Feels like a different country

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It totally feels like we are in a different world.

We left our warmshowers host at Tom's Place and almost immediately began descending. We dropped about 1000m by mid morning. It was paradise for cycling.

 We felt like all the climbing we did after leaving the Oregon coast was being paid back.

As we descended we could feel it warm up, by mid afternoon it was in the high 20s and we stopped at just about every creek we passed that was running down of the Sierras to stop and wet our cycling shirts and caps and to stand in the water to cool our feet (another advantage of the sandals)

Seeking out shade whenever we stop has become automatic. We have discovered some really nice spots under trees and by creeks that would not even be noticed by vehicle drivers.

The route we had plotted directed us down a broken tarmac road and we debated whether to take it or to stick on the highway. As ever our sense of adventure got the better of us and we bumped our way along.

Stopped three times to dampen our shirts and on the third time I was surprised to find the water was warm. Yes, you've guessed it: another hot spring. We could not pass by without a little dip. If we had not decided to take the bumpy road, we would never have known the springs were there and would have missed out on a wonderful soak. 

As we got back on the bike we bumped into Casey who was riding by on his mountain bike. Rode along chatting to him and he gave us some great route advice for the next day. He also showed us a great spot to wild camp right beside a spring. Not even the sound of coyotes howling in the night disturbed our sleep too much.

It was a nice change to wake up to warmer temperatures and to be able to put the tent away without getting numb fingers. We are back wearing our coolest clothes. The cool of the mountains feels a world away.

The plan was to go from Big Pine to Lone Pine via Independence and the Alabama Hills. Such great names.

Big Pine was not very big. Quite a sleepy little town. Independence was bigger with a majestic court building but a very poorly stocked grocery. 

We have become quite expert at noticing where lines of trees mark the course of a creek and scurrying down the embankment from the road to make use of the cooling effect of a wet cap or shirt.

Had another fortuitous moment while we were stopped in some shade looking at the route on my phone. A driver went past, commented on the good progress we had made since he saw us last at Lee Vining and told us of a good swimming spot just round the corner. Beautiful cool mountain water. Perfect for hot sweaty cyclists.

Into Alabama Hills. We realised that Lone Pine was a bit much for the end of the day. Not many miles done but many of them slow going on gravel. Thus we camped in a movie scene. Literally. Alabama Hills are where hundreds of Western films have been made. Close proximity to Hollywood and archetypal scenery have made them well used in movies over the years.

There are some bonkers rock formations. We are camped beside this that reminds me of a scene in Pingu and the Ice Caves!

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