by Liz
On our last day in America, we had the opportunity to revisit some favourite experiences. Specifically we slummed it through the San Diego dockyards again, this time to reach Walmart, and for the last time I got chatted up waiting outside the supermarket while Philip did some shopping. I’ve enjoyed these totally random encounters with people who are just being friendly. We also got another final peek at the nesting ospreys who inhabit the industrial area.
I’ll miss many things about the trip. The sea, the coast, the forests, the good weather, the ever changing landscape, the architecture, the wildlife, especially the hummingbirds and pelicans, watching for whales, the redwoods, the frogs’ chirruping at night, the pedalling, and meeting new people. What won’t I miss? The smell of crushed skunk. The law requiring only three feet minimum when passing a cyclist. Logging trucks that overtake fast and close. That’s all I can think of. It’s been a dream being on the road for such a wonderfully long time.
Redwood photo credit Dorian Lhersonneau (thanks Dorian 🙂)
Our most recent discovery is the mockingbird. We heard one in San Diego yesterday as we stopped to check the route, then found we have our own in the road where we’re staying. He’s been singing non-stop since about 5am, a clear highly varied and beautiful melody. I’ll see if I can incorporate a sneaky recording in this post.
About an hour ago we let the bikes go to their respective new owners, after removing our owl mascots (‘best wing forward’ was their daily mantra). It was always the plan, always the deal, but it felt sad. Those two bikes were our ways and means in this adventure and they were like friends. I thought we’d suddenly feel like our wings had been clipped, but so far so good. We’ll walk out later to find some food, the last supper of our trip. Tomorrow we’ll turn our minds towards home.
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