Day 487
Under the Joshua tree
We awoke to yet another puncture! Fortunately, a ‘normal’ one, a thorn. John provided us with a tape to place between the tube and tyre so hopefully that will help! Today we were heading to another Warmshowers host, Anita. She had kindly agreed to take delivery of some much-needed parcels, so we were keen to get there.
For some reason Tom thought she lived about 40 miles away, but no, it was more like 80! Oh dear, and there was a very noticeable headwind too, which would build steadily over the day. John set us up for the day with a coffee, he roasts the beans himself so it was a fantastic cuppa and just the hit we needed to help us on our way.
We rode for miles on near deserted roads through the desert. We had a ridge of low hills to cross so that meant climbing on already very tired legs. It all felt just too hard. The whole area felt bleak, we saw ‘Nomadland’-type communities in the distance. We passed the famous Edwards Air Base, but could barely make it out in the distance. Then a bright spot in our day. We started seeing Joshua trees, unique to this area. They are like no tree I have ever seen before, twisted and spiky and very prickly. We had cycled into the outskirts of the Mojave Desert and this was our reward. Like many travellers over the centuries we took shelter under one to eat our lunch and marvelled at this bizarre tree close up.
Then it was back on the road. We had plenty of water but, take it from me, warm water on a hot day is not refreshing. We rode through an assortment of shacks, buildings and more RV homesteads in a town called El Mirage. It certainly felt like a mirage when we spotted a petrol station. Cool refreshing drinks! They gave us the will for the last few miles. For some reason Komoot took us onto a busy highway and it was hell. Our mood lowered again, then finally we turned off it towards our Warmshowers host Anita’s home for the night. Yet another puncture stopped us, with just a mile to go! Seriously what is it with us and punctures. Another thorn in Tom’s front wheel! Finally, we arrived at Anita’s, phew! Except... Anita was out and on checking our messages we realised I had told her we would be arriving tomorrow. So as darkness we headed off to a motel. Tomorrow we’re going nowhere except to find a welder!
