Leaving the river, heading west. Gently rolling hills and verdant greens. Modest homes, most with a yucca plant or two by the road. They are in bloom, with tall spikes of creamy white flowers.

After about an hour, the terrain gets hillier, with longer ups and downs. Then I realize I’ve been imperceptibly rising, and am now on top of a ridge with extensive views on either side.

Quick stop for lunch at Huddle’s (local version of IHop). I descend the ridge. Yuccas not popular on this side. Just before Johnsons Shut-Ins State Park, I recognize the signs for Bike Route 76. We went through here in ‘22, although I didn’t stay at this campground then.

The park is lovely—very neat, with generous campsites. Even the basic (no hookups) loop I’m in has level concrete pads and clean fire rings.

More about my neighbor’s very interesting camper/tent in my next post. Off to bed!