A long day

We set out under lights in the cool pre-dawn and watched the sun rise directly in front of us, slowly bringing to life a misty agricultural landscape. Then, in an instant, the green gave way to yellow; a line drawn in the sand by the water rights map.
We climbed through the vast Imperial dunes, the hot head wind making tough going to Glamis - not a town, just a run down general store. Last water for 40 miles.
The head wind was now around 20 miles an hour. Only 12 inches of shoulder on the road which is a main route for heavy trucks. Sun beating down we were making 5 miles an hour. The desert was stunning as we climbed up into the Chocolate Mountains. Hour after hour battling heat and wind swept sand before finally descending into the lush Colorado river valley. 70 hard won miles; 12 hours of riding.
Now I write from my tent pitched up next to the quiet river. Sounds of snoring. A couple more beers consumed than would have been prudent. A day to remember - loved every minute of it.

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