Early morning wake up at the Essick's house at 3 am. Arrived at the airport with plenty of time and lots of excitement. We slept most o f the way with a lay over in Chicago as our excitement began to build for what awaited us in California. The warm weather that greeted offered us quite a welcome. Dennis Wakabayashi, a family friend of Stephen Linde, picked us up at the airport and took us to his home where our bikes were awaiting us. Dennis made us an amazing lunch and then we tore into our boxes like it was Christmas. Putting our bikes together proved to be a lot easier than taking them apart, and soon enough they were ready to go. Steve found out the hard way that he wasn't quite used to his new pedals and which provided us lots of entertainment. Since the Wakabayashi's daughter had a swim meet that evening we were dropped off at Mission Beach to enjoy the evening and begin planning for our first day. We went to bed that evening full of Lasagna and excitement!
Hi, Guys! Muttimae - Steve's (that's you, Stephen! :-))Grandma - checking in to say "Hello and God bless you as you travel East." So glad to see your pics at the beautiful Pacific beach and know that you've begun your big ride. Talked to your dad last night, S, and know that you covered your first 45 miles yesterday. HURRAH! I remember lots of hills from living near LA and going to San Diego every now and then 50 years ago(I can't believe THAT!) so that kind of a start seems particularly impressive. As you said in a Christmas thank-you note to me some years ago, Stephen, "Keep up the good work!" :-)
ReplyDeleteEnjoy the people, the places, and the incredible scenery. ILY G