* Standish-Hickey SRA to MacKerricher SRA, CA - 40 miles

It's cold again! My food and I were safe through the night after all, and the sun was soon shining brightly to warm things up. My ears have been badly burned and blistered the last few days, so I have resolved to make a point of keeping them well-covered. I don't have far to travel today on account of the climbing to do. The very famous Leggett Hill is the first task of the day. I love the quote regarding this hill from Cycling the Pacific Coast by Spring and Kirkendall,

"Contrary to popular rumor, abandoned touring bags do not line the road, nor are there graves of cyclists who did not make it."

I set off and enjoyed the wonderful abundance of flowers by the roadside. Each day they seem to change just a bit and I love today's combination of buttercups and forget-me-nots which, with the ferns, carpet the forest floor. I psyched myself up for the big one, and found to my surprise that I was at the top without too much trouble. I was very pleased and decided that I was now in excellent shape! The descent was a bit hairy, tight switchbacks and narrow road. Luckily there was not much traffic and I zoomed down safely only to stop and fall over at the bottom of the hill! I quickly realized that there was another hill ahead, and it was equal to the first. Much tougher, actually, due to the fact that the first had worn me down a bit! Up to Rockport, and then the most amazing view coming out from the forest hills to the cliffs above the ocean!

I stopped at the first turnout and had a power bar picnic while watching the vultures wheel above the cliffs and the ocean waves crashing on the beach below. A beautifully scenic ride into MacKerricher State Park and I met my first manned ranger booth at the campground! The ranger directed me to a site already occupied by two hikers - Tracy and Adam. It was very interesting to meet them because they are on their way to Seattle and then onto Thailand! I took a hike out to the beach to catch the sunset, and met a couple traveling by RV. Andy and Kelly invited me to share their campfire and we talked for hours about pirates, bicycling, car shows, music, photography and life. It was pretty dark when I returned to my campsite, and I was very nearly lost in the maze of campground circles. Note to self...always carry a flashlight! :)