An exaggeration to be sure, but if one intends to follow the Sierra Cascades route, one had better enjoy climbing and descending ... repeatedly.
Since leaving Three Rivers, the route has gone up into the Sequoia National Park, home of the giant Sequoia redwood trees. Notice the adjacent photo ... that little white speck at the base of the tree (on the left) is my cycling helmet.
The ride up out of Three Rivers was to be about a 45 mile day, with a massive climb ... intentions are sometimes just that ... intentions. After about 13 miles of 3 mph climbing (with another 15 miles of climbing awaiting), it started to rain. Temps were in the low 50s ... reports of snow at the top of the climb. I decided to go back down about 2 miles to a campground. Descending in the rain is not a joyful event. Nor is setting up a tent in the rain.
As is usual, often good comes out of bad ... two touring cyclist also camped at this campground. Sarah and Alex are doing the Sierra Cascade route as well ... I had seen them as they rode through Big Bear Lake. They have been gracious enough (and tolerant, I suspect) to allow me to camp along with them over the past several days. In a few days we will be parting ways in Yosemite, but I hope we can reconnect possibly in the Lake Tahoe area.
So we have now been back down to desert setting and again heading upward.
As of this moment, I am feeling much better about this adventure and anticipate continuing on to the northwest. Even with all of the ups and downs and the camping ... for the moment ... life is good.
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