Last night’s drive to the campsite included a decent length section of dirt road. While there we no real ditches or ruts, it was essentially miles of mini bumpies left from the tank treads of the vehicles involved in the road’s creation. One reviewer described it as feeling like miles of cattle guard. To be precise, despite the road being well maintained, we were bouncing all over the place. At times, I was afraid the poor truck was going to fall apart. And then some other car passes us, honestly like we are standing still. That is when the Shock Replacement Plan, current status certified complete, came to be.

Final details were arranged in the morning at the fittingly named Tune Up Cafe over a waffle, omelette and coffee, another great Mme SB recommendation. Happily we found a Big O close by with same day service. It also meant we could cash in on our complementary lifetime tire rotation and alignment. ? With our mighty mini truck being worked on, we took off on our bikes for the softer side of Santa Fe.

The first clue we were entering a high society milieux was the bike path changed to a picturesque, bikers and walkers only promenade graced with sculptures, vegetation and attention. We ended up at/in the Santa Fe Rail Yard area.

After a civilized afternoon, we continued our ride to Annapurna for an Indian vegetarian meal. The lemonade was full of fresh squeezed goodness and the chai delicious, setting the tone for the rest.

Back in the truck, we nervously drove to the same dirt road to get to the same camp area to see if we’d have anything but the same experience following our $603 decision for the “heavy duty” shocks. In Mme Awesome’s words, “l never knew what a difference shocks made.” Yes we even passed a car. Quieter and faster. Thank goodness.

Then we headed into Diablo Canyon. Hopefully these photos will successfully convey the wonder and awe we felt along our walk.

We found the Old Man Of The Mountain.

The light is simply gorgeous.

The sweet melodies of many birds were in the air. They know a nice spot!

Upon return and a solar shower later we retired, the only ones here.

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