pinedale redux

we sit on the cusp of the great basin, a 100-mile swath of wyoming known for its heat, winds, and lack of water.

we will get there soon, but rather than jump into deep water after a day off, our decision is to wait another day in pinedale, wait for rain showers to subside and then, for the west/northwesterly winds to push us towards rawlins.

i have no problem with the extra day, save for a sky-rocketing budget and yet another “burger joint” meal.

the respite has proven wonderful. i have slept and napped. i have organized and eliminated gear proven unnecessary, and i have replenished depleted nutrients with a diet rich in meat and protein and macadamia nuts; yet another example of “manna from astoria”. thank you paddy and julie!!

i feel good.

my back side and the omni-present worry of “saddle sores” has been soothed by a rigorous program of hygiene and “air drying.” i was very familiar with air drying; hygiene, not so much.

the rest of the “group”, now lacking sam, who has meandered down to salida, seems rejuvenated as well. there was collective fatigue at play and even in their youth, allen and susan saw the benefit of not pedaling for a couple of days.

recovery allows for reflection. the scenery, physical, and mental challenges have been been integral to this narrative thus far. they will continue to do so.

there has yet to be a day where i have taken anything for granted. this trip serves as a place setting for all that has been and all that still may be in my life. this from a guy who thought “making 25” would be an accomplishment.

i am humbled and proud and yet, my foibles are always knocking at the door, always eager to escape my panniers.

this is as much an emotional journey as it is a physical journey and recovery and rest bear witness to that.

i am excited for the final chapter of this journey, free from grizzly bears and instant oatmeal. being home always tugs at me and yet, home for now remains tightly packed on my bike.

this is a big world. it is also fragile and at risk from many different angles. there are too many people and encroachments on our natural world are increasing. you hear it on the roadways. you see it in the water.

i can extoll the beauty of this trail and of these landscapes; they serve as book-ends on human history but, there needs to be a tidal wave of conservation, not the puddle of awareness bestowed to a couple thousand of bike packers who travel this path each summer.

we see it. we get it.

humans are the problem and need to be the solution.

rest day over. time to pedal.