Day 3. 9.8.13. 72.5 miles from Caswell State park to Moccasin Point Rec Area

Today was really really hot. It was Over 100 degrees by noon, and we didn't make it to our site until

8 PM

. We literally rode through farm fields, dust fields, and desert, all with no shade. Even our water was blazing hot so it wasn't necessarily thirst quenching.  

I'm sure this will go down as one of the most tiring days of the trip, solely because of the heat. What made it worse was that we had two dirt roads to bike on (thanks google maps) and I got a flat on one of them, and Josh got one on the other just as we were pulling in to the campground. 

We did run into a quickly flowing spring fed creek though, and we jumped right in and refreshed ourselves. That was around 5 PM after the worst of it all. 

The ride coming down into Yosemite along 120 was glorious though. It was quite the site, seeing, and smelling, the smoke from the huge fire. 

Yet again we were blessed by the Park Ranger, Tom, and he let us stay for free. That makes 3 nights, no fees, and 3 showers. Not bad at all. We are finding that we really just need to ask and just about anyone will get behind us and our cause. It is great to be so blessed for doing this. 

Almost in Desert. Farm fields first. 

 Love these signs...

Almost to Yosemite Road

Can you see the smoke?

 Don Pedro Lake

 My Tent, Josh already had his packed up. 

This afternoon we are heading into Yosemite Valley to then hopefully await an announcement saying that Tioga pass has opened. We will stay tonight and tomorrow night (taking a rest day) and probably doing some hiking/exploring. I hope we can get some good pictures, but the smoke is pretty thick. If Tioga does not open, then we will backtrack and head up to highway 88 or 104 to do the mountain pass. We will lose a day of travel, but will have seen Yosemite Valley so I think its a great backup plan. 

I read 1 Thessalonians this morning, and was encouraged to keep encouraging others in the faith. This is a big reason why we are doing what we are doing and I keep praying for more opportunities. 

Keep us in your prayers as we ride through the heat and smoke. Pray that Tioga opens, and that we can bless some more people in Jesus' name. 

God Bless,

Tailwinds,

Mark