No rush this morning the outdoor shop doesnt open till 8, will need gas for the stove if I end up camping tonight. Good to have onboard in any case.
Breakfast at 6:30 then on to the grocery store (not the one I left in a storm last night), need plenty of water and food for a couple of nights. The ladies in the store are charming, loving my english accent and advising me where to go over the weekends. It’s veterans day on Monday and lots of celebrations in this gun happy state. Check out the hotel all loaded up. Never thought I would be doing this again. 6 litres of water and plenty of fruit to go ith the rasions. 8 miles down the road pull up at the Outdoor pursuits store. Busy with people buying all sorts of climbing equipment. Soon locate the gas cylinders as the assistant comes over. She enquires if I’ve got the right ones and do I need anything else. So I spend the next fifteen minutes discussing wild camping, fires and the best route for me. Then she sorts out all my change for me like I’m a 12 year old (Dales old trick).
On the road 40 straight miles with a tail wind. Bliss. Had to stop a take a photo I’m in Joshua city.

Couple of hours pass I take a left turn and begin my climb into the next valley, think a spoke went . Not to steep for 8 or so miles. The last couple ramp up a touch and its now over 30º. On the descent I spota fellow cyclist resting on the side of the road. Phil he had been on the road six days and this was his last. Routing thru the grand canyon and onward to 29 Palms. He advised that route 66 was shut from Amboy for 40 miles although you could get through on your bike. Just a couple of bridges washed away, no worries. He also told me the petrol station was the last place for water and where he had camped the night before. I was hoping the gas station was a cafe and motel. When I arrived the owner explained, he had only recently open the gas station and a small shop. 65Miles in and only 12:30.
Rested here, drank plenty (no beer) and considered my options in the shade. Seems I had no option other than to camp.
Push on for another 20 before I spot the place to camp. Just came over the ridge so in the shade and the sun will rise right in front of me. Get my breath back and cool down. Fix the bike then put tent up or vis versa. Fix the spoke, tent will go up in the dark. Not long before the rear spokes sorted. Get the tent up, then prepare dinner and coffee.
Gas canister fits, so I’m happy. Satchet of dried pasta is soon prepared, cheese and mushroom with a couple of rolls and large coffee. Splendid. Dinner in the dark and it’s only 17:30.
Into the tent to read and an early start. Seems I’m going to be listening to trains in the distance all night :)