Left at 8:30-OR postcards to write-55 degrees.  6 m-we’re in CA-sun comes out-YES!!  2m-OH NO-rain-seek cover under trees-lets up-4 more m before downpour.  See covered shed-have to chase 8 chickens away.  Mex store next door-eat 2 Mex sugar donuts-try to stay warm.  30 min later head for Crescent City-buy stamps-lady said she just came through HAIL.  Sky is dark-20 m to go-try to outrun storm.  Been pretty flat so far-back on 101-OH NO!  5 m climb w/little or no shoulder.  I’m struggling-what’s slower than a turtle?  Left knee hurts w/every pump-getting worse everyday-not sure I can make it to San Diego.

Think of ANNE (CO)-took her 3 tries to successfully bike across America.  Did I mention that she had both hips & knees replaced?  In 2001-hip went out-had to fly home.  2002-made it to El Paso-fell over bike-hip went out again-flew home.  2003-completed entire trip-unbelievable her determination.  She still leads bike rides in Denver.  Then LYNN tells me that she needs a knee replacement too-she’s in pain all the time.  Suggest I take Aleve & ice it. 

Rd is difficult w/all the big trucks & RVs.  Jean said this ride is NOT for the feint of heart-& it’s not.  Have to hold bike steady-& pray.  Finally start going down-see signs to break-slow down-rd goes to 1 lane.  Wal-Mart truck blows by me-& comes to screeching halt.  Pull to front-light turns green-huge RV waves us on-protects us as we make 2 m decent-& pull over.  SUN is shining again-pass through tree lined roads & bike next to ocean-sit on rock.  Stop at Trees of Mystery-see talking Paul Bunyon-take hike through awesome forest & take gondola ride to top.  Meet lady from Peru-tell her we loved Peru & Inka Trail.  4 m to Ravenwood Motel ($80)-in Klamath on Indian lands.  Jean & Lynn come in right behind us.  Eat our 1st CA meal at gas station-casino-chicken restaurant.  Have chicken wrap & fries-starts to pour down rain-have another ch wrap & fries.  Nice room for only motel in town-no internet-sleep well.