Fourth Corner San Ysidro and Challenges - USA Four Corners Journal Day 23 -

June 16, Corona, CA – Heidi and Russ said there is a saying out here, “May gray, June gloom.” It looked gloomy this morning. Apparently the coastal side of the mountains is overcast every morning. It was actually chilly when I left for San Ysidro at 6:45 a.m.

I took the direct freeways down and had moderate traffic for LA. That would be rush hour traffic in Pittsburgh. I found the Post Office and took my picture.

I didn’t want to spend the time hunting down a 1-hour photo place, so I went and got gasoline at the nearby station. It has the lowest prices in San Diego and there was a line. It wasn’t pay-at-the-pump. Customers had to go to a kiosk to start the pump and register an ATM card. The kiosk didn’t give a receipt, so I had to go inside and get a printed receipt. I got everything together, then discovered I had lost my right ear plug. I looked all around for it, but it’s gone. Fortunately I can order a replacement.

At the Post Office they charged me $1.05 for a hand stamp. They said the other three Post Offices were doing it wrong. They aren’t allowed to hand stamp. I paid the money, got the hand stamp, and went on my way. I might have been more excited about finishing the course, but with all the hassles, posting the last corner felt more like a chore.

I noticed this morning an oil leak from around the shifter. I went to the nearest Harley dealer, but they couldn’t get me in today, so I went 30 miles north to Biggs HD. The service manager said Harley insists that travelers be given top priority and that the fist dealership didn’t do the right thing. Anyway, Biggs gave me an oil change and put new O-rings and a gasket on the shifter shaft and inspection cover.

I arrived at my cousin Holly’s around 5:00 p.m., and discovered my left saddlebag had broken another mounting point.

I tied it up with bungee cords and went to Wal-Mart to get some more bungees. I think I’m going to have to ride home with them strapped on. These bags have been the most disappointing piece of equipment. They are water proof and lockable, but not well-designed.

After a shower I soaked in the pool and spa out back. Very nice. Tomorrow I’m going to take a break and spend some time with my cousins. I’ll start home on Monday.