Day 17 
Half Moon Bay, CA to Santa Cruz, CA  
Daily Miles - 54.2 
Cumulative Miles - 1,239.5 
Average Speed - 12.3 MPH 
Max Speed -  35.2 MPH 
Ride Time -  4 Hours 23 Minutes 
Daily Elevation Gain 1,978 Feet, Loss 2,014 Feet 
Cumulative Elevation Gain 51,735 Feet, Loss 51,854 Feet 
Flat Tires - 2 

 Foggy morning.  As I departed Half Moon Bay, I couldn't see much more than a half mile ahead.  It was that way until about 11 am.  The biggest thing that got me was I could not see the hills that were coming.  Good or bad?  I don't know.  It really didn't matter since I had to keep pedaling.  







As the fog started to clear, I saw Pigeon Point Lighthouse in the distance.  I rode over to check it out.  It was so authentic with the fog hanging around the top.  Just to the north, the fog bank was thick and cold.  To the south, the skies were clear as the fog was pushed back out over the ocean.  The temperature difference was at least 20 degrees.

Back to the beautiful blue skies.  In the distance on the right, you can see the fog bank that was still hanging around.


I met a couple when I stopped to admire the surf.  They were celebrating her 50th birthday with a bike ride today.  We talked about turning 50 and the crazy things we do.  😃

They shared about the area and what to look at when I arrived in Santa Cruz.  The husband asked me about the picture hanging from the back of my pack (yes, it is still there!).  I got to share with him about my family and my son Joe that would have joined me for at least part of this adventure.

Another few miles down the road, I stopped to watch three surfers catching some nice waves.  The sets that were coming in were at least 8 to 10 feet.  So cool!  Then out of the corner of my eye, there was a kite surfer.  Those are amazing.  Maybe one day I will give that a try.  The wind was giving the kite surfer a workout.  Zooming toward the shore faster than the waves and then heading back out jumping over the waves flying high.  Awesome!  Then I looked a little further to the south and saw a hang glider.  Needless to say, I spent a lot of time admiring the water sports.

I rolled into Santa Cruz.  Really great place.  I could see myself living here.

Comments

  1. UnknownJune 12, 2018 at 10:18 PM

    The highs and the lows. We had May Gray and now June Gloom, welcome back to the California Coast. We are still glad that you are dealing with the elements. A little detour ahead, but you will be back on track in no time. We are getting excited and looking forward to your visit. Can't wait.
    See you soon.

    ReplyDelete
  2. AnonymousJune 13, 2018 at 7:56 AM

    Wow, awesome ride! Still laughing at the bike roundabout and the stories of San Fran crowds. Great to see the pic of your smiling face, as they said, "The difference between adventure and ordeal is attitude!" But wait, you are on the west coast, riding a bike, not at work...what's not to like! Keep up the great stories and be safe!!!

    ReplyDelete
  3. UnknownJune 13, 2018 at 1:44 PM

    Hey......are you coming back??? You've got a great home at the beach waiting for your return. Love you, Lisa & Rachel. 😘🏖🌞

    ReplyDelete

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