Day 17 - March 2, 2010 - Coast to Coast

From the Stoker:

A cool sunny day for our last biking day in preparation for climbing Emory Pass (8,300 ft. elev.).
We biked 22 difficult miles to the base of Emory Pass and the returned by car to our campground. We climbed 800 ft. which shouldn't be too difficult but our legs are begging for time off.

We will rest and sight see for 2 days before returning to the base of the pass and begin our climb.

Silver City is an old mining town with many things to see and do. We could probably spend a few weeks here and not run out of things to see and hikes with views.

The couple (Jackie and Jim) that own this KOA we are staying in have been so helpful and enjoyable to spend time with. The bike and hike so we have a great deal in common. Jackie has arranged for a newspaper editor to interview us tomorrow morning and publish an article in the local newspaper. We hope to bring attention to our goal to raise money for MS.

We have met many good and helpful people on this adventure of ours and are so thankful for their support and prayers.

Impressions from ther Captain:

We rode by the Santa Rita copper mine whicn is the oldest one in North America. It was first discovered by the Apaches who noted the "fern" like growths on the sufrface. A large mining town was developed in the early 1900's to support the mining operation. However, the geologist realized that a large amount of copper was in the ground under the city. They ended up moving the whole town. The mining operation has literally destroyed a mountain which can be seen in the pictures which we'll send after the computer gets repaired.

Two days off and sightseeing here are a welcome diversion.