Yesterday I headed over to Duke's Slickrock Grill across the street from the OYO. It was still about 100 meter walk and I could feel the sun starting to burn. I mostly wanted to get out of my room but still be in air conditioning so I was taking my time. Had a beer or 3 and a plate of nachos. Struck up conversation with Larry at the next table. While I was scarfing down a large appetizer and a full meal, this rail thin old timer ate less than half his meal. Nice guy from Colorado who used to be a techie and rode around on an electric motorcycle. He was exploring places for a group ride. We talked about everything from batteries to buried gold treasure.
He left before my meal came and just as it did Z&N's parents came in and invited me to join them. Z&N and Patrick arrived and we had lively conversation for a few hours. Paul and Mary (please, please be right ... I am so bad with names) hosted and it was such a fun night. So many great stories. Thank you for the wonderful time.
One funny part of last night was that we all had encountered the same people at various times. Patick said he met this guy going the other direction and I asked if it was Jay? Yup. We had all met Jay; Steve and Karen; Forest; Kaitlan; and others.
Today Z&N and Partick are tackling the big ride. Patrick will be camping midway so I might see him tomorrow. Z&N are breaking it up too with the help of the parent's car.
I have zero cell service here in Hanksville and it is a problem. Could not get an authorization text from a web site and without service my battery gets sucked down very quickly. There is wifi at the OYO and Duke's but that's it. The OYO's wifi is good enough I was able to complete a work meeting this morning.
Just got a message from Forest ... he is in Torry about 60km back.
I just got back from lunch and food stock up at Stan's Burger Shack. The heat walking over there was intense. There are ten buildings in town and it takes 5 minutes to walk to the next one!
Along with a ton of water I will need tomorrow, I have a burger for breakfast at 4am and 3 to eat one every 3 hours. These burgers were scientifically selected for their energy density and ability to survive being smushed in a backpack all day. My bladder and bottles that will fit are in the freezer and I hope i can get them really frozen. I will be up at 3 and out by 4 which will mean about an hour riding in the dark. Around here cars will see me from miles way ... they won't know what I am but they will see me.
Chill for few more hours, then dinner at Duke's and early bed. Wish me strength tomorrow.
By the way, I am right about the 1000 mile mark.
Here are some pictures Google enhanced for me:
