Desert heat

Today we gave up all the altitude we gained from San Diego, descending over 3000 feet in a 35 mph 6 mile ride on Interstate 8. Then a 33 mile desert crossing, totally dehydrated when we got to Calexico. Drank quarts of cold  water before an ice cream bar. Face bright red from the sudden immersion into a new climate here in the Imperial valley.




Since this is close to the wall good Samaritans put out buckets with water jugs marked by flags, about every third of a mile. 

Then slowly to RV resort in El Centro with a pool, enjoyed a soak, and then busy for the next few hours shopping, prepping dinner, and cleanup: Chuck found online a recipe for teriyaki chicken peanut stir fry on brown rice, with tofu on the side. Plus big hit: watermelon for desert. Delicious, rave reviews, but we dirtied every possible pan and pot. Ate, then map meeting -- tomorrow we try an 80 mile new route and campground, but another very long waterless stretch so the van will be placed halfway for water support.


My side meal with just tofu, rice, broccoli. Plenty of beer and watermelon. Finally finished after 8 and dark.

In tent as I type this, buggy, noisy, hot. Chuck and I get to do breakfast setup and clean up, so we will not get the early start that the rest of group will aim for. Won't be cook again until next Sunday.



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