No Showers

A brief thunderstorm started our morning at Big Sur. Knowing we had a big day of hill riding and several peaks topping almost 1000 feet in evaluation, we doubled up on our coffee and ate our trusted morning breakfast of oatmeal as a bit of rain came down. Once we were charged up, we set off. The ride was an epic. The scenery was majestic and allowing the day to be more about the ride than counting down the miles.

We had been keeping pace with several other cyclists and knew we'd all be at our next destination; Kirk Creek campground. Poncha and I were the first to arrive. The day was hot and the campground was mostly exposed on the cliff above the ocean. We paid our camping fee, pitched our tent and decided to relax a bit. What one needs to know before I go any further is that we rely mostly on our guide book which maps out hiker/biker camp sites and the amenities. We knew this site did not have showers but did have running water. We also knew based on the hills ahead we needed to stay here and could rough it without a shower. Once two of our cycling buddies arrived they delivered us the unsettling news that there was NO running water! NO water at all. Completely dry!

Once everyone arrived, we all tried to make the best of it. We knew it was four miles uphill if we wanted additional water or the luxury of beer, which was out of the question at this point. However, all our moods changed for the better when one of our cycling buddies arranged a ride to the store with another camper. Our dreams of cold beer came true!

The next morning, we were all anxious to ride to our next destination 44 miles away at San Simeon State Campground. We conquered two steep hills and were looking forward to a much needed shower.  On the way we saw elephant seals bathing in the sunshine. 

The scenery was truly beautiful. However, once we got to the campground we were told there were no showers due to the emergency drought. Poncha, having no shame, decided she could no longer take it and she took a spicket shower. Thankfully, she left her riding clothes on while doing so as she planned to rinse then out anyway. It was quite a sight.

Thankfully, our cycling buddies arrived and we made the best of it by having a pot luck with hot dogs, chips & dip and, of course, beer. Today, we decided to ride into Morro Bay and get a motel so we can shower and do some laundry.

***We thank all of our family and friends for the encouraging comments. They keep us going up the hills, down the hills, over rough terrain, while changing flats and missing showers. Please keep them coming!