Damien and Jill, being the keen cyclists they are, decided to accompany me part of the way today and probably to make sure I left!
Again thanks chaps, it’s so much easier not having to read a map and cycle at the same time.
Almost as soon as we’d parted company (a) I got myself lost and (b) the sun came out. I was only lost for about five minutes, but considering that I’d joked about it about a minute before I felt a bit of a berk. And since crossing into the States, it’s been glorious sunshine with more forecast for tomorrow. Hip, hip, hip hooray! Finally I can work on that sexy forearm/lower leg combo tan. Grrr!
I’m in a place called Ferndale tonight, which looks like the sort of small-town-USA kind of place Doc Hollywood got held in. Quite cute, but it’s been past by with the building of the I15 highway just outside of town. I didn’t see the drunk, aging, quarterback, but he’s there somewhere.
I’m ashamed to say it, but after at least ten years of McAbstinence, I had to buy a Big Mac today. There, I’ve confessed. I feel better for having shared that with you. Still feel a bit grubby, though. It’s bananas and salads from now on and I may get my chi centered when I get to California. “Chakras!” And to you, sir!
Now to plan the next leg of the journey. It’s pretty much all been done for me by the chaps at the American Cycling Association and their maps. They’ve got a route from Vancouver to San Diego through some beautiful scenery all mapped out, so it seems a little silly to re-invent the wheel. All I’ve got to do is figure out how far to ride each day, where to sleep and how to avoid MacDonalds, which is not easy.
Love
Pete
Patagonia Pete 
Oh Pete. Oh dear oh dear oh dear. I should have been expecting it I suppose, but cycling’s changed you. One day into the lower 48 and already you’re ‘having’ to eat burgers. Will it ever be the same again?!?
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
the world’s most famous ‘danger to children clown’ has profitted from your tour! As punishment for succumbing to Ronald McDonald you must now complete the next 75km carrying billy the bike on your back! Only kidding, that stuff is poison though, you probably would have got more nutrition from eating one of your spare tyres
I hope you’re having fun and brilliant news knowing you’ve hooked up (albiet brief) with some nice people
Hope it’s sunny times ahead for you!
You dirty,dirty man.
Think how i feel every time Charlotte has a happy meal! Apparently their fish fingers are better than Captain (kiddy fiddler) Birdseye.
I’ve recently returned from a week in Croyde Bay (blue skies and cider) and am impressed to see the distance you’ve made. Zooming out on the track my tour web site and using my thumb as a ruler, i reckon you’ll be finished late November!
So pleased for you.
Don’t do it Pete! The last time I accidentally had a MaccyD’s was with Claire Milon stumbling home from Aragon House through the Wandsworth Bridge McD’s drive thru….I awoke the next morning feeling like I had licked the pavement – still makes me shudder!
On another note I have been reading back through your blog and the bit about ‘I honked a bear and i liked it!’ mad eme laugh out loud whilst sitting on reception – whoops but mostly because it reminded me of our singing in the kicthen – ‘well…lucaba lucaba lucaba lucaba oooooooooooeeeee’ aaaahh the memories 🙂 Keep up the good work dude 🙂
Emm!
Welcome aboard! Kitchen singing is the new venue of choice for the discerning muso. It’s the acoustics. And the readily available pots, pans and sieves.
X
I know, I know. I’ve let you all down. I had the daily special from a diner in Edison on day 34 if that offsets the ‘corporate’ balance a little. Huevos Rancheros and some pie and ice cream. Much nicer.
Oh lighten up you people! Jeez……my kids have been eating Happy Meals since they could crawl.