so we stopped for a burger break. We saw a library across the street and went in to use the computer to update the blog. Afterward, we stopped to check out a county park just next door. Jo talked the ranger (Dale) into calling to ask permission for us to stay overnight. Surprisingly, he said yes! So, we set up camp with children at soccer practice all around us and parents pushing toddlers on the swings. We even had a visit from a baby rattle snake that took refuge under our tent (Jodie interrupts...yes, and Shawne had to chase him out of the area with his baseball bat!). We went next door once again to the corner market and purchased a dinner of canned soup and crackers, and here we shall sleep! 😊
P.S. A Ford Expedition with Mexico plates pulled over on the shoulder of I-8 and the back window rolled down. A young girl poked her head out and asked directions, in broken English, to the Viejas Casino. I told them that they passed it and the parents in the gront seats argued with each other in Spanish after the girl translated. I told them that Jo had the map if they wanted to see it. I asked Jo for the map and showed the father the exit. Then he drove off. (Jo interrupts again..."Why are people asking US for directions? Do we look like locals?")
P.P.S. Another odd fellow on a mountain bike stopped to talk to us at the park. He said that he saw our bikes in front of the library and wanted to know what we were doing. We told him the story, and he said, "I've never seen this kind of thing before, in real life. I mean I've seen it on T.V." We mentioned that we would be passing through Glamis and he proudly showed off his motorcross injury that he suffered there. A bone was sticking out of his shoulder a full inch and a half-but still under the skin. He said he hasn't worked since the accident and complained of his current boredom.
(Jo interrupts again...Thanks to Dale and Steve for letting us stay in the park. Dale, we hope you actually do the PCT!!!)

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Photos

The Green Ambulance
Ranger Dale taking Jo to a paramedic to get an ice pack!

Comments

[liz & jon]

having fun
hey guys hows the legs holding out i hope you guys are having a ball tell shawne all the guys say hi well see you soon have lots of fun miss you guys love youguys LIZ and JON

[Shawne's mom]

I hate snakes
Even a baby rattle snake isn't cute. So why was Jo getting a ice pack?

[grandma martinez]

Just found out where you guys are. WOW I did read all you went through specially the graveyard. Wish you both many blessings on the rest of your trip grandma in michigan

[Krystal]

Glad your on the road!
I'm glad you 2 are on the road at last! Be safe and have a great time! The pics are great! Take care you 2!