California

Entered California today and climbed our first 6000 foot pass. 6300 to be exact. Before that we had done 4k+ in the Coast Range, 5K+ over the Cascades--now 6K+. Moving up in the world. Soon enough the climbs will be 8K-11K.

Two easy days in a row--Junipers to Goose Lake, Oregon only 26 miles and then today only 51 miles but with climbing. But two very hard days to come.

We have seen so much-Antelope, Hawks, Eagles, lots of deer, prarie dog (1). The scenery has been fantastic. From a bike you see everything in detail and slow motion. The deer do not run-they stand and watch you. You can watch a Hawk strike just after you hear its call. You can study every flower in detail. Did you know Thistles come in many colors and are so beautiful. Live in slow motion (perhaps as we were meant to see it) is so much more intense and spectacular than how we usually experience.

Tomorrow onto Nevada where we will be for the next 8-9 days. Enjoy and remember to slow down--look around and listen--there is a lot going on.