Bike Tour in the USA (2007), Part 40

Saturday, Sep. 22, 2007

Half Moon Bay

?→Half Moon Bay State Beach 

Distance: 83.08 km, Time: 5:46:12 hrs, Total: 1,237.38 km

  On the right side beside the road I've discovered the signpost to the Half Moon Bay State Beach (95 Kelly Ave., Half Moon Bay, CA 94019, 650.726-8819). I followed it and came to a small wooden hut beside the entrance. In this was an elderly couple sitting working voluntarily. Both of them were very lovable and we immediately started a nice conversation. The husband confirmed me that this is the last state park before San Francisco, for the moment my final destination of my trip. It would be an extra 30 miles (or 48 km) before I would reach the "City by the Bay". He was so kind to draw me a simple map on a white peace of paper that I would not 'get lost' on my last stage of the tour. I thanked both pensioners a lot and cycled slowly to my assigned place at the Hiker & Biker part of the campground.
   The Campground has 52 individual sites for tents, trailers and RVs up to 40 feet. Because not far away from San Francisco I believe that over the weekends there are many city people here going 'country' and enjoy the break from the busy life.   

   It was still early afternoon, therefore no need to hurry. I took my still damp one man tent out of my bag and build it just to let it dry in the sun. 

   While I was busy I became acquainted with Jim walking his Labrador Dipsy, named after  the green Teletubbies character, a famous children TV series especially in the UK and the USA. He explained me that he watched me, the biker, for quite a time and wanted to learn more about me. Within a few minuted he told me about his own bike adventures which led him to many places in the USA and Canada. He had to admit that he should bring his own bike...

   The sun was still standing in the sky. Therefore I decided to find something to eat for dinner. When I left the State Park I took a photo from the sign. Later I found a shopping mall and bought my dinner there for eating it on the campground. Coming back to the Park I've discovered a bridle path right parallel to the State Park. Later I've discovered two Mexican riding instructors teaching an American family...

   As I arrived on my campground I've met a young English chap named Mark. For him it was also his first bike tour but in the opposite direction from the northern San Francisco to the southern Los Angeles. As an 'old timer' I was glad to share my experiences over a map which he noted in his small notebook. As with the daylight his light of the flashlight became noticeable weaker I gave him batteries as a gift, which I brought as spares from Taiwan. As a barter he gave me some cookies which were very tasty.

   

   Strangely even after many years after the end of the II. World War there is still so much talked and written about the relationship between Great Britain and Germany. Than Prime Minister Margret Thatcher was against the reunification of West and East Germany in fear of a strong Germany, the British were the first and only member who decided to leave the European Union. But today I've learned in the distant USA that the British can be quite contrary. It was so interesting to talk with him about his job as a business consultant or  to exchange views on the Premier League club Chelsea FC who had the German player Michael Ballack in their lineup and the situation about the just fired manager Jose Mourinho.

  The time passed on a fly and we went back in our tents after a very interesting evening at around 10:00 pm. My tent was dry like a piece of crispbread and my sleeping bag became the cloud of a newborn baby. 

(to be continued)