Today was another long day, but much better than yesterday. We were on the same highway – US 40 – but the road was in better shape and there wasn’t nearly as much traffic. There was lots of climbing again, one very long climb and lots of shorter ups and downs. No sooner were you up then you saw the next hill ahead already. The shot below gives you some day of the country we saw for most of the day today.
One minor adventure: I barely missed riding over a fat old rattlesnake on the shoulder when I thought I should turn back and capture the poor critter on camera, with the caption “Snakes the way Diane likes them – dead.” So I turned back, zoomed in on the little fellow and lo and behold it moved! It had not resurrectered, but was alive all along, as the second picture clearly proves. I only wish Diane had been there as she always has a pretty dramatic reaction to seeing a snake, dead or alive, but especially alive. Her snake dance and song is something to behold!
We rode over 140 kms again today, and between Dinosaur and Craig there was only one small village, consisting of a few houses and a general store and gas station, and about 2/3 of the way to our destination. So it was a lonely ride most of the day, very quiet and beautiful. I was among the first to arrive in Craig, and the first thing our group did was get a milkshake or ice cream at the local soda shop. Diane had set up the tent already – bless her heart! – and we are in a highschool again, for which we are all grateful. Showers and bathrooms the past couple of nights have been less than plentiful and hard to get to.
Tomorrow will be our fourth 140 kms+ day, and apparently includes another pass approximately 20 kms in length. Can’t wait….ha!
Today’s stats:
Distance: 146.14
Average speed: 21.2
Maximum speed: 65.6
Time in saddle: 6.51.57 (includes sightseeing in Craig)
# of flat tires: 6
3 comments:
Dear Bert and Diane,
Thanks for the update. I feel we are riding with you and all the rest even from the comfort of our home. So glad,that the rattler did not rear its head at you. I would have been like Diane,and would have been screaming and carrying on. We had a similar experience in Mexico,when a 4 foot boa fell out of the tree, we had just walked past and landed on a 2 foot igunana below. Hence,I do not like snakes. We are thankful that no one has been bitten by a snake. How does it feel to have ridden 1,448 miles after today? Wow,awesome job,and may God give you much strength,health and joy in the following weeks ahead.Sincerely,Wilma Z
Hi Diane & Bert,
It sure is a lot of fun to keep updated by reading your blog! We expect to see Diane do the snake dance and song for us upon your return!
Next week we go on vacation, no power, no internet at the cabin and for 25 days will miss reading of your adventures and great pics. We will miss it.
Great job, an amazing experience for both of you.
We are thankful you are all safe so far. May God keep you in the safety of his hand for the rest of the journey.
Faye & Stan
Glad I wasn't there to see the snakes! My reactions would have been worse than Diane's. I saw a small gardner's snake on the dike when I was was riding Sailor, and was shivering for the next few days. Be careful with those Rattler's. Take care,
Henry & Alice
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