Day 136, November 19, 32.2km and 136m climb, freedom camp Diablo Dropoff to Oticillo Wells OHV park.
This morning dawned still and clear; a stunning desert sunrise. We finished off the second part of the Diablo Drop-off and found ourselves in yet another stunning canyon. Our view from the campsite made it look like we would have to climb over a range of mountains but no, the canyon split the range in two and we had a downhill ride all the way out to the tar seal. We felt like we were in a mini grand canyon. The photos just don't capture the depth or height of the cliffs, just beautiful.
As we descended, the surface worsened and was slow going, the wind also picked up giving us a solid head wind to push into. After hitting the tar seal, we began a gradual climb into the head wind to the weirdest place I think we've found on this trip. Oticillo Wells is known as the off-road capital of the USA, but the town itself comprises hundreds of often dilapidated RVs, a small store and a bar. Oh, and a hot dog stand (which, to be fair made very good hotdogs). It was all a bit odd.
Because it is the weekend and because it is the weekend leading into Thanksgiving, many of the state campsites are fully booked. So today we decided to stay at the free off-roaders camping area because a) it was free and b) there was plenty of space. We have had an amusing afternoon watching the Off-roaders racing around and are surprised they don't drive into each other more often. Gordon is loving it having done some off-road racing himself. I am thinking that sleep will be pretty unlikely tonight even with earplugs! However it is very well policed with the sheriff wandering around in an off road jeep with lights and sirens as well as the park rangers having a constant presence. They also have lights and sirens! Anyway, it's another one to add to our list of all- American experiences!
Oh, and did I mention the bar owner who gave us a very long narrative on why the world economy was failing and that there is no way Biden got more votes than Obama? Fascinating but literally made no sense at all!
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