Last night, the forecast was calling for rain starting around 7:30. I woke up at 4:40 and the rain was now starting at 5:00. So I went around my camp to make sure everything was ready for rain. I moved my bike into a nearby shelter to keep it out of the rain. Like a kid who wakes up to learn school is canceled, I went back to sleep. Felt good to get some extra zzzz’s.
Unlike Day 8 with scattered rain that you could either dodge or wait out in a shelter, the radar was showing huge bands of rain. So, I decided to wait it out at the campground and see what happens. Fortunately, the shelter where my bike was also had some picnic tables, so I didn’t have to spend my time in my one-man tent.
I did some reading and kept an eye on the weather. I needed about 3 hours to get to the nearest hotel. By 2:00, I could see that wasn’t happening today. So, I extended my stay at the campground for a second day. Ed, the campground manager, was nice enough to let me stay the second night for free.
I’ll just keep doing “Jim stuff” the rest of the day. The weather tomorrow looks good, so I should be able to get some miles in tomorrow.
Let ls like you’re at a nice spot to get rained in. You are getting close to Canton and the football hall of fame.
Maybe it’s a good thing you had an extra day although I can’t imagine spending most of it in a one man tent.
I just finished reading CENTENNIAL, a James Michener novel. This is the one about Colorado and the Midwest. Not always a happy story, but the germane part to your adventure is the travels and travails of the folks who in the 1800s and 1900s dared to venture west from the early colonies and states for a new life. They were traveling by horse, by foot and by wagon. They too were subject to the elements. And they too did not have a rigid schedule to which they could adhere. I’m sure they would have been happy for a shelter and a table at times. the idea of a hotel or a campsite would have been unthinkable to them!
You are the 21st century pioneer, heading west, on your timeline or that of a higher power.
Thanks for inspiring the rest of us.
Thank you, Brad. I’m also finding that the country is made up of people that want to help each other. Even a stranger. Every day I meet people who want to talk and help me on my journey. Tonight, even though I spent the entire day at a campground, there retired guys invited to dinner where they served me steaks and baked potatoes. We had a great conversation and a great time.
Hey Jim,
Finally catching up with you and your blog. Annie and I are on an adventure ourselves visiting the Utah parks. In Moab mow. During hamburger night, I remember joking with you that everyday would be groundhog day. From your posts and photos, I see that the truth is just the opposite. Everyday looks like a new adventure! Great photos to tell your story. Like Pat, I wish I were with you except for the rainy 45 degree days. As you know, I am a fair weather biker. Keep up the posts pics!