It doesn’t look like it, but I spent HOURS packing and re-packing to ensure everything fit. I needed enough clothes to last 17 days, including the things we never mention among friends…underwear. I didn’t finish until 1AM Friday morning, so I pushed my departure time from 6AM to what ended up being 8:45AM Friday morning.

Overall, the ride to Palm Springs was uneventful other than the massive amount of traffic caused by multiple one-lane construction projects along the way. What made it interesting is the log jams of cars that I just had to pass!

I saw an elderly man laying his head down on a table when I stopped for a break at the Burger King in Kramer Junction before heading east to Barstow. I asked him if he needed anything and he immediately engaged me in conversation (I have one of those trustworthy faces, don’t you know). It turns out he was homeless, although from his appearance you wouldn’t have guessed it. We discussed many topics, and it was a pleasure to meet him. After he steadfastly refused any offer of food or drink, I shook his hand and continued on my journey.

Big Bear Lake was fantastic, although I only saw it from a distance. The reason I say it was fantastic is that it was 74 degrees, and after being in 104 degree temperatures for the previous 2-3 hours, it was a great break from the heat! The ride down the hill on the back side of Big Bear had amazing views that I wish I could share, alas, there were no areas to pull off to take pictures.

So, all in all it was a good day. I’m spending Saturday with family, then I’m on the road Sunday to see more family in San Diego. You can see the ride details using the link below.

Check out the map of my ride here.