The decision came to me quickly. We're heading south and outta the hills. Down go 2 yogurts and 2 bananas and off we go, hopefully all the way to Arco. Takes 10 miles to warm up and wake up (coffeeless again, darn...). Pass thru a cool mini-canyon that seems to gobble up the road from a distance. Five steady uphill miles and we top out on Willow Creek Summit (7160') at the 22 milepoint, then a spectacular 5 mile runout with the impressive Lost River Range of peaks to my left. Twenty years ago, I was here climbing Borah Peak (12,662'), highest in Idaho, with my previous dog, Samba. Gosh, I was single then. Today, it's snowy and shrouded in clouds, I'm happily married (Hi Boof!) and Samba has been reincarnated as Brindilhound.
It's another cool day and the my sweat soaked layers are chilling me as I coast along at 12-14 mph. My weaker right knee (twice operated on) is feeling a bit "tweaky" these days and wants to see the sunshine again. [ I must admit, I had been apprehensive all spring in anticipation of this trip. Unlike previous long distance backpacking trips, I had no concept on how my body would respond to 7-9 hours of cycling and the cardiovascular load. The daily "aches and pains" list is rather long. You'll be hearing from it along the way, I'm sure.]
The thunder cells are spectacular and luckily, always seem to be in the next valley over. 50 miles go by, lunch in Mackay (had some "burnt" lemonade, a new twist (of lemon) for me, made from charred lemons) was a cajun burger and fries (Hmm, wonder what this trip will do to my cholesterol level?) ,and in spite of another headwind, we kick into Arco by 4 pm, 72 miles in 9 hours.
The Corona was sure tasty this evening at Pickles Restaurant!
Passed 900 miles today.
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