Back home, the trip meter reads 3,341 miles. It's been an incredible journey and I'm glad to have made it back safe. It's only 2,900 miles from San Francisco to New York City...perhaps I'll try that next time I'm on a sabbatical! 

Finally home, I snap this shot on a side street. Oakland doesn't do tourism very well - I didnt see a sign on the freeway as I approached. It's raining, but it still good to home! 

I stop for a late lunch in Gilroy and when I was just about done, I look down and see this green moth sitting on the table in front of me. I have no idea what it fell off or out of, but it was pretty beat up. To ride is to be one with bugs... 

Route 101 follows El Camino Real, which the Spanish followed to establish missions along the California coast. There are 21 missions from San Diego to San Francisco. Every mile or two, these bells mark the route. 

There are miles of vineyards along 101 around San Luis Obispo. These are the the ones made a little more famous in the recent movie "Sideways". 

About halfway back I pull off and stretch out for a bit. It's going to take me a long time to scrappe all these bugs off my bike! 

Santa Barbara is as pretty as I have heard. Perhaps another time I'll stay a little longer. I have a quick coffee and head on my way. 

After about 40 miles, I hit the coast and start heading north on Route 101 toward Santa Barbara. 

Lots of farms between LA and the coast on SR 126. Here is an orange grove next to the road. 

Day 11 (425 miles): Last day! I get on the road early and head for the coast. When I came south on the first day, I took route 5 through the central valley. I want to see some of the coast on my way back. 

I ended up about 40 miles short of Santa Barbara, but it was still a huge day of riding. I call it a night just outside Los Angeles. One more day to go!

I still havent tired of photographing trains! 

I came upon this poor tumbleweed trapped in some brush. Naturally, I freed it and sent it on its way. 

Today's weather called for high winds across the southwest which made for a lot of white knuckle riding. Winds were 20 - 30 mph with higher gusts and at times I thought I was going to get blown over. In this shot, you can see whitecaps on the irrigation pond and a dust storm in the distance. 

I've never been a big fan of the desert, but I have to say it's grown on me. Maybe it's just the spring blooms, but I seen some really beautiful landscapes. 

It's was bought from the British government in the 1960's by the founder of McColloch chains saw for $2.5M, and moved to the desert block by block. People laughed at him but the tourists flocked and over time the town boomed. I took a quick look and got the heck out of there - it was 106 degrees.

Since it's only 20 miles off Route 40, I decide to take a detour and check out Lake Havasu. I know nothing is happening on a monday morning, but I want to check out London Bridge, which is Arizona's # 2 most visited tourist attraction after the Grand Canyon. 

My first stop is in Kingman, AZ, at a place called Mr. D'z Route 66 Diner. It's heavy on the 50's them and Elvis is blaring even though I am the only customer. As the waitress comes over to the table, a half-dead lady bug falls off my head and onto the table. After and awkward pause, I sweep it onto the floor and order breakfast.

Day 10 (550 miles): I left Flagstaff before 8 am to get a jump on what promises to be the longest stretch of riding in the trip. My goal is to get as far as possible to set myself up for a last day ride home on Route 101 in California. I'm hoping for Santa Barbara, which I hear is very nice.

Since I missed the Grand Canyon, I'll definitely make Flagstaff my base when I return. Next stop - Santa Barbara and then home a day later. 

Five bucks??!! I should have stayed here! 

The freight trains go right through the middle of town every few minutes. What could be better? 

Flagstaff is a great town! Lots of cool stores, restaurants and bars here. There's a university in town so things and hopping with young folks - even on a sunday night. The whole place has a nice feel to it. 

Always time to stop and watch a train go by! 

As I approach Flagstaff the terrain changes to a forest of sweet smelling Poderosa Pines.