Day 37 – Ventura, CA. 85 km
Our first 15 miles this morning were slow and I could sense that Sophie was not ready for a four-mile climb in 90+ degree heat. I also felt some dread for the monster ahead. And then we happened to pass a minivan taxi cab on the highway and it got me to thinking… At our next stop for refreshment I got the number of the cab company and ordered a minivan cab to take us to the top of the pass. We cheated. And I didn’t even feel guilty as we passed Daniel, a cyclist from Ohio we met earlier, grinding up the hill on his way – eventually – to Argentina.
In Santa Barbara, while stopped to check directions, we encountered Adam – the cyclist from North Van.
This was the fourth time we’ve crossed paths with him. As he rides much quicker than us, it seemed uncanny. We first met him in Big Sur. Saw him again next day on the road south of Big Sur. Saw him in Guadalupe where he joined us for coffee. Then again in Santa Barbara, where we had lunch together. There won’t be a fifth time as he’s heading inland now, over the mountains toward Palm Springs.
We’re camped tonight in a primitive campground, between the highway and the beach. It’s a state-run campground, but seems like one they’d rather forget. The issue of homeless people in this region is significant, and this campground is probably a magnet for them. We’re the only ones camped here – it is dedicated to hiker/bikers only, otherwise the facilities woud be better and it would be filled with car campers.
I love this story of Dad caring for daughter, and making a little magic happen.