Day 26
It was a very long night. We finished our dinner last night at about 6:30 and were in our sleeping bags by 7:15. The wind was blowing and there wasn't much to do but go to sleep. The wind continued to blow and the temperature dropped enough for me to get up and put on my wool shirt and longjohns. Around 1 the wind quieted and the rain began. I covered myself with a plastic tarp and hoped the rain would end soon. 2 hours later the drumming on the tarp quieted and with cold feet I slept until 5. We were at the casino for breakfast well before 6. There we met Ed who was also Biking cross country. He spent the night under an awning behind the Casino. We spent $10 for our site with showers of both kinds. His spot was free with no showers of either kind. His ride plan is quite different than ours. He is planning to take 6 months for the trip.
Our first climb began right out of town and within 15 minutes snow began to fall and soon it was a mini blizzard. It lasted long enough to coat the hills, roadside and us with a light dusting of white. From too hot Yesterday to having to ride today in full winter gear is really pretty strange.
5 more passes climbed ranging from 6400 to 7600 feet high. Cross winds were so strong it felt like I spent most of the day leaning into the wind to keep from getting blown over. Rode for a while with Viitse from Holland. He's planning a 10 week crossing from San Francisco to New York.
Winter gear all day though there were some nice sunbreaks when we rolled into Ely. It's too cold to camp so we're moteling tonight. We're planning a late start in the morning since snow is predicted. Is there no middle ground to the weather?
26/78/11.9/1874
4 comments:
Hey Hugh and Pete...You missed fly day today...I was thinking I saw you guys over in the next lane flying...Sounds like your epic journey is filled with lots of interesting people out there trekking across the country like you guys...Keep up the good work and stay warm or cool whichever the case may be..Great bike ride shot...See ya in Fla...Love Tonya..
And the Nevada State Song goes like this"1. 'Way out in the land of the setting sun,
Where the wind blows wild and free,
There's a lovely spot, just the only one
That means home sweet home to me.
If you follow the old Kit Carson trail,
Until desert meets the hills,
Oh you certainly will agree with me,
It's the place of a thousand thrills.
CHORUS:
Home, means Nevada, Home, means the hills,
Home, means the sage and the pines.
Out by the Truckee's silvery rills,
Out where the sun always shines.
There is the land that I love the best,
Fairer than all I can see,
Right in the heart of the golden west
Home, means Nevada to me.
2. Whenever the sun at the close of the day,
Colors all the western sky,
Oh my heart returns to the desert grey
And the mountains tow'ring high.
Where the moonbeams play in shadowed glen,
With the spotted fawn and doe,
All the live-long night until morning light,
Is the loveliest place I know.
Repeat Chorus.
"
You now know why... in fall and spring a 50 degre temperature change is expected... Glad you are enjoying.. one question, when is one of you going to cry UNCLE, and give up on those nasty sardines....?
Just keep remembering this will be great to look back on! We love following your trip, you have so much to see in the next week. That part of Utah is very exceptional. You will love Capital reef. We love you and can't wait to see you. Keep up the great adventure.
Love you lots,
Cora
Hey Dad! It was nice talking to you the other night... looks like right before your cold, restless, wet "sleep" you ahd. Have fun, be safe and smile.
we love you P T & F
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