The 6-week journey will be across the “southern transcontinental route”, covering southern sections of California, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and northern Florida. Arrival at the finish line in St. Augustine, FL is projected for April 10, 2010.

Tuesday, March 2, 2010

Last California stop--Blythe

Hi from Blythe,
Well, here we are in a nice KOA Campground on the Colorado River on the California side.  This is our last stop in CA.  The bridge into AZ is right outside the campground boundaries.

We have had a delicious chicken, rice and Asian salad dinner and showers are in order now.  Dave and Mike biked 100 miles today and were in the campsite by 5:15.  They left our campsite in El Centro this morning at 7:10.  We met for lunch in Glamis, a non-town in the sand dunes.  We are told that there are upwards of 20,000 people there on certain weekends during the year to ride dune buggies and party.  the only "buildings" there are white tents (looks like the Denver airport, but smaller) except for an auto repair place.

Hope you enjoy the following story demonstrating my brilliance.  Paula and I made a stop early in the day in Brawley after the guys were on their way.  We pulled into a nice shopping area which included both a grocery and a hardware store.  I had been asked to pick up a couple of items at the hardware store.  Paula went to the grocery store and I went toward the hardware store.  When I went to go in, the doors wouldn't swing open.  I backed up and tried again.  Nothing.  I checked the opening time and it was well after that.  Then a man came through the exit doors with no problem and carrying a purchase.  I kept thinking that maybe I would just wait until someone else came and follow them in.  Suddenly it dawned on me.  It was not an automatic door!!!  I had to push the door to enter!!!  Thank you, Lord, that no one came along that I could ask how to work the door!!!

Another funny story:  After Glamis we planned to stop and wait for the guys to meet us in Palo Verde to check on their condition because it would still be 20 miles to Blythe.  We stopped in the parking lot of a bar and grill--used the bathroom and bought a coke.  Our phones were not working so we couldn't call and were getting concerned that they were taking a long time getting there.  Dave finally called and it went through.  I thought he said that they were coming in to Palo Verde after taking a 20  min.  break so we went out to the road to watch them come in.  They didn't come (it should have taken about 3 minutes).  Finally, as we were looking down the street, they pulled out of a gas station 1 block away from where we were parked.  They had been there for half an hour resting and having a cold drink.  What Dave thought he said to me on the phone was that they were in Palo Verde, had been there for about a half hour and were going to start out again. Communication breakdown!

They were ready to complete the trip to Blythe, they said, so we drove on, found the campground and waited again.  We started supper and they arrived.

Showers and laundry tonight and to bed early.  Tomorrow's ride has some stiff uphill sections but isn't as long milewise.  

It is wonderful to read your responses and get your encouraging words.  Thanks for all the thoughts and prayers.

Love and blessings,
Lana

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