We had a sandwich lunch at the park that runs alongside Santa Monica Boulevard, showing passersby that high-priced bistros can't wave a stick at a good ol' fashioned oceanside picnic of fresh veggies and homemade bread. After fueling up, the riders took off and spent the afternoon on a 30-mile ride along the Pacific Coast Highway, with the sun on our backs and the wind on our faces (literally--the headwinds were fierce, but the view wasn't too shabby).
We noted the familiarity of many roadside plants, including the beloved Prickly Pear cactus, Laurel Sumac and the Lemonadeberry plant that we study on Catalina Island. In the strip where the Santa Monica mountains meet the sea, the botanical similarities our island community are striking--though the industrial landscape is a bit more pronounced in these parts.
We arrived at the Sycamore Cove campground not long after dark to establish our village of tents. Rains began midway through dinner preparation, so we scrambled to pitch tarps over the bikes and moved the cooking operation inside of the mini-bus. This apparently roused the attention of many other campers in the area. 8 people crowded inside of the short bus all chopping, spicing, and dicing until a delicious veggie couscous entree was prepared then shared with some rather motley utensils.
An early morning tomorrow as we have a 9:00 AM reservation for the ferry to Santa Cruz Island. We are super stoked to explore the ecosystems and communities on a sister Channel Island.
Cheers,
The Howlands Crew
2 comments:
What! not only are you going north to south, you're biking to islands?
Ok, so I wish I was there, I felt kinda odd having thanksgiving with my folks instead of the SLBT/CELP crew.
Miss you all,
-morganfromoregon
Hi this si Angus W. I am in Mr. Howard's Class this year. How's your riding going? My Dad would really like to join you cuase he really likes riding. I wish you luck for what you are doing today and take care. Have a good cruise!
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