Thurs 28/6 – 17702 steps with 3 flights
Mike’s another knee op – “another” meaning more than 2 as most people would imagine, there being only 2 knees. Get better soon, Sweetheart.
We woke up later than we wanted and it was 10am by time we got going on our bikes. We stopped off at the cafe for breakfast, which existed of a biscuit (like our scones) with a fried egg, a slice of cheese and bacon. I added a sausage patty to mine and gave David my egg. It was surprisingly good. The bacon here is delicious and always crispy. Then we cycled down to the Visitors Centre for information about bike paths and shuttles, only to be told that neither exist in Tuolumne Meadows. I was a bit peeved as bike paths are advertised and shuttle services are not only advertised, they are encouraged to reduce traffic congestion.
So we decided to go for a gentle walk to Soda Springs where carbonated mineral water literally bubbles out of the ground. They do not know why this happens. I like it when some things remain a mystery.
Then again, my “onward and upward” spirit got the better of me again and we walked a total of approx. 10 km. David’s Garmen watch said 10.5km, but my Apple said 12.45km. It was hot and dusty and also not ideal that I was wearing good old bata tackies, actually R50 specials from P&P.
However, it was a lovely walk and we got to see some wildlife.
After walking back to the RV, we still had to go and fetch our bikes! We drove.
We ended the evening in front of a fire. David read his book, while cooking 2 of the thickest lamb chops ever seen that we bought at the LA Farmers Market. I sat typing with one hand as there was a glass of red wine in the other. Lovely ending to a lovely day.
Special moment of the day: While stopping to catch my breath, I spotted a deer in the bush. I was so excited to actually see a live animal in a National Park, I quietly indicated to David and set off a little deeper into the bush to try and get a photo. Two Americans, out hiking, talking at the top of their voices were coming towards us. David waved them down and whispered: “There is a deer”, they looked at him, carried on crunching down the gravel path without a break in their conversation.
What I learnt: Some (not all) Americans were never taught when to use their “inside” voice. David also reckons that US motor manufacturers could save a lot of money by leaving out the indicators. No-one uses them here. I think that they are often so wrapt up with themselves, they are really just not aware of anyone else around them. Sometimes I think we (my peers) may have been made to be too aware of others’ needs and not our own. It is a fine balance.
Kim's journey 