Day 3 - Jacumba, CA to Calexico, CA

53.8 miles today
137.8 total trip miles
14.7 mph avg
757’ climbing
FF - 2
MP - Our Marriage Enrichment Family - the Briggs’s, Centenario’s, Goetter’s, Reesman’s, Sardegna’s & Schommer’s.  Joanne & I have been sharing faith, along with the joys & struggles of married  & family life with these great friends for over 30 years.

What a difference a day makes!  The morning started out a bit cool (55 degrees), but before long we were in the 70’s.  That is because we came down off the mountains we have been climbing since the start of this ride.  We got back on I-8, and for 10 miles never had to pedal.  Did have to use the brakes though.  There were some high winds & sometimes they were cross winds so I didn’t let the bike get over 30 mph.  After that we got on a good state highway that was still mostly descending, but not as steeply.  I had a nice surprise when John Walsh, Laurie’s father-in-law, stopped to see me at one of our rest stops.  Interesting what the sign behind John & I says - "No Cross Country Travel".  Hope I don't get arrested!

 

Interesting highlights for the day:

We biked through the Yuha desert and it was in full bloom.  Gave me a whole new perspective on desert.  I also saw the most prolific crop for desert farmers - solar power.  Solar panels were located along the road we were on for at least 5 continuous miles.  There were some windmills, but solar ruled the day.

I often saw the US-Mexico border fence on the ride & tonight we are staying at a school in Calexico, CA that is right across the street from the border.  90% of the students live in Mexico & cross over every day for school.  Here I am at the border in Calexico.

WDYLT- ILT if you live in Wisconsin & go south in March, it doesn’t seem to matter how much sunscreen you put on.  I am tied for 1st with the most sunburn.