Day 32 - March 25, 2010 - Coast to Coast

We are way behind in posting. We didn't have service the past 3 days and tonight it is weak. Hopefully I can catch up.

From the Captain: The first thing this morning, Annette exited the camper and ran into the slide out so hard it knocked her to the ground! We're waiting to see if it turns black and blue.

From the Stoker: It did not! A beautiful sunny day for a 46 mile ride. We left Fort Clark on Hyw 334 to 55 to Campwood, TX, still 2 lane, a little rough, but light traffic. We took pictures of the stream from the pool at the campground on our way out.

The scenery was beautiful, so green, many trees, and beautiful wildflowers along the road and in the meadows. The first 32 miles were fairly easy. The last 14 were up hill and into a strong headwind but we are getting stronger and didn't have too much difficulty.

We met 4 bikers today. The first young guy was a college graduate out of work so was taking his time to complete the trip. He said he would be happy if he found a job anywhere. The next 2 men were near retirement and do a section of the route every time they get a weeks vacation. The 4th young man was in grad school and on spring break. He was traveling so light, he looked like he was our for a short pleasure ride. All he had was a credit card. I asked how he was finding motels and restaurants close enough for each night stop. He said no problem because he was biking 140 miles a day which allowed him to get to motels. He left San Diego 10 days ago and will be done in 10 more days (pro level).

Every biker we talk express their sympathy for us knowing how much more difficult it is to climb hills with a tandem vs. a single bike. We remind them how much faster we are downhill and on the flats.

We arrived in Campwood, TX and staying at Cooksey Park on the Nueces River. We are camped right on the river and it is beautiful. We would all love to stay here for a day or two but our desire to finish this trip is keeping us pedaling on.