Eli in the wilderness

....continued from previous post

Oct 9: Wow, talk about hospitality, I just had criss cut fries from jack in the box, two pieces of coffee cake and an orange mango vivano from starbucks, and biscuits and gravy with soup at dennys. I guess what goes around comes around, because I did the best I knew how for the customers at Marie Callendar's where I worked. I am filled with gratitude and thanksgiving.
Oct. 9 Thank you all for keeping me company in my pocket (iPhone) and for your continued support and encouragement :)
Oct 10: Cycled only 30 miles ... (see post below on Oct 10 for the rest of this text and pictures from Mammoth/Tioga Pass)

Oct 12: I'm in Oakhurst. I was in the golden arches when I noticed a woman approach with a magnificent tropical seed carved into an octopus pendant around her neck so I mentioned to her how great it was, I ended up getting a ride 45 miles from Mammoth with Dr. David and Goki Yoshida, chiropractor and mother of a two marine biologist at the Monterey Bay Aquarium, it was their 40th anniversary having been married in the Yosemite Valley.  They dropped me off at Toloumne Meadows where I rinsed my hair and face, charged the iPhone, talked to several Cal Poly students from San Luis Obispo, nice chats, inspiring exchange of lyrical legendary legacies. Continuing my cycle journey traversing the plateau of shining granite, golden expansive meadows with short grass carpeting the treeless heavenly oasis, shimmering pristine crystal lakes strewn across the stretch of hulking granite spines and domes that compose Tioga Pass Hwy 120. I reached a yosemite valley vista where I shared sweet stories and snacks, hiked to an outcropping snapped many many photos, which is why I wasn't texting, I was just too busy being immersed in the grandeur of this place soothing my soul with its natural mysticism.

(wait is this ansel adams or an iPhone picture?)

"The Boheme"

(yes I can look GQ while on a bike trek)

Hopped a ride with two Berkeley students to the Hwy 120/140 junction, where I cruised no-handed for 15 miles to the valley below where I spent the night and transformed a few strangers into friends.

"The Machine"

(or urban bike off the beaten track)

(here I am trying to look intimidating to the passing motorists)

Soaking in the yosemite experience while the sun rose, I cycled across the entire valley, hitched to Glacier Point with two bros Yonny and Serge with whom I shared a most enlightening exchange of stories. From Glacier Point down to Coarsegold I glided on the wind with wings wide spread, while the mountains flowed through my mind. I have enjoyed a nice retreat with Nancy Coloumbe an elementary school teacher, washed clothes, took my first shower (whaaaat??) make the most harmonious chicken soup and buttered brown rice, had a cup of red clover tea, and have shared my wolf flow spirit journey with her and she recovered from a slight fever just with positive emotions. You have all entered into my dreams at night and I wake up with the feeling of your company, I feel at one with the world. Love.