I woke up in a fog, mentally and physically. The entire valley was surrounded by a thick, misty, fog which soaked my tent, drying clothes, and bicycle. I didn't sleep much and can feel my nose and throat beginning a cold. My thoughts move slow like molasses. Even though I wake up at 6:00 AM, I don't fully awaken until 11:00 after my third coffee. What is wrong with me?

Today is a short recovery day, but also an exciting one. I start my three day journey through the redwoods and up to the highest point on my ride - 600 meters near Leggett, California. I have been dreading this climb for months - I hardly know if I will be able to accomplish it. Thankfully my friend Mike has reaffirmed that breaking the climb up into several days instead of doing it all at once is the preferred strategy. After all what's the rush?

I rode along the Avenue of the Giants today, stunningly scenic and humbling. I wish all bicycle riding could be like this. Calm, silent, peaceful.

It's a half day before over 1500 meters of elevation gain tomorrow, I know that I will have a compatriot along the way - Mike and I will share the next campground at Burlington and Standish Hickey until we complete our climbing and go out separate ways. It's nice having a friend to talk to at the end of the day, compare experiences, and talk for a while to stay happy and beat the loneliness from a ride like this one.

I think today's entry will be short, I am exhausted again and will try to get some sleep.