Previous : Prelude
I am a little nervous, then again, I need to just start and then the miles will roll by.
I don't know if its me, or happens with everyone. I told myself I will leave early in the morning. But it became 1 PM by the time I left home.
And so it began. I turned on the song 'Life is a highway' from the movie cars to kickstart the ride. The ST looked eager. All the gadgets in place.
Initially wanted to go south on 101. But looking at the traffic map, I could see them clogged up with tourists thronging to Monterrey and near by attractions. Being already late, decided to get going as fast as I can. That can mean only one thing - take I-5. I have to reach Mojave - I already made a reservation there. Its going to be a seven hour ride.
Then again, I5, I have traveled more than I can remember. But the smells of the grass, the cows, the heat, and the endless cars and trucks on the road excite me.
The land is ever brown - it always is, and was. May be this year is more brown coz of the drought, I could not say. I have never traveled when its green :)
The run down the I5 is practically uneventful. I stopped for a quick lunch at a subway around 4. I have done 160 miles nonstop not bad.
I can't remember the exits I take, and may be I never will. You feel hungry, and look for the food signs and jump off the free way and get what you can.
My first stop was a country shop also with some miscellaneous gift articles, and memorabilia from days long gone.
Back on the road...
The road can really make you sleepy - really it does, particularly after a meal. A coffee would really be nice. I was woken up by the jarring announcement from the GPS to take the exit to Buttonwillow. I comply!
The sun was scorching, and it became severe as soon as my speed slowed down. Upon taking the exit, I see some almond groves to my right. The deep shadows look inviting. May be I will have coffee, now, how about that??
I pulled over the side. Quickly got out of my Aerostich, took out my coffee paraphernalia, and made some coffee.
It came out really good. You wonder how one can enjoy a hot cup of coffee on a hot day, but I do anyways.
I sit on the mud, and stretch. The shade is very nice. The breeze is warm. The birds are singing around. I cannot see them, but they are around for sure. Hard to spot them on trees and grass.
Even though carrying your own coffee is an extra baggage, one does not have to figure the next coffee shop, standing in line - nothing of that sort. You want coffee? Just pull over and make some. Thanks to my friend Dmitriy who gave me the stove and Richard who gave me the idea of the coffee dripper. Simple, but it works.
I admire the drip system setup by the farmers. Better irrigation - water drips where the water is needed right at the roots.
Yonder sits my ST in the sun, not complaining... I sit and stare...
The ride now through farms takes me to I99. And then over to Hwy 54 East. There is steady elevation gain, and drop in the temperature. Its more pleasant now.
The Tehachapi pass is not technical. But its long windy wide roads racing towards the mountains of gold is a far relief from the long and boring I5.
The decent from the peak was greeted by the Joshua trees announcing the beginning of desert land. These are magical trees - they literally look like wizards.
The desert evening was amazing, even though it must have been much hotter during the day. There is cool breeze in the air as the day turns into night.
First days ride gets over, with about 360 miles. Looking forward to the rest and wishing it never ends.
I check into Mariah Country Inn & Suites. Not bad at all. Apparently there is breakfast included.
Tomorrow I meet with Route 66 near Victorville, just about an hours ride.
Next: Day 2 Mojave, CA - Kingman, AZ
No comments:
Post a Comment