Welcome to Day 2, mile number 64 (or so). We've had a great time so far, arriving in San Francisco with no problems. We stayed for 2 nights in a household of friendly and welcoming cyclists, close to Golden Gate Park. On arrival, we took a walk through the beautiful park, watching skaters and bike tricks, getting sunburnt, and being amazed by the very strange summer weather: sunshine, with bursts of freezing wind, and then wet and cold fog. We now know that this is a San Fran special, which blocks a lot of views of the famous Golden Gate bridge - which we haven't seen yet! San Francisco is truly a beautiful city, which we'll be glad to go back to and explore some more in November.
On Monday we put our bikes together and had a test ride around San Fran, pushing our bikes up the hill to see the view down famous Lombard St. On Tuesday morning, we rode through the city down to the ferry building and caught a ferry over to Oakland (which is where American's think we are from), and rode south into Hayward, east to Pleasanton, where we finally found some accommodation about 7pm. A long day, and some tired legs, but we did well. Today we're about 10miles from our planned campsite, and it's 2pm, so we'll be there soon. We hope to be in Yosmite National Park for a rest & some stunning scenery this weekend.
There's nothing like standing outside a store with some laden down bikes, to find out how friendly people are, especially the cyclists. Many people are intrigued as to what we are doing and stunned when they find out. Many are also quite jealous! Thanks to the nice couple who took our picture by the Oakland Ferry as we started out, and Rick (with the Corvette), Bill (who said to call if our bikes break down), and Rigo (internet cafe owner, coming for holiday to NZ in February!).
Before we left NZ for fun Nicole and I christened ourselves with new cycle tour names - Marty being" Too Tall Grizzly" and Nicole "Shining Wolf". No significance attached - just American Indian names found off the internet!!
Loving being here and enjoying each day as it comes - catch you again in a week or so we hope.
TTG and SW
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Hey Too Tall Grizzly & Shining Wolf,
ReplyDeleteWhat a great start to your adventures. Excited for you both. Sounds like a blast. Have fun in Yosemite.
Chow,
Craigus
Hey TTG and SW
ReplyDeleteGetting rather envious of your fantastic adventures!!! Go well!
Hi,Glad its going so well. Keep cheeks soft. Janet says she would be miles ahead by now. Take care - all our love
ReplyDeleteDavid & Janet H Feilding NZ
Hi. Its awesome to hear you have got of to a goog start and are enjoying the American hosptilality. The Yosemite area sounds fantastic. I look forward to seeing some pictures. Take care & have fun.
ReplyDeleteCheers
Phil, Palm.Nth, NZ.
Cool. Cool. Cool. Your dream come true. Enjoy.
ReplyDeleteYou are both insane!!!! and we love that. Keep safe and we look forward to hearing much of your adventures on the way.
ReplyDeleteKelvin and Dalwyn
PS have you named the bikes yet?
Hi from one of those Americans you’ve been meeting. I totally enjoyed chatting with you at the Sweetwater campsite near Yosemite over my Saturday night stay. Now I’ll just have to go for a visit to New Zealand one of these years!
ReplyDeleteI hope you got a chance later on Sunday to take a plunge into the cool clear Rainbow Pool in the nearby South Fork of the Tuolomne River.
If you get in touch when you’re back this way again, I’ll show you around the Monterey and Big Sur area – definitely a photo op and memory-maker.
Here's to a wonderful journey for you!
Pete
Fantastic adventure. Looking forward to keeping an eye on your future blogs. Remember, just keep moving, every wheel turn gets you a bit nearer NY. Have fun!
ReplyDeleteElizabeth
TTG&SW: We are keeping an eye on your adventures:)
ReplyDeleteSee you soon.
K&K from K