End of Day 2 and Beginning of Day 3

So time goes by, I try to listen, learn, understand and of course, smile. I meet strangers who become friends. I find strength in myself to grow.

Stopped at Ranger Station and got a great map and a spork. I lost my spork already.

Beautiful vista - unfortunately, it was cloudy.

Yesterday, was a big climbing day. Had dinner at the Descanso Junction restaurant - a sign said, "Just like home cooking - You'll eat it and you'll like it!" Then pedaled my way toward Guatay and found a little spot to stop off the side of the road. Bad idea to sleep on even a hint of a slope - slip sliding away down the tent, but even so, had a good night sleep.

Woke up and did another 2 mile climb then thankfully had a 2.5 mile descent and ended up in Pine Valley. Stopped at the local library for some recharging of batteries, some relaxation and to let Stanley read a few books. Also, Flat Stanley asked that I download some Jimi Hendrix onto my iPod for some listening enjoyment.I supposed Stanley is as Bold As Love.

Not sure, but I may just hang in Pine Valley for a day. It's really rather nice.

Until later, miles of smiles.

Day 2 - Well at least it ain't raining...Yet

Entrance sign to park...as I was leaving in the AM. It was a brisk 55 degrees as I got started on my day. Felt so very good to ride again.

Great night sleep in the tent with Mr. Stanley at Flinn Springs County park in San Diego, CA. Set up shop in a pavilion.

  View of the evening's homestead, in the pavilion and out of the rain.

Not a bad view, when waking up in the AM.

Stanley and I visited the Los Coches Creek Middle School, he needed to recharge his cell phone.

 Really cool house just outside of Alpine, CA on Old Highway 80.

It's approximately 3:00 PM PST and after a late start, I'm a little over 20 miles into the ride. I hope to get in another 10 miles by nightfall.

I already made one map divergence - by accident. I went up and down a mountain when I could have gone through a valley! Whoops! I ended up at the right place though.

 Getting ready to leave the Quality Inn in San Diego, of course Stanley always wants to be in front

At my starting point, Dog Beach, San Diego, right along the San Diego River. 

 

Stan the Man in the Pacific Ocean.

Stanley hanging at Dog Beach

 

Fog covered mountain top.

Having fun with some friends in Santee, CA at Starbucks...recharge with some food and recharge cell phone.

There's my buddy again with Stanley!

The Adventure Begins - T Minus 1 Hour

Come with me as I cycle across the southern portion of the US (route for my journey follows - http://www.adventurecycling.org/routes/southerntier.cfm) to raise money for Advocates for Survivors of Torture and Trauma, Inc - ASTT.ORG - (You can support the organization by contributing at http://www.firstgiving.com/paladinpedaling). I certainly would love for you to help me in my effort to assist individuals from around the world seeking treatment for their psychological.

I serve on the board of directors of ASTT and see what tremendous work they do for people every day. I highly suggest that you take a look at the website http://www.astt.org and see how they help others.

All my best to you. Wish me luck and please support me by making a contribution.

Tim

Pictures to follow.

T minus 15 hours from this posting

Flat Stanley and I had a great night sleep last night! Strange for me on the first night in a hotel. Stan the Man can sleep anywhere!

We took our time getting up and slowly made our way to get supplies for the big day tomorrow. Some food, an extra compression bag (it squishes stuff to fit in my saddle bags) and a visit to the exact location from which we will embark on our journey - so cool, it's a dog friendly beach! As I leave tomorrow, I'll take a few photos.

Today, I also visited a pier and met some folks who took a photo of Stan the Man and me and knew who Stanley is.

A little bit later while riding, we spotted a really cool skate park about 1/4 mile from the beach. Really great tricks happening by skaters and BMX riders too! Check it out.

Finally, late in the day in preparation for the long ride, Stanley and I took the opportunity to get a massage to make the trip nice and loosey goosey. Here we are at the massage salon that just opened up. We received an amazing foot massage (sure wish the massage therapist could join us for our journey).

Long day

Well last night I couldn't sleep knowing I was going on the coolest journey of my life. I got a solid 2 1/2 hours of sleep. I'm running on adrenaline at this time and need to hit the sack. Tomorrow, I'm going to do a little bit of exploring of San Diego including the ocean to see from where I will be starting (with Flat Stanley of course) on my journey to Florida.

Today on my trip from Baltimore to San Diego, I met some people who also knew Flat Stanley and were excited to get in a photo with him and me. What a treat. Complete strangers excited for Stan the Man!

Flat Stanley and I getting ready to get on our airplane.

Southwest gate keeper. Boy was she tough!

On the ground in San Diego - check out the palm trees in the background.

 Airport taxi stand attendant. She called me a taxi - how kind.

Church in Old Town San Diego - typical Spanish influenced architecture.

Sunset out my Hotel California window - Has anyone seen Don Henley?

And now for a good night's rest. Until tomorrow...

And So A Journey Begins - And Torture Victims Will Be Helped

In a mere 50 hours, I will be aboard a Boeing 737 (the only type of plane that Southwest flies), headed to San Diego, CA. My journey will begin on Saturday with a flight to the west coast. I'll then be hanging out in San Diego for about 45 hours and then begin my journey cycling across the southern states and end up in Florida.

For this ride, I will be raising money for victims of torture and trauma that need psychological services. I serve on the board of directors of an organization called Advocates for Survivors of Torture and Trauma, Inc. This organization is amazing and is recognized internationally for its work. The work by ASTT is very sought after but they do not have enough financial resources to serve everyone seeking treatment. At our last Board meeting, we were advised that there are 85 prospective clients who need help but cannot because of insufficient capacity of the organization.

I would certainly appreciate your help. I have a goal of raising $10,000 for the organization over the roughly 2 to 3 months I will be pedaling. Please visit my fundraising page that is on a secure website http://www.firstgiving.com/paladinpedaling

Also, a special guest, Flat Stanley will be traveling with me. Flat Stanley is going to be photographed at the various locations I visit along the way and will be shared with my friends at Pot Spring Elementary School and my new buddies at REI, both of Timonium, Maryland.