Borrego Springs, CA to San Diego, CA I enter the house just as Julie is retiring to “the sauna” for the day. I give her a last tender hug. then I gather my things, pack up, and begin the climb out of Borrego Springs. My body is feeling particularly good and the wind is gentle.…

Borrego Springs, CA I sleep late for me, but Michael and Julie are still zonked. It gives me a chance to work on the computer for a while. It’s afternoon again when they rise. We chat and decide to go for a swim while daylight lasts. It’s less windy today which makes the pool more…

Salton City, CA to Borrego Springs, CA Another incredible sunrise. The wind has calmed down, and I watch in great comfort from my sleeping bag. Once I get going, the wind appears again. I don’t mind, since I’m in no hurry today. I have until this afternoon to make 30 miles to Borrego Springs. Soon…

Palo Verde, CA to Salton City, CA I awake to a neon sunrise. The sky is too pink, I’ll never be able to remember it. Again I’m climbing desert hills. I notice the cactus is far more sparse here. No Saguaros, only scattered Cholla. A light headwind makes me work and builds my appetite. I…

Hope, AZ to Palo Verde, CA I wake up alive, safe, and warm. No hurry to get up. I put the bike together and escape my cactus-strewn bed without a flat. Oh, the little cafes call to me for breakfast. I wonder how I could possibly eat without money. Beg? Wash dishes? Charm the snowbirds?…

Sun City West, AZ to Hope, AZ Vera and Hal clearly don’t want me to leave. I think I’m a welcome diversion for them, and a reminder of loving family, especially their son Tom. I see Harold fighting back tears as I pedal away. Into the warm air and flat desert I go. My left…

I enjoy more talking and helping to put food together. Vera has a big dinner going: broccoli bake, acorn squash, apple sauce, fresh cranberry bread, asparagus, and a Black Toad beer. We watch a movie and I help figure out their TV and VCR. It’s ridiculously complicated. We laugh. I hope it doesn’t scare them…

I have a mellow day with Aunt Vera and Uncle Hal. Harold is so unassuming and quick to smile, I really warm to him. Vera is warm too, but also observant, quick, and selective in what she talks about. Still, I feel her letting her guard down a little as we talk. We ease through…

Mesa, AZ to Sun City West, AZ 11782 mi The Mesa-Phoenix sprawl seems endless. One shopping center after another. Orange trees everywhere. Even at dawn, the air is invigorating but comfortable in shorts and a T-shirt. I think I have a 30+ mile ride to reach my Great Aunt Vera’s, but it stretches on and…