Day 26 Standish Hickey Park to Mchericer State Park (39 miles)

I had heard about the two hills that would great me as I left Standish Hickey and how there were grave stones all along the roadside where the bodies of exhausted cyclists lay. The first hill came almost as soon as I left the camp. I started hallucinating after 4 miles of near vertical riding. My calf's felt like they were going to explode. My heart was almost bursting out my chest and my lungs were requesting early retirement. If by a man's achievements shall ye know him then I can for all time be known as "Throw up on a hill Phil". I will spare you the garish details but im sure you get the picture. Once out of the Redwood Forest and back on the coast I thought I would get a bit of a pick me up, riding with the sea in view and the sound of the waves crashing on the rocks but unfortunately the constant massive climbs followed by short decents pushed my will to the brink.

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The last few days have been hard. Both physical and mental but on the horizon is the chance to recharge my batteries in the city with the Golden Gate Bridge. I have met a group in Mchericer State Park who have been on the road since February. They have been travelling from South America and working while they go. They described themselves as fun employed. We had some beers and grilled sausages around the campfire. They are heading north tomorrow. I hope they don't ride through the mess I left at the side of the road.