At Kelso Depot, I turn north on Kelso-Cima Road and ride 14.4 miles: more slow uphill, back up to 3800 feet

I took another break at the abandoned Kelso Depot at 2100 feet before heading up Kelso-Cima Road. I was going to eat some dried apricots there, but a bee was buzzing around me and I didn't want a repeat of last year's experience here of being literally chased by a bee.

While at Kelso Depot, I had an interesting chat with a local area woman (not everyone out here in the desert is a tourist).

Now heading up the slight hill of Kelso-Cima Road, I'll turn off on Cedar Canyon Road and ride up into the Mid Hills when I reach 3800 feet.

The Marl Mountains stand out on my left; I just passed the other side of them on the way down into Kelso Valley.