Sadness Is An Empty Cookie Tray

For reasons that aren’t entirely clear, this morning got off to an early start. I didn’t go to bed particularly early. There weren’t any notable disturbances which broke me from my slumber. I didn’t have a long day’s ride ahead of me. And yet, I woke early. And not only did I wake early, but I packed up and was on the road early. As in, 7:30. I have no explanation.

My reward for getting on the road early was a very big climb, right out of the gate. Of course, that climb would’ve been waiting for me regardless of my time of departure. On the upside, the toughest part of my day was over by 8:00.

My goal for the day was a meagre 45 km away at Andrew Molera State Park. Based on a recommendation from Rita (my Warm Showers host in Santa Cruz), I had decided to slow the pace down for the next few days to enjoy the scenery of this particular section of California, Big Sur.

With such a short day ahead of me, I certainly established a much more leisurely riding pace than usual. And despite leaving Veteran’s Memorial Park at 7:30, I really didn’t start making real progress until after 9:00.

Before 9:00, I stopped for breakfast at Subway. I also stocked up for the road as the next few days are rumoured to be somewhat devoid of services. At least, services with reasonably priced goods. I won’t lie, I was a little disappointed with this particular Subway when I learned that they didn’t have any meatballs ready. Apparently, 8:15 is too early for a meatball sub. At least they had sourdough bread.

I was also disappointed to see an all but empty cookie display. Sure, there were a few oatmeal raisin cookies, but that hardly counts. Having not had Subway for a few days, this was a bit of a letdown. Again, at least they had sourdough bread.

I ate my breakfast sub (which, in fact, was half of an oven-roasted chicken sub) and prepared to hit the road. However, that’s when things started to look up. Before leaving, I noticed a fresh batch of cookies being added to the cookie tray. There would be cookies after all! Again, remembering the lack of upcoming services I decided to get six cookies (which included three final cookies from Jeremy’s donation. Thanks again Jeremy in Raymond, WA). Side note: New cookie donations now being accepted. When I went to pay for the cookies, Anna (the Subway Sandwich Artist) only charged me for three cookies, in compensation for the lack of meatballs. Cookies for meatballs seemed like a pretty good trade to me. Thanks Anna!

Back on the road, there were a few scenic options I could’ve taken but, given the foggy conditions of the day, I figured those scenic options would be significantly less scenic. As such, I stayed on Highway 1. I even bypassed Carmel, where Clint Eastwood used to be mayor. I figured the chances of running into Mr. Eastwood would be slim at best. As I said, he USED to be mayor there – quite a while ago.

There really isn’t much to report regarding the ride to Andrew Molera State Park. I took a few photos along the way but much of the day was spent in the fog so quality photo opportunities were at a premium – although, I think the fog at Bixby Bridge likely made the bridge more interesting.

I arrived at Andrew Molera State Park by noon. The original plan was to grab a campsite there and then perhaps take a few hikes and just enjoy the area. That plan didn’t happen. Instead, I just stopped and had lunch. Side note: lunch consisted of peanut butter and jam on sourdough bread. The jam was from the Swanton Berry Farm and the bread was a loaf I bought this morning. Combined, it may for a VERY tasty lunch.

In talking with the Park Ranger at the gate, he mentioned the next campground down the road was Pfieffer Big Sur State Park. He also mentioned it had hiker/biker sites, showers, and was nestled in among some redwoods. This all sounded pretty good. Plus, I was feeling a bit guilty for pedalling less than 50 km thus far. Pfieffer Big Sur was less than 10 km down the road but at least it would mean my day would cover more than 50 km.

The distance to Pfieffer Big Sur was covered quickly and easily. I even managed to find some free WiFi along the way. Of course, it didn’t do me much good as my phone’s battery was down to 3% and barely lasted long enough to check my e-mail before dying.

Shortly thereafter I arrived at Pfieffer Big Sur State Park. It didn’t take long to realize that I had made the right decision to come here. The approach to the hiker/biker site is easily the nicest I’ve seen. There was a large pedestrian bridge which led directly to the designated area in the trees. It was worth the $5.

Adding to it all, I was reunited with Wilson (from Taiwan) who I had met a few days earlier at Half Moon Bay. I’m not sure who was more surprised at the reunion but it was a good reunion. I was also reunited with Alan (who I’d first seen at Salt Point and then again at Half Moon Bay). The Hiker/Biker area would later fill up with Jackie, Addison, another Alan, and a few others that were at Veteran’s Memorial Park last night.

The biggest unpleasant surprise of the day was the number of bugs that felt the need to pester us all afternoon. On the upside, they weren’t biting. But they were definitely annoying.

As the afternoon turned to evening, we sat around the fire sharing stories and talking about a wide range of things that cycle tourists tend to find interesting – including camping stoves. That topic inspired me to crack open my recently purchased can of fuel and get reunited with my long neglected alcohol stove.

The fuel worked great – for $8 it had better! In all honesty, I actually thought the fuel burned better than the previous fuel I had. Probably still not worth $8 but I was pleased with the result. The result was of course pasta and it made for a not-entirely un-tasty meal – although, not nearly as enjoyable as today’s lunch of peanut butter and jam on sourdough bread. Then again, that’s pretty tough to beat. Side note: A smarter person would’ve saved some of the sourdough bread for the pasta. Of course, when I was enjoying my lunch I hadn’t anticipated that I’d be making pasta six hours later. Side note: A smarter person would’ve anticipated that.

Despite the short riding day, it was a very enjoyable day. Once again, I am now settled in my tent in a campground filled with cyclists from all over. I’m not entirely sure where everyone is headed tomorrow but it wouldn’t surprise me if our paths cross again. I guess I’ll find out tomorrow.

Today’s totals:
Distance travelled: 55.63 km
Ride time: 3:16:37
Average speed: 16.97 km/h
Maximum speed: 57.57 km/h