And so it begins!

We are on our way! After a few detours before we head south anyway…

First a weekend in the lumpy, remote (in comparison to SF anyway!) dirt tracks of Marin County. We were informed Mountain Biking was invented here, not quite the terrain for our heavyweight bikes. Laura discovered muscles she didn’t know she had while wrestling her bike up steep trails to Hawk campsite, a primitive spot with cracking views over west SF.

Starting our journey to Yosemite we dragged our bikes over the Diablo Range and raced down the east side into the San Joaquin Valley. Never before have we seen (or cycled) such straight flat roads. We passed the time by “guessing the tree” as we raced past endless orchards, later to be informed that they were almonds and walnuts! In Modesto we were hosted by the incredibly hospitable Thomas and Annie. It was great to meet some local folk and witness Toms bike garage. Sam was both impressed and jealous – Laura was indifferent.  Not so indifferent about the hot shower and delicious meal that followed. The next morning Thomas (and his friend Lori) were kind enough to ride with us and guide us out of town, another great experience from Warmshowers!

After a big day from Turlock Lake to Midpines yesterday we have been resting and recuperating before a few days hiking in Yosemite.