Sunday
The garbage collection wake up occurred at 6:30 AM. Apparently their Sunday schedule is the same as their Saturday schedule. So be it. I stayed in my sleeping bag until I heard Tom and Carl talking. OK. Time to get up, dressed, and start breaking camp.
Once I had most things packed I rewarded myself with a cup of coffee. It helps that all the coffee making supplies fit in one side of my tank panniers. It’s easy to get at and put away when done that way. After my cup of coffee and one more walk through the camp site all of us were ready to go. It wasn’t quite 8:30, yet. Since we only put 90 miles on the bikes the previous day we had plenty of gas to make it the 40-something miles to Visalia where we were meeting Carl’s sister for breakfast.
We gassed in Visalia then rode a few blocks to the Main Street Cafe for a great breakfast. Where else does a short stack meet Carl’s pancake needs?
That boring road, again
The others follow
Agriculture
After breakfast we prepared ourself the best we could for the section of 198 between 99 and I5. At least it wasn’t hot. That makes it worse. There was not much traffic, but we did see someone being written up by the CHP. It’s soo easy to exceed 55 if you are not paying attention.
Feed yard
One lane road
Oil fields
On the way home we take Los Gatos Creek/Old Coalinga road to CA 25 instead of staying on 198. I take the sometimes one lane roads through the feed lots and oil fields to get to Los Gatos Creek Rd. It’s more interesting that way.
Los Gatos Creek Rd
California pavement
Clouds in the north
More clouds
We stopped at Los Gatos Creek County Park which is pretty close to half way between Visalia and Hollister. It’s a good place for a break save the annoying flies. Lots of flies.
Back on CA 25
Leaving Hollister
Coalinga Rd joins CA 25. It’s a fun road on a bike with a reasonable suspension. Not sure how much Gloria liked it on the back of a Wing. We continued up 25 to Hollister where we stopped for gas and and ice cream.
We also said our good-byes as this was the last stop before home. I followed Tom and Gloria out of Hollister as far as 85. They continued up 101 to 880 and home. I took 85 to 280 and home, arriving about 4 PM.
Great trip. Short, about 655 miles for me. I’m already looking forward to going back next year.
