March 6

Hi Everyone. I tried to post a picture of the brown pelican I saw today, but it hasn't worked yet. Unless Betsy can come and help me, I'll have to find some other technical help. Helen and I had an early breakfast and met many of the other woman in the restaurant. We are the only two who did much riding in SD. Some of the others had to go to the bike shop to have their bikes put together, etc. What we've noticed about riding in SD is that very few stores have bike racks in front of them. Chaining up to buy something is a hassle. But Helen needed to buy a phone and I needed some birthday cards, so we went shopping today at Target. We rode 6.8 miles altogether today. We sat down in the Starbuck's there to drink some tea and a guy spoke to us because we had cycling gear on. It turns out, he is riding across the country with a group called Bubba's Bicycle Tours and they are leaving the day after us. But since we are following the approximately the same route, we should see him again. IT was really interesting to talk to him. Another interesting thing happened this morning at the reception desk. Keep in mind that San Diego has lots of military bases. IT was 8 a.m. and the receptionist put all the phones on hold and told us to wait a minute. The Star-spangled Banner was being played at the Coast Guard Station across the street and she stood at attention until it was over. I asked if that was required of the employees there and she said it was her personal choice. IT was a vewry respectful gesture on her part. We had our get-to-know-you meeting and had a session on changing tires. Hope it won't have to happen, but over 3100 miles, changes are good that it will. Just waiting now for our send-off banquet. Will see if someone there can help me find the picture I want to upload.___________________Wir haben uns jetzt alle getroffen. Eine sehr interessante, gemischtes Gruppe. Ich bleibe bestimmt hinten dran. Die scheinen alle sehr schnell zu sein. Morgen geht's um 8 Uhr los. Druckt mir die Daumen.