tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-62789890477159528072024-03-05T21:38:39.119-08:00Biking For Wishes and Quest WestAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04701275786282234068noreply@blogger.comBlogger77125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6278989047715952807.post-30666570877350459672013-03-03T22:38:00.000-08:002013-03-03T22:38:37.475-08:00New Blog!<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Thanks to everyone who has followed this blog in the past 4 years! I am excited to announce I am launching a new blog <a href="http://www.bikingforwishes.blogspot.com/">www.bikingforwishes.blogspot.com</a></span></b><br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Please take a moment to check it out and come back often as I will be updating it regularly. </span></b><br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Thank You, Kevin Citta</span></b><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04701275786282234068noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6278989047715952807.post-91444098674989242622012-03-13T19:58:00.002-07:002012-03-30T16:33:21.085-07:00Kevincitta.com and Biking for Wishes "the DVD"<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">I have several things I want to share with everyone who visits my blog. The first big news is that I have put together a website that showcases my photography as well as makes it easy and affordable to purchase. Please take a few minutes to visit the all new <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">www.kevincitta.com</span>. Currently I am featuring photography from throughout my "Biking For Wishes" adventure this past Summer. Soon I will be adding galleries from many different locations including my Quest West bicycle trip, Yellowstone National Park, The Smoky Mountains, Boundary Waters Canoe Area, and much more! Please help me spread the word of my new website so that I can afford to maintain it and share my photography with many more wonderful folks like you!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Secondly, I am very close to completing my Biking For Wishes dvd. The dvd is a collection of my photography and video from throughout lat summers bike ride. I have spent many hours editing and gathering music to highlight my bicycle adventure for others. My goal is to try and make the viewers share some of the same feelings that I had on this epic journey. I hope you all have a chance to view my newest film as I feel it may be my best yet. You can pre-order your copy on my website soon if you wish. Pre-order dvd's guaranteed by June 1st, all others may take a little longer. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b>Biking For Wishes ~ Showings!</b></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">March 18th</span> ~ Yreka, CA ~ Siskiyou Sportmans Expo ~ 12:30p.m. ~ Siskiyou Golden Fairgrounds</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">April 14th</span> ~ Weed, CA ~ Weed Alehouse 7:00p.m. ~ Benefit for the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Northern California</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">T.B.A.</span> - Milwaukee, WI ~ ( Location also T.B.A. ) ~ Benefit for the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Wisconsin</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">More shows to be announced…</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>Here is a collection of my photography since my last update.. Enjoy!</i></span><br />
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</i></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04701275786282234068noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6278989047715952807.post-75170401502143369032012-01-02T13:24:00.000-08:002012-01-02T13:24:26.279-08:00California<span id="goog_1831369007"></span><span id="goog_1831369008"></span><br />
<div>Happy Holidays everyone! It's great to be back in Weed, California! I have been back here for two months now and wanted to post some of my photography of the area. We have yet to see snow other than higher up in the mountains making hiking and disc golf very enjoyable.<br />
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I would once again like to thank everyone who contributed to the Make-A-Wish Foundation through Biking for Wishes!!! Together we raised $3,000, thank you so much for your support! Below is a letter I received from the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Wisconsin, thanks to everyone involved Ethan is going to Disney World with his family!<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #eeeeee; font-size: large;">Until next time, Happy Trails!</span></i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04701275786282234068noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6278989047715952807.post-58316218986494920502011-11-02T13:47:00.000-07:002011-11-02T13:47:03.149-07:00North Carolina - Setember 23rd - October 28th<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">After spending 5 weeks in and around Asheville, North Carolina I am now back in Weed, California! I made some awesome friends in Asheville and had a great time hiking around enjoying the fall colors and mountains as well as visiting many of the local bars and breweries in Asheville. I stayed with my new friend Dan who allowed me to couchsurf the entire time, thanks again Dan! Although I do miss my new friends in Asheville it is good to be back in northern California where I began my cross country ride. Below are my favorite pictures from North Carolina where the fall weather was perfect during my stay! Until next time, happy trails!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZKGt3VIBAbk/Tp3w6vyeWsI/AAAAAAAAF_Y/PmPROn9VUnc/s1600/IMG_2036.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZKGt3VIBAbk/Tp3w6vyeWsI/AAAAAAAAF_Y/PmPROn9VUnc/s400/IMG_2036.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Looking Glass Rock</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: auto;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-W_JRM-1XMQY/TrFyWBbTAXI/AAAAAAAAGGs/ts0m81snEhU/s1600/IMG_2282.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-W_JRM-1XMQY/TrFyWBbTAXI/AAAAAAAAGGs/ts0m81snEhU/s400/IMG_2282.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Top of Looking Glass Rock</div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-D_rp8PsQUzY/TrFzVfOvLXI/AAAAAAAAGHc/fju9NC6hJOY/s1600/IMG_2318.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-D_rp8PsQUzY/TrFzVfOvLXI/AAAAAAAAGHc/fju9NC6hJOY/s400/IMG_2318.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Shelly found a geocaching box!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eR48VDrXKyo/TrFzrMpFCuI/AAAAAAAAGHk/VAA9o-0RCUs/s1600/IMG_2328.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eR48VDrXKyo/TrFzrMpFCuI/AAAAAAAAGHk/VAA9o-0RCUs/s400/IMG_2328.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Piet and Me in the Carolina Smokeys</div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4xD1j16PO4Y/TrF0wLXG_JI/AAAAAAAAGIQ/1iT1DzCLF20/s1600/IMG_2371.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4xD1j16PO4Y/TrF0wLXG_JI/AAAAAAAAGIQ/1iT1DzCLF20/s400/IMG_2371.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Head dunk in the crystal clear Smoky Mountain water</div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9fKyCU4svS0/TrF16iz7ksI/AAAAAAAAGJA/PxpK_yaTouc/s1600/IMG_2420.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9fKyCU4svS0/TrF16iz7ksI/AAAAAAAAGJA/PxpK_yaTouc/s400/IMG_2420.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We counted 26 elk in this field!</div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rfiP0OOo4hw/TrF2zgo1lUI/AAAAAAAAGJw/YNvTU5FPHn0/s1600/IMG_2451.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rfiP0OOo4hw/TrF2zgo1lUI/AAAAAAAAGJw/YNvTU5FPHn0/s400/IMG_2451.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-43P8i9Ly9jY/TrF2-cS482I/AAAAAAAAGJ4/6AlTu2Q890U/s1600/IMG_2324.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="273" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-43P8i9Ly9jY/TrF2-cS482I/AAAAAAAAGJ4/6AlTu2Q890U/s400/IMG_2324.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The Biltmore</div><br />
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</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04701275786282234068noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6278989047715952807.post-20680051766589572112011-09-23T15:45:00.000-07:002011-09-23T15:45:26.017-07:00September 22nd - Asheville!<div style="text-align: center;"><b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">September 22nd</span></span></u></b></div><div style="text-align: center;">I finished up my ride from Weed, California to Asheville, North Carolina on the last day of Summer! I had mixed feelings as I biked towards Asheville. I was excited to complete my journey and start the next chapter of life but I also felt like I could keep on pedaling and exploring new places. After some rolling hills and several breaks I pulled into Asheville early afternoon. As I approached the mountain surrounded city I received a phone call from Erika at the Weed Chamber of Commerce letting me know that the Four Points Sheraton in downtown Asheville had a room for me for 2 nights! Thanks Erika and thanks Four Points Sheraton!!! I biked through downtown Asheville and got directions to the hotel from one of the locals. The hotel staff was very friendly and excited about my trip and making it to my destination. After getting some dinner I met with a bunch of nice folks from Couchsurfing.com. They had scheduled a weekly meet up and I thought it would be a good way to get to know some people. Everyone was very nice and fun! They gave me all kinds of insight and advise about living in Asheville while having some beers at a local bar. I headed back to the hotel with plans to wake up early and begin my job hunt. I am hoping to find a job and place to live in Asheville for the time being! If anyone knows of anything I am open to suggestion.<br />
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I want to thank everyone involved in the Biking for Wishes project and fund raising for the Make-A-Wish Foundation! You can still donate through the blog and all donations are greatly appreciated! So far online and check donations have reached a total of <b>$2,956</b>, thank you all so much for donating!!! I would like to give a special thank you to Stephanie Shaver for her amazing help with this project!!! I would also like to thank all of my awesome sponsors, everyone who donated both to the Make-A-Wish Foundation and helped "Feed Kevin", and all of the wonderful people I met on the road who helped with lodging, food, rides, or just a nice conversation. The ride was challenging but also very rewarding. I got to see many new places, some of which I can't wait to re-visit. I met so many wonderful people and <b>not one bad person</b>! Just like my bicycle trip from Wisconsin to California, the people are what really made the trip so special. The wildlife and scenery were excellent but it is the people that really make it so worth while!<br />
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I will continue to update this blog with photos and stories from in and around Asheville, as well as upcoming events. I will have calendars for sale soon of my favorite 13 images of the trip and the Biking for Wishes film will be released some time in 2012. I plan to show the film in Milwaukee, Wisconsin as well as Weed, California and maybe a few places in between. All of this will be announced on the blog so be sure to check back in the coming weeks. <br />
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<b><i>Thank you all once again for being a part of this adventure!</i></b><br />
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</i></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"><u>Trip Statistics</u></span></b><br />
Total Mileage - 3,812<br />
Max Speed - 42mph ( Death Valley )<br />
Riding Time ( actual pedaling ) - 302.5 hours<br />
Days on Road - 114 days with 25 days off the bike<br />
Highest Temperature - 120 degrees ( Death Valley )<br />
Highest Elevation - 9,101 ft. - Palo Flechado Pass ( East of Taos, NM )<br />
Lowest Elevation - 190 feet below sea level ( Furnace Creek - Death Valley )<br />
Best Wildlife Encounter - Momma bear and cub running across road in front of me - Lassen N. Forest<br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><u>Contest!</u></span></b><br />
Everyone who leaves a comment on this blog post will be entered to win the Biking for Wishes gift pack! The gift pack consists of my 2012 Biking for Wishes Calendar, a Biking for Wishes Magnet, first copy of the Biking for Wishes DVD, and a 8x10 print of your choice from any picture on the blog. The winner will be announced on the blog next week Friday the 30th!<br />
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</u></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzJNP7LoTxsAIo9uwgwivSTXolVD3FlPJL6H-j9DdY4TI9ChXN9mmPNH_2v9ZteL-8jxCNcEf2T0YnL_LOt2wjOUAfuMPnnrVhnq0nAOR-KoLOL3w7TymhfyKqopADHYMwVgGOxHjuRHI/s1600/IMG_2031.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="356" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzJNP7LoTxsAIo9uwgwivSTXolVD3FlPJL6H-j9DdY4TI9ChXN9mmPNH_2v9ZteL-8jxCNcEf2T0YnL_LOt2wjOUAfuMPnnrVhnq0nAOR-KoLOL3w7TymhfyKqopADHYMwVgGOxHjuRHI/s640/IMG_2031.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Made it!!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-flyVcQ8NmhU/TnzYuosknLI/AAAAAAAAF9M/48Jy33H8giQ/s1600/IMG_2018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="508" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-flyVcQ8NmhU/TnzYuosknLI/AAAAAAAAF9M/48Jy33H8giQ/s640/IMG_2018.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Arriving to Asheville</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lhA3G5VS8fs/TnzYzPFzGoI/AAAAAAAAF9Q/ZHvVi-p3dcU/s1600/IMG_2021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lhA3G5VS8fs/TnzYzPFzGoI/AAAAAAAAF9Q/ZHvVi-p3dcU/s400/IMG_2021.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Thanks Four Points Sheraton!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zKpZMOK_y9k/TnzY2NF8ftI/AAAAAAAAF9U/GdO6S3sVgLc/s1600/IMG_2026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zKpZMOK_y9k/TnzY2NF8ftI/AAAAAAAAF9U/GdO6S3sVgLc/s640/IMG_2026.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Nice bed to end the trip!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qDSQ2wh9j1c/TnzY5GBlRvI/AAAAAAAAF9Y/vnJuvwUeE24/s1600/IMG_2030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qDSQ2wh9j1c/TnzY5GBlRvI/AAAAAAAAF9Y/vnJuvwUeE24/s640/IMG_2030.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SGQZ-YzIMgo/TnzY57nEs-I/AAAAAAAAF9c/l9vgUIO7348/s1600/muppetbikes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="544" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SGQZ-YzIMgo/TnzY57nEs-I/AAAAAAAAF9c/l9vgUIO7348/s640/muppetbikes.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Some friends I made on the road!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CBODpRg-w0k/TnzY6Ifm_xI/AAAAAAAAF9g/Yl7Lqih7jsY/s1600/monkey_on_bicycle_vintage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="408" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CBODpRg-w0k/TnzY6Ifm_xI/AAAAAAAAF9g/Yl7Lqih7jsY/s640/monkey_on_bicycle_vintage.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-K4ECUck1JUg/TnzY6tMZoBI/AAAAAAAAF9k/fUr9d6szwYE/s1600/kermit_bikes_01-620x344.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="354" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-K4ECUck1JUg/TnzY6tMZoBI/AAAAAAAAF9k/fUr9d6szwYE/s640/kermit_bikes_01-620x344.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgleWwB_cPK40WIhPS7Jxsk4Po0Qh540SgWoVCX9WRtHnjHqTNURqmRj8gkm3rE5A4Nug8Stdj6hi0xW5RObGyjrLg-JUshqsGSMyxXkjTvtaS3ZDXJjO4q96eAP22HIcoQAUbcSxMNxjM/s1600/Pee-Wees-Big-Adventure-02-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="408" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgleWwB_cPK40WIhPS7Jxsk4Po0Qh540SgWoVCX9WRtHnjHqTNURqmRj8gkm3rE5A4Nug8Stdj6hi0xW5RObGyjrLg-JUshqsGSMyxXkjTvtaS3ZDXJjO4q96eAP22HIcoQAUbcSxMNxjM/s640/Pee-Wees-Big-Adventure-02-4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ilDUfqpeMlg/TnzY7M9ysLI/AAAAAAAAF9s/pv_K52x1lr0/s1600/An+orangutan+monkey+riding+a+bike.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ilDUfqpeMlg/TnzY7M9ysLI/AAAAAAAAF9s/pv_K52x1lr0/s640/An+orangutan+monkey+riding+a+bike.jpeg" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Me! haha</div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04701275786282234068noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6278989047715952807.post-56865647442638226932011-09-21T17:59:00.000-07:002011-09-21T18:16:08.067-07:00September 18th, 19th, 20th, 21st<div style="text-align: center;"><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">With just one day left until I reach my destination of Asheville, North Carolina I would like to remind everyone that you can donate to the Make-A-Wish Foundation by clicking the link on the right side of the page. It is very easy to donate and every little bit helps. You may also choose which chapter you would like to donate to. Thank you all who have donated already, it means a lot to me and it means a lot to the Make-A-Wish Foundation, and most importantly the children who are granted wishes and there families. </span></b></span></span></div><b><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">Thank you, Kevin Citta</span></i></span></span></div></b><br />
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<b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">September 18th</span></span></u></b><br />
Woke up to a nice sunny Sunday and had a delicious breakfast at the Hilton Garden Inn in Gatlinburg, TN. I wasn't much in the mood for going over the mountain pass and had quite a bit I wanted to get done online so I asked the front desk if I could stay one more night. They said it was no problem, thanks Gatlinburg Hilton Garden Inn!!! I met Connie from the Gatlinburg Chamber of Commerce so she could take some photos in front of the hotel. Really nice to meet you Connie, thanks again for everything!!! I spent the rest of the morning and early afternoon at the hotel working on my last blog update and doing some job/home searching in Asheville. Late afternoon I was getting hungry so I took the short walk to the Smoky Mountain Brewery. Both the beer and the food were very tasty! I watched some football, sampled the 9 beers, and ate a Philly cheese steak before heading out. Just a short walk up the street was NOC's Great Outpost, a gigantic outdoors store. I was able to pick up some brake pads and then walked across the street for some groceries before heading back to the hotel. Took a nice nap, did some laundry, and relaxed getting to bed early for tomorrows climb over the mountain.<br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;">http://www.gatlinburg.com/</span></b><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;"><b>http://hiltongardeninn.hilton.com/en/gi/hotels/index.jhtml?ctyhocn=GATGIGI</b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><br />
</span></span></u></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-whW_fq4M6z0/TnkJvAwf-9I/AAAAAAAAF4w/woydmTtQQ1g/s1600/IMG_1782.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-whW_fq4M6z0/TnkJvAwf-9I/AAAAAAAAF4w/woydmTtQQ1g/s640/IMG_1782.JPG" width="520" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Thanks Gatlinburg Chamber of Commerce!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-f5DA1xFC1qI/TnkJ1vZ_jaI/AAAAAAAAF40/e74PFKvE4fY/s1600/IMG_1762.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-f5DA1xFC1qI/TnkJ1vZ_jaI/AAAAAAAAF40/e74PFKvE4fY/s640/IMG_1762.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Thanks Hilton Garden Inn Gatlinburg!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XHzyphtVbmY/TnkKA2TSF0I/AAAAAAAAF48/3XDc_6lU-xU/s1600/IMG_1768.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XHzyphtVbmY/TnkKA2TSF0I/AAAAAAAAF48/3XDc_6lU-xU/s640/IMG_1768.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Nice spot to relax at the Hilton Garden Inn</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Vla6-ckwKE0/TnkKHEC_zTI/AAAAAAAAF5A/xW_LM7U_DlE/s1600/IMG_1776.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Vla6-ckwKE0/TnkKHEC_zTI/AAAAAAAAF5A/xW_LM7U_DlE/s640/IMG_1776.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Smoky Mountain Brewery</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--8hA80WfoyA/TnkKMMhXaSI/AAAAAAAAF5E/p4RW0EWCOCc/s1600/IMG_1771.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--8hA80WfoyA/TnkKMMhXaSI/AAAAAAAAF5E/p4RW0EWCOCc/s640/IMG_1771.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Good beer at the Smoky Mountain Brewery</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: auto;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yD-Xv0G1cXs/TnkKcn9lg3I/AAAAAAAAF5Q/P63PrQo46-E/s1600/IMG_1779.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="466" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yD-Xv0G1cXs/TnkKcn9lg3I/AAAAAAAAF5Q/P63PrQo46-E/s640/IMG_1779.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Ober Gatlinburg aerial tram</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3VEVjkspv-4/TnkKjix9JgI/AAAAAAAAF5U/0SYTZ6tN6cE/s1600/IMG_1787.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3VEVjkspv-4/TnkKjix9JgI/AAAAAAAAF5U/0SYTZ6tN6cE/s640/IMG_1787.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">In room fireplace at the Hilton Garden Inn</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><br />
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</span></span></u></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">September 19th</span></span></u></b><br />
Woke up feeling refreshed and ready to ride! After some tasty coffee and a muffin from the hotel I got packed up and hit the road. Just a mile or so into my ride I came across two bicyclists who also looked like they were on big trips. We talked for a bit and I learned that they had started there ride in Seaside, Oregon and were headed for the South Carolina coast. They had two more people in there group who were just a little bit ahead of us. The group was heading the same way as me so we rode most of the day together. It was fun to be with some fellow bikers! The day started out with a 14 mile climb to Newfound Gap, an elevation of 5,046 feet. We biked the busy road passing through 2 tunnels on a mostly cloudy but very comfortable day. By the time we reached the top of the mountain the sun came out and the view from the top was incredible! A ranger who I had met several days earlier talked with us at the top of the mountain and told us it was one of the clearest days he had seen in a while. Nice! After taking a nice break we headed down the mountain which was incredibly fun!! It was a nice long decent with high speeds and fun curves. The grade was gradual enough that you didn't have to brake or pedal and you could maintain a speed of around 39mph. Fun!! We all rode into the town of Cherokee together and found a campsite along a river. After heading into town for some dinner and picking up some delicious Amish peanut butter we headed back to the campsite for a relaxing night. While sitting around the picnic table a squirrel fell high up from a tree nearly hitting the guy next to me! It bounced and then ran under my tent and stayed there for about ten minutes. Eventually the squirrel poked his/her head out and about 10 minutes later ran away. I felt really bad for the squirrel, it seemed pretty stunned from the big fall. Now that's not something you see every day!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p3Dw_4N4nUE/TnkgOF1OPYI/AAAAAAAAF5c/PZDZTedNxXs/s1600/IMG_1793.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p3Dw_4N4nUE/TnkgOF1OPYI/AAAAAAAAF5c/PZDZTedNxXs/s640/IMG_1793.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Smoky Mountains - living up to it's name</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bnswBqltvuo/Tnkgp_6jctI/AAAAAAAAF5g/0wA35oDw3iw/s1600/IMG_1795.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="312" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bnswBqltvuo/Tnkgp_6jctI/AAAAAAAAF5g/0wA35oDw3iw/s640/IMG_1795.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Starting the climb!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2AVz_VrL0-g/Tnkgxd5rAOI/AAAAAAAAF5k/zYHPWjr1hnQ/s1600/IMG_1797.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="470" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2AVz_VrL0-g/Tnkgxd5rAOI/AAAAAAAAF5k/zYHPWjr1hnQ/s640/IMG_1797.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5ChssEmRIqY/Tnkg1qJu8kI/AAAAAAAAF5o/Un-tTvNL4yI/s1600/IMG_1812.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="328" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5ChssEmRIqY/Tnkg1qJu8kI/AAAAAAAAF5o/Un-tTvNL4yI/s640/IMG_1812.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Tunnel 1</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gpJTsvmmhcA/Tnkg7VNadGI/AAAAAAAAF5w/Shc-CAg8ShE/s1600/IMG_1824.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="388" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gpJTsvmmhcA/Tnkg7VNadGI/AAAAAAAAF5w/Shc-CAg8ShE/s640/IMG_1824.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Road construction near the top of the climb - not too bad</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aR9kFeguqZg/TnkhCjEKIeI/AAAAAAAAF50/ZDMttAYetb8/s1600/IMG_1820.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="370" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aR9kFeguqZg/TnkhCjEKIeI/AAAAAAAAF50/ZDMttAYetb8/s640/IMG_1820.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Tunnel 2</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-q4Uei6K5wWY/TnkhFse5nVI/AAAAAAAAF54/0Evm7ARjHYc/s1600/IMG_1833.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="340" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-q4Uei6K5wWY/TnkhFse5nVI/AAAAAAAAF54/0Evm7ARjHYc/s640/IMG_1833.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SuQNqHcTKX4/TnkhJYkbKSI/AAAAAAAAF58/XX6tGDTA1F0/s1600/IMG_1845.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="468" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SuQNqHcTKX4/TnkhJYkbKSI/AAAAAAAAF58/XX6tGDTA1F0/s640/IMG_1845.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Made it to North Carolina!!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Edj6gTnkAmo/TnkhLkUZnpI/AAAAAAAAF6A/dgsTIYoK1vg/s1600/IMG_1840.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="434" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Edj6gTnkAmo/TnkhLkUZnpI/AAAAAAAAF6A/dgsTIYoK1vg/s640/IMG_1840.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Newfound Gap</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvP4rffGY0AlpIG5_rVRv1mFk2DMZfwqC4oVmKGil0yeoVZH_XPzyLLN0uy2z2kxQjhTviehEGP7g0wNj5mWnEJLmLZSlY062QDRhaZtg1qfKDAaAmoa_QYfmccpCES1p_UfNabel4Q3A/s1600/IMG_1846.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="432" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvP4rffGY0AlpIG5_rVRv1mFk2DMZfwqC4oVmKGil0yeoVZH_XPzyLLN0uy2z2kxQjhTviehEGP7g0wNj5mWnEJLmLZSlY062QDRhaZtg1qfKDAaAmoa_QYfmccpCES1p_UfNabel4Q3A/s640/IMG_1846.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jbAmpnPWGCc/TnkhX6ikaNI/AAAAAAAAF6M/hghzSflEIGk/s1600/IMG_1849.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="372" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jbAmpnPWGCc/TnkhX6ikaNI/AAAAAAAAF6M/hghzSflEIGk/s640/IMG_1849.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Cruising down the mountain!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Hu2tAR9rlos/TnkhcFt1JbI/AAAAAAAAF6Q/MNxLVE0rVs8/s1600/IMG_1859.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="442" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Hu2tAR9rlos/TnkhcFt1JbI/AAAAAAAAF6Q/MNxLVE0rVs8/s640/IMG_1859.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hUCvNoMtzE4/Tnkhfjy7ioI/AAAAAAAAF6Y/vJJk5woqZBQ/s1600/IMG_1860.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="434" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hUCvNoMtzE4/Tnkhfjy7ioI/AAAAAAAAF6Y/vJJk5woqZBQ/s640/IMG_1860.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZATdnjZfBdE/TnkhnbWUA_I/AAAAAAAAF6c/cIxZ1cUnXwA/s1600/IMG_1867.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="502" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZATdnjZfBdE/TnkhnbWUA_I/AAAAAAAAF6c/cIxZ1cUnXwA/s640/IMG_1867.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Cherokee, North Carolina</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIMkwSpgJUZ8OhFXLzCUfbuKctChE4Bo_7uh88EYBQhJ0qtqPihil9EkktdsX2oIZLt5PSdXozCvH7EeaHXxMzD6GhNZTwRwhM5kiSVO1QxnBWJzAx4eOkPUdIjg3GUrqLNJ3WJnMNv2M/s1600/IMG_1869.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIMkwSpgJUZ8OhFXLzCUfbuKctChE4Bo_7uh88EYBQhJ0qtqPihil9EkktdsX2oIZLt5PSdXozCvH7EeaHXxMzD6GhNZTwRwhM5kiSVO1QxnBWJzAx4eOkPUdIjg3GUrqLNJ3WJnMNv2M/s640/IMG_1869.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Boiled Peanuts</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Hjy6o3eCQ1I/Tnkhy4lkZ-I/AAAAAAAAF6k/UQYBwXtRmnA/s1600/IMG_1870.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="458" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Hjy6o3eCQ1I/Tnkhy4lkZ-I/AAAAAAAAF6k/UQYBwXtRmnA/s640/IMG_1870.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The poor squirrel coming out from under my tent</div><b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><br />
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</span></span></u></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">September 20th</span></span></u></b><br />
Woke up to a light rain which eventually passed. I got all packed up and ready to go a little bit before the other bikers so I headed into town to get some coffee. I had hoped to meet back up with everyone but never crossed paths with them and they were headed a different direction further down the road. It was nice to bike with some good people but I was back on my own which is also ok with me. After some tasty coffee I picked up a few supplies and started the days ride. It was overcast but the rain held off making it a pretty decent day for biking. Most of the ride was climbing another large hill nice and slow. Near the top I came across a beautiful waterfall! To get to the bottom of the falls you had to scale a cliff using a rope that someone had put there. It was fun and way worth if for the awesome view of the falls! I passed the famous Blue Ridge Parkway which I plan to bike sometime in the future, maybe this fall or next spring. I had a fun downhill ride into the town of Maggie Valley and then over to Waynesville, NC. I talked with Stephanie and Erika back in Weed and they had been speaking with the Waynesville Chamber of Commerce. Lois at the Waynesville Chamber of Commerce arranged a place for me to stay at the Lake Junaluska Assembly! Thanks Stephanie, Erika, Lois, and the Waynesville Chamber of Commerce!!! I biked a short ways to the Lake Junaluska Assembly and met Christine who arranged a nice room for me at the Lakeside Lodge. Thanks Christine and Lake Junaluska Assembly!!! My room was really nice with plenty of room, wifi, and a nice shower. After getting situated I walked down the street for some delicious fried chicken and sweet tea and then back to the room for the night for some rest and relaxation.<br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;">http://www.haywood-nc.com/</span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;">http://www.lakejunaluska.com/</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iRC4T0W0bFU/TnkokhEThII/AAAAAAAAF6w/lBtMRnzkzK0/s1600/IMG_1882.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iRC4T0W0bFU/TnkokhEThII/AAAAAAAAF6w/lBtMRnzkzK0/s640/IMG_1882.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Misty morning</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AU2ay6eFsrk/Tnkottc01DI/AAAAAAAAF60/5bKLAB268eA/s1600/IMG_1890.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AU2ay6eFsrk/Tnkottc01DI/AAAAAAAAF60/5bKLAB268eA/s640/IMG_1890.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LaTrPjVObzg/TnkozgYnE1I/AAAAAAAAF68/hf7a4sdollc/s1600/IMG_1891.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="402" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LaTrPjVObzg/TnkozgYnE1I/AAAAAAAAF68/hf7a4sdollc/s640/IMG_1891.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q81fc6-JHRI/TnkpDvhTrJI/AAAAAAAAF7A/yfzV5046Je0/s1600/IMG_1904.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q81fc6-JHRI/TnkpDvhTrJI/AAAAAAAAF7A/yfzV5046Je0/s640/IMG_1904.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Soco Falls</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Jb-3o2onCKY/TnkpS27XXZI/AAAAAAAAF7E/3lfuEHnBa5o/s1600/IMG_1910.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Jb-3o2onCKY/TnkpS27XXZI/AAAAAAAAF7E/3lfuEHnBa5o/s640/IMG_1910.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIiFeO6ATbnTGhGDsoRucucsHrz_Mug5fxv4_Sei-ECKMemm1Kvf4q3K58m6Q2ItPDB-cSbijA9KI63YuOpanECRx58-75fkM9l7vTDykGxbYXx1sSf2MBVPTyGX9IPhtV4RYcBju5k2s/s1600/IMG_1918.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIiFeO6ATbnTGhGDsoRucucsHrz_Mug5fxv4_Sei-ECKMemm1Kvf4q3K58m6Q2ItPDB-cSbijA9KI63YuOpanECRx58-75fkM9l7vTDykGxbYXx1sSf2MBVPTyGX9IPhtV4RYcBju5k2s/s640/IMG_1918.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4QF_aJHhFpo/TnkptPn3-DI/AAAAAAAAF7Q/9tdruZKIctE/s1600/IMG_1919.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4QF_aJHhFpo/TnkptPn3-DI/AAAAAAAAF7Q/9tdruZKIctE/s640/IMG_1919.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Wasn't easy getting to the bottom of the falls but I had to do it!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_AdQCWwYEH4/Tnkp1JnHEmI/AAAAAAAAF7U/oAK2DEP3KBU/s1600/IMG_1930.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="372" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_AdQCWwYEH4/Tnkp1JnHEmI/AAAAAAAAF7U/oAK2DEP3KBU/s640/IMG_1930.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8LxG2AhfiHU/Tnkp-NsO22I/AAAAAAAAF7c/OQhSYeQqI6I/s1600/IMG_1938.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8LxG2AhfiHU/Tnkp-NsO22I/AAAAAAAAF7c/OQhSYeQqI6I/s640/IMG_1938.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilfWJRvZ_JfC8IVIXB35Rt33Q7kpC08MpbaRlf5RgqDKC9EehRMK63bZrOJ76VQTph7S-EODNX5Qq3x5sqyKF_gIikn5dWSR7GjgWtE_8nVWhlLVAEj9okaysmsuDKrRJMkFtanjyTRUQ/s1600/IMG_1944.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilfWJRvZ_JfC8IVIXB35Rt33Q7kpC08MpbaRlf5RgqDKC9EehRMK63bZrOJ76VQTph7S-EODNX5Qq3x5sqyKF_gIikn5dWSR7GjgWtE_8nVWhlLVAEj9okaysmsuDKrRJMkFtanjyTRUQ/s640/IMG_1944.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Maggie Valley, NC</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6ArheFS0zCw9msX6QEEacviRl-EP7Xt3a91lIaMTwVrFVu43ey5uQtoy7fwZADJ6KJV8uBpX4z11Ns2lfo7sVL6KP1v2h1GDgpydoJ-Q75SQsmL0vbgUA8YYHphMk3Mcsdl8gpw-qP2o/s1600/IMG_1962.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6ArheFS0zCw9msX6QEEacviRl-EP7Xt3a91lIaMTwVrFVu43ey5uQtoy7fwZADJ6KJV8uBpX4z11Ns2lfo7sVL6KP1v2h1GDgpydoJ-Q75SQsmL0vbgUA8YYHphMk3Mcsdl8gpw-qP2o/s640/IMG_1962.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Thanks Lake Junaluska Assembly!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ROZDsMHy9oI/TnkqNrNVnkI/AAAAAAAAF7k/3_0pMuuC3ls/s1600/IMG_1949.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ROZDsMHy9oI/TnkqNrNVnkI/AAAAAAAAF7k/3_0pMuuC3ls/s640/IMG_1949.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Cozy room</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UaYTTRbIKIo/TnpRXx2yFjI/AAAAAAAAF7w/d-20tr8aHpg/s1600/IMG_1955.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="382" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UaYTTRbIKIo/TnpRXx2yFjI/AAAAAAAAF7w/d-20tr8aHpg/s640/IMG_1955.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Beautiful country</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">September 21st</span></span></u></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Woke up to a rainy day and was offered another night at Lake Junaluska as well as lunch and dinner. That sounded much better to me than a rainy ride into Asheville and it would give me more time to get online and look for jobs so I decided to stay one more day. The buffet lunch at the historic Lambuth Inn at Lake Junaluska was delicious! After lunch I took a nice hike around the lake and then headed back to my room to get online. Spent the day looking for jobs, working on my resume, and looking for places to stay in Asheville. It is a strange feeling coming to the end of such a big trip and starting another chapter in life. I headed back up to the Lambuth Inn for a delicious dinner and took another hike along the lake. Spent the evening in the room doing more Asheville research and catching up on things. Tomorrow I ride into Asheville!!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></u></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uk-J6RVcHEs/TnpUzOvS7iI/AAAAAAAAF70/TQBu8KV9JUI/s1600/IMG_1957.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uk-J6RVcHEs/TnpUzOvS7iI/AAAAAAAAF70/TQBu8KV9JUI/s640/IMG_1957.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Lake Junaluska</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VZemq-icJoE/TnpU3nADUhI/AAAAAAAAF74/QGMD6zexUPY/s1600/IMG_1958.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VZemq-icJoE/TnpU3nADUhI/AAAAAAAAF74/QGMD6zexUPY/s640/IMG_1958.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-12XQHK0bXuQ/TnpVCEfqBmI/AAAAAAAAF8A/4dbEpIKelXs/s1600/IMG_1967.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-12XQHK0bXuQ/TnpVCEfqBmI/AAAAAAAAF8A/4dbEpIKelXs/s640/IMG_1967.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1tA_qScIcWA/TnpVIjergSI/AAAAAAAAF8E/7mD1idjPGwc/s1600/IMG_1972.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1tA_qScIcWA/TnpVIjergSI/AAAAAAAAF8E/7mD1idjPGwc/s640/IMG_1972.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Wiyz2TmRUYg/TnpVVSsMDQI/AAAAAAAAF8I/Ds7IAjacs9w/s1600/IMG_1983.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Wiyz2TmRUYg/TnpVVSsMDQI/AAAAAAAAF8I/Ds7IAjacs9w/s640/IMG_1983.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRxOIwedprRRqdT9hD7IfG3f2FRw9lRJRc5YVbuYSRLlbqlO4081dbmuUAbsd27L8PuojJ6oxRAt_CwrHX_Dzr7ukfzO3zV5k8apK4pntfcnhE2ej8srGBG8Z0l-AkUaIxAMbKLT5HASM/s1600/IMG_1987.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="348" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRxOIwedprRRqdT9hD7IfG3f2FRw9lRJRc5YVbuYSRLlbqlO4081dbmuUAbsd27L8PuojJ6oxRAt_CwrHX_Dzr7ukfzO3zV5k8apK4pntfcnhE2ej8srGBG8Z0l-AkUaIxAMbKLT5HASM/s640/IMG_1987.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wERJQ9x_CC4/TnpVhUxlFDI/AAAAAAAAF8Q/gmlW6_Xswqs/s1600/IMG_1978.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wERJQ9x_CC4/TnpVhUxlFDI/AAAAAAAAF8Q/gmlW6_Xswqs/s640/IMG_1978.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2YyBhYvkrgM/TnpVnw5hMsI/AAAAAAAAF8U/zKyyoFbJF-4/s1600/IMG_1991.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2YyBhYvkrgM/TnpVnw5hMsI/AAAAAAAAF8U/zKyyoFbJF-4/s640/IMG_1991.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LHPnC7aqNGw/TnpVvuQWPOI/AAAAAAAAF8Y/XX6RgEEJclA/s1600/IMG_1986.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LHPnC7aqNGw/TnpVvuQWPOI/AAAAAAAAF8Y/XX6RgEEJclA/s640/IMG_1986.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></u></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-31pneFZCd7Y/Tnp0IMvQtfI/AAAAAAAAF8g/_gj0cg_q5iA/s1600/IMG_2003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-31pneFZCd7Y/Tnp0IMvQtfI/AAAAAAAAF8g/_gj0cg_q5iA/s640/IMG_2003.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IDbKvXQCLrw/Tnp04GtOH3I/AAAAAAAAF8o/1rI9GY_g47M/s1600/IMG_2010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IDbKvXQCLrw/Tnp04GtOH3I/AAAAAAAAF8o/1rI9GY_g47M/s640/IMG_2010.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><u><br />
</u></b></span></span></div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04701275786282234068noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6278989047715952807.post-36068220028977044552011-09-18T18:46:00.000-07:002011-09-18T18:46:00.139-07:00September 15th, 16th, 17th<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">With just a few days until I reach my destination of Asheville, North Carolina I would like to remind everyone that you can donate to the Make-A-Wish Foundation by clicking the link on the right side of the page. It is very easy to donate and every little bit helps. You may also choose which chapter you would like to donate to. Thank you all who have donated already, it means a lot to me and it means a lot to the Make-A-Wish Foundation, and most importantly the children who are granted wishes and there families. </span></span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>Thank you, Kevin Citta</i></span></span></b><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">September 15th</span></span></u></b><br />
I awoke to a light rain and packed up my stuff at the campsite. I backtracked a little bit to get to an observation tower with panoramic views of the Smokeys. During the short hike the rain let up and I was got a pretty nice view of the Smokey Mountains. I then got a nice downhill ride in some light rain and fog and passed several turkeys on the road. Within 2 hours I was in the town of Townsend, TN and found a place called the Back Porch Restaurant where I stopped for some lunch. The food was great and all of the staff very friendly. After lunch I hung out on the porch with a bunch of kind folks from the area for a couple of hours. Everyone was very friendly and fun! It was nice to chill and relax on the porch while the rain came down. After saying goodbye to some new friends in Townsend I headed further into town on a really nice bike trail. I stopped at the visitor center in town which had a really nice selection of books and gifts. I used the wifi and contacted the Weed Chamber of Commerce about staying in Townsend for the night. My original plan was to bike into the park and camp but the weather was pretty nasty and visibility was bad on the roads. Within minutes Erika at the Weed Chamber contacted me letting me know that the Highland Manor Inn had offered me a room for the evening. Thanks Highland Motor Inn!!! It was great to get out of the rain and into a nice cozy room. I spent the rest of the afternoon/evening working on my previous blog update, eating ice cream, and watched a little TV which I haven't done in quite some time.<br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;">http://www.highlandmanor.com/m/index.php</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><br />
</span></span></u></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-n6yYh2wJqO0/TnX8JLVHIFI/AAAAAAAAFzA/6lLVM_SPQlM/s1600/IMG_1290.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-n6yYh2wJqO0/TnX8JLVHIFI/AAAAAAAAFzA/6lLVM_SPQlM/s640/IMG_1290.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Smokey Mountain observation tower</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5ZNyQscUX2A/TnX8iYsUUOI/AAAAAAAAFzI/WYAPflErKww/s1600/IMG_1311.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="442" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5ZNyQscUX2A/TnX8iYsUUOI/AAAAAAAAFzI/WYAPflErKww/s640/IMG_1311.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dSmczKqUR_A/TnX-W8g3vJI/AAAAAAAAFzc/10tPScvry1U/s1600/IMG_1320.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="336" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dSmczKqUR_A/TnX-W8g3vJI/AAAAAAAAFzc/10tPScvry1U/s640/IMG_1320.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Turkey!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pWXVyy1oRzk/TnX-saB8urI/AAAAAAAAFzg/mZPbQOehHaQ/s1600/IMG_1330.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="304" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pWXVyy1oRzk/TnX-saB8urI/AAAAAAAAFzg/mZPbQOehHaQ/s640/IMG_1330.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_4rrgrPX2zc/TnX_Giy0E1I/AAAAAAAAFzk/EU1QVKLB7bA/s1600/IMG_1336.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="358" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_4rrgrPX2zc/TnX_Giy0E1I/AAAAAAAAFzk/EU1QVKLB7bA/s640/IMG_1336.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Great Food, Great People</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-I0vi1_ZiHeE/TnX_vWqEOfI/AAAAAAAAFzo/KBWy98yvvnU/s1600/IMG_1335.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-I0vi1_ZiHeE/TnX_vWqEOfI/AAAAAAAAFzo/KBWy98yvvnU/s640/IMG_1335.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Cory, Jack, Aaron, and Me - nice to meet you guys!!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYlRB7-8x2Eoyk0GEmfKtzX3pb1E4n3RmBEeVk0NoPYSuLY38cCrYqg607cE6y0wV1GuK8M9ZgecJMFxEKczAZEOuL4kOq9fa3KYoX6UsvIXQ5WG1_PtQaxGbRoXXf9A1VI9oaYsqyjpU/s1600/IMG_1341.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="326" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYlRB7-8x2Eoyk0GEmfKtzX3pb1E4n3RmBEeVk0NoPYSuLY38cCrYqg607cE6y0wV1GuK8M9ZgecJMFxEKczAZEOuL4kOq9fa3KYoX6UsvIXQ5WG1_PtQaxGbRoXXf9A1VI9oaYsqyjpU/s640/IMG_1341.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Townsend, TN</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0mfwX31sCK0/TnYAZjnqE9I/AAAAAAAAFz0/AJQ1J7Ehtq0/s1600/IMG_1363.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="542" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0mfwX31sCK0/TnYAZjnqE9I/AAAAAAAAFz0/AJQ1J7Ehtq0/s640/IMG_1363.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Awesome visitor center</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Xg4fiKwOeOw/TnYA9gl9efI/AAAAAAAAFz4/X5tgEzOdgIg/s1600/IMG_1343.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Xg4fiKwOeOw/TnYA9gl9efI/AAAAAAAAFz4/X5tgEzOdgIg/s640/IMG_1343.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Yum! Thanks for the chocolate money Jefferson Backroads!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yG1HRZHnc0Y/TnYBhaCHE2I/AAAAAAAAFz8/rwhyPhm1s5E/s1600/IMG_1355.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="432" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yG1HRZHnc0Y/TnYBhaCHE2I/AAAAAAAAFz8/rwhyPhm1s5E/s640/IMG_1355.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Thanks Highland Manor Inn!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ef03r4CwYSA/TnYCbHKzs4I/AAAAAAAAF0E/XmbA2u644LQ/s1600/IMG_1358.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="318" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ef03r4CwYSA/TnYCbHKzs4I/AAAAAAAAF0E/XmbA2u644LQ/s640/IMG_1358.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QopBhI1yDAY/TnYDPD1z1TI/AAAAAAAAF0I/IIFSVMycKdw/s1600/IMG_1351.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="438" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QopBhI1yDAY/TnYDPD1z1TI/AAAAAAAAF0I/IIFSVMycKdw/s640/IMG_1351.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ks7xk4EbXsQ/TnYD0MNVwUI/AAAAAAAAF0M/j_tXKgpAq-A/s1600/IMG_1347.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ks7xk4EbXsQ/TnYD0MNVwUI/AAAAAAAAF0M/j_tXKgpAq-A/s640/IMG_1347.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Happy to be indoors!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><br />
</span></span></u></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><br />
</span></span></u></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">September 16th</span></span></u></b></div><div style="text-align: center;">Today started with some delicious coffee and muffins at the Highland Manor Inn. The weather was much better than yesterday and I was excited to bike into the park. I put on some tunes, cleaned up my bike, and patched another tube before starting the days ride. After a stop at the dollar store and local coffee shop I biked into Smokey Mountain National Park. The road was pretty dangerous for bicycling but the ride was so scenic and beautiful! I followed the river all day taking many breaks to hike and take pictures. I had a short ride to the Elkmont campground and took my time getting there. I found many awesome spots to relax riverside with no other people. One of the benefits of bicycle touring is you can stop where the cars can't. Throughout the day I met all kinds of nice people who were interested in what I was doing. I gave away my 500th business card today advertising my blog! I arrived to the Elkmont campground in the evening and got a nice campsite. I met my neighbor who was getting ready to take a week long hike on the Appalachian Trail. After sunset I spent the rest of the night going through photos and went to sleep early.<br />
<b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><br />
</span></span></u></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QaesqVITsWg/TnYF6YOITPI/AAAAAAAAF0U/soWKWLaYtMw/s1600/IMG_1365.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="380" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QaesqVITsWg/TnYF6YOITPI/AAAAAAAAF0U/soWKWLaYtMw/s640/IMG_1365.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">America's most visited National Park</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ct3CBfYFKFg/TnYGz7Su6dI/AAAAAAAAF0Y/b__mK8Gk9cA/s1600/IMG_1368.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ct3CBfYFKFg/TnYGz7Su6dI/AAAAAAAAF0Y/b__mK8Gk9cA/s640/IMG_1368.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">First river break</div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UneM90Xsp1E/TnYKyezvnYI/AAAAAAAAF00/oQm6ppANDA0/s1600/IMG_1416.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UneM90Xsp1E/TnYKyezvnYI/AAAAAAAAF00/oQm6ppANDA0/s640/IMG_1416.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Leaves under the crystal clear water</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3CXpWC899z0/TnYLgEkT7BI/AAAAAAAAF04/dg4xQL85PuM/s1600/IMG_1436.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3CXpWC899z0/TnYLgEkT7BI/AAAAAAAAF04/dg4xQL85PuM/s640/IMG_1436.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7daV_vSUEwk/TnYMij9MykI/AAAAAAAAF08/FaWQnE8mVU8/s1600/IMG_1451.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7daV_vSUEwk/TnYMij9MykI/AAAAAAAAF08/FaWQnE8mVU8/s640/IMG_1451.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Fall is approaching</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1X3RnrUaHGA/TnYNiXP2e3I/AAAAAAAAF1E/jNdTPMd6vUg/s1600/IMG_1481.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1X3RnrUaHGA/TnYNiXP2e3I/AAAAAAAAF1E/jNdTPMd6vUg/s640/IMG_1481.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jrMQ0X-lePc/TnYQeST7sXI/AAAAAAAAF1c/Nacy-AJmumQ/s1600/IMG_1522.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="462" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jrMQ0X-lePc/TnYQeST7sXI/AAAAAAAAF1c/Nacy-AJmumQ/s640/IMG_1522.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-J8ePFmlQC20/TnYRbGhXHoI/AAAAAAAAF1k/sbUjiJl7onw/s1600/IMG_1511.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-J8ePFmlQC20/TnYRbGhXHoI/AAAAAAAAF1k/sbUjiJl7onw/s640/IMG_1511.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Reflections</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pELjMPgjzQE/TnYSnR8GDiI/AAAAAAAAF1o/4z92a9yoESM/s1600/IMG_1513.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="394" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pELjMPgjzQE/TnYSnR8GDiI/AAAAAAAAF1o/4z92a9yoESM/s640/IMG_1513.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1DqijOzfr4E/TnYUJ9XKv0I/AAAAAAAAF10/3vUnJx4un68/s1600/IMG_1557.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1DqijOzfr4E/TnYUJ9XKv0I/AAAAAAAAF10/3vUnJx4un68/s640/IMG_1557.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><br />
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</span></span></u></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">September 17th</span></span></u></b><br />
Today I didn't wake up until 10:30, I slept around 13 hours in my tent without waking up once! I guess I needed the sleep. After getting my food out of the bear box I stopped at the campground vending machines for a vanilla late. Nice luxury for a campground! Todays ride was in the National Park and was quite short and mostly downhill. I made a stop at the Sugarlands Visitor Center where I met more nice folks. From there I biked into the city of Gatlinburg, TN. Gatlinburg is a major city for tourism and has all kinds of fun things to do for all ages. The Gatlinburg Chamber of Commerce arranged a room for me at the Hilton Garden Inn and dinner at Bubba Gump Shrimp Company! When I arrived to the very awesome Hilton Garden Inn I was given a gift bag from the Gatlinburg Chamber of Commerce. Inside was a really nice Great Smoky Mountains t-shirt, a keychain, chapstick, water bottle, and a VIP gift certificate for Ober Gatlinburg! Thank you so much Gatlinburg Chamber of Commerce!!! I checked into my awesome room with a fireplace and super comfy bed! The photography in the room was really good and the room was very cozy. Thank you Hilton Garden Inn!!! After a shower I was off to Ober Gatlinburg to use my VIP pass! It was just a short walk and I then boarded the Aerial Tramway which took us 2 miles up to the resort. The view of the Smoky Mountains and Gatlinburg was awesome as we went up! At the resort there is all kinds of fun things to do and places to eat and drink. There is ice skating, water slides, mini golf, a maze, alpine slide, and more. I took the chairlift up to the alpine slide and cruised down the mountain, so much fun!! Next I took the chairlift to the top of Mt, Harrison where I was treated to some excellent live Bluegrass! The band was really good and they invited a little boy up to the stage to sing a song. Everybody was cracking up as the kid sang over and over again "tonights going to be a good night, a really really good night, ooooh ohhhh ohhhh" haha, it was too funny! He was right though, it was really good night! I took the chairlift back down to the resort and visited the black bear habitat. The bears were born in captivity and could not survive in the wild and were placed here by the University of Tennessee to assure there health and wellbeing. I walked around for a bit observing the animals before taking the aerial tram back to Gatlinburg. Thanks Ober Gatlinburg, I had a blast!!! When I got back I was getting pretty hungry and headed over to Bubba Gump Shrimp Company for dinner. I was given a table on the balcony overlooking the packed streets of Gatlinburg. My fish and chips dinner was delicious and all of the staff was very friendly. Thanks Bubba Gump Shrimp Company!!! After dinner I walked across the street to Tennessee's first legal Moonshine Distillery, Ole Smoky Moonshine. There was another good bluegrass band playing outside the distillery and I joined the thirsty tourists for free moonshine samples. All of it was really good and I think my favorite was either the White Lighnin' or the Peach. Next door was free wine samplings by Bootleggers Wine. Most of the wine was pretty sweet but they were all tasty! After listening to the band for a bit I headed back to the room to get some sleep. What a fun filled day/night! Thanks again to Gatlinburg Chamber of Commerce, Hilton Garden Inn, Ober Gatlinburg, and Bubba Gump Shrimp Company!!!<br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;">http://www.gatlinburg.com</span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;">http://hiltongardeninn.hilton.com/en/gi/hotels/index.jhtml?ctyhocn=GATGIGI</span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;">http://www.obergatlinburg.com/</span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;">http://www.bubbagump.com/locations/gatlinburg/</span></b><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-z7Pykuw-5J0/TnYx9PTyUII/AAAAAAAAF2A/13w3TuI6Z_o/s1600/IMG_1572.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="384" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-z7Pykuw-5J0/TnYx9PTyUII/AAAAAAAAF2A/13w3TuI6Z_o/s640/IMG_1572.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Not too late to donate to the Make-A-Wish Foundation!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">( every dollar helps! )</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-g8X8ZZCWKPw/TnYyqAZ8Q0I/AAAAAAAAF2I/0T8hfth6xcU/s1600/IMG_1568.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-g8X8ZZCWKPw/TnYyqAZ8Q0I/AAAAAAAAF2I/0T8hfth6xcU/s640/IMG_1568.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qmi4jChHEwk/TnYzRz4OnHI/AAAAAAAAF2M/kCosUP7MdSo/s1600/IMG_1573.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qmi4jChHEwk/TnYzRz4OnHI/AAAAAAAAF2M/kCosUP7MdSo/s640/IMG_1573.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Bicycling through Gatlinburg</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">( I was looking back at a red light, not in the wrong lane, haha )</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LY-da4V5PJU/TnYzx3VKKBI/AAAAAAAAF2Q/oI-iIdhuHYI/s1600/IMG_1584.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LY-da4V5PJU/TnYzx3VKKBI/AAAAAAAAF2Q/oI-iIdhuHYI/s640/IMG_1584.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The very awesome Hilton Garden Inn Gatlinburg</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY6-P9CNVSqhP40Z-s_CHCIHPmwECaOHXt4jSDUk2Vk0kcBR4ucPrXkIJLbxuSZCzxPDS96Y606fQip3ZeA3kxh6uKSVP2fXp8AKfCHgXWC5vIUHTXTEld-Sufv_altKkalImnxnLcDjs/s1600/IMG_1582.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="408" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY6-P9CNVSqhP40Z-s_CHCIHPmwECaOHXt4jSDUk2Vk0kcBR4ucPrXkIJLbxuSZCzxPDS96Y606fQip3ZeA3kxh6uKSVP2fXp8AKfCHgXWC5vIUHTXTEld-Sufv_altKkalImnxnLcDjs/s640/IMG_1582.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Thanks Hilton Garden Inn Gatlinburg!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-n6ZE-HVlFQA/TnY02dLqb7I/AAAAAAAAF2c/rE8Otm-tdMo/s1600/IMG_1575.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-n6ZE-HVlFQA/TnY02dLqb7I/AAAAAAAAF2c/rE8Otm-tdMo/s640/IMG_1575.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Very cozy room!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZEw8DXh_86g/TnY1iO0zO6I/AAAAAAAAF2g/S87n6GJpBPY/s1600/IMG_1589.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="448" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZEw8DXh_86g/TnY1iO0zO6I/AAAAAAAAF2g/S87n6GJpBPY/s640/IMG_1589.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Thanks for the awesome gifts Gatlinburg Chamber of Commerce!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eHHvsrJrtIM/TnY2WbLGgAI/AAAAAAAAF2o/RNgBMXV5TI0/s1600/IMG_1592.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eHHvsrJrtIM/TnY2WbLGgAI/AAAAAAAAF2o/RNgBMXV5TI0/s640/IMG_1592.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The river just outside the Hilton Garden Inn</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4GQ4AJyiLGw/TnY22OcSx6I/AAAAAAAAF2s/UAAxfGHUTY8/s1600/IMG_1602.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4GQ4AJyiLGw/TnY22OcSx6I/AAAAAAAAF2s/UAAxfGHUTY8/s640/IMG_1602.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Thanks Ober Gatlinburg!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-m1YixCFdDbk/TnY3X74aWYI/AAAAAAAAF2w/750GsSAy2lQ/s1600/IMG_1726.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-m1YixCFdDbk/TnY3X74aWYI/AAAAAAAAF2w/750GsSAy2lQ/s640/IMG_1726.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The Aeriel Tram</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-L0ni5_I7C-w/TnY33jwO4tI/AAAAAAAAF24/HPtVw6JCOOc/s1600/IMG_1605.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-L0ni5_I7C-w/TnY33jwO4tI/AAAAAAAAF24/HPtVw6JCOOc/s640/IMG_1605.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">View from the tram</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9zLe1BCeFkidE2T9zDMJZ6MHclVakItkM2odM67Pc1b_yMw0_MHUUU8vhRbIdQTinGaup3XlbZCsqpm4c6tROhMR69TMWLReP9-CrFcwCIZAFU-d-V5akeJxc5GOdTpfkrike1SWZ5VI/s1600/IMG_1613.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9zLe1BCeFkidE2T9zDMJZ6MHclVakItkM2odM67Pc1b_yMw0_MHUUU8vhRbIdQTinGaup3XlbZCsqpm4c6tROhMR69TMWLReP9-CrFcwCIZAFU-d-V5akeJxc5GOdTpfkrike1SWZ5VI/s640/IMG_1613.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PBXi92S-NIw/TnY43iLiiAI/AAAAAAAAF3A/oKgXw8U8ie8/s1600/IMG_1621.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="446" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PBXi92S-NIw/TnY43iLiiAI/AAAAAAAAF3A/oKgXw8U8ie8/s640/IMG_1621.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">1/2 way up to the resort</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qJdpZ_p1VNw/TnY5cXeUokI/AAAAAAAAF3E/sY8zhFm6KdU/s1600/IMG_1642.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qJdpZ_p1VNw/TnY5cXeUokI/AAAAAAAAF3E/sY8zhFm6KdU/s640/IMG_1642.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Taking the chairlift up</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB9aAr57vI5anOXcW3Osbq5fDjT600wm6VTq_Eg6ez0ND0X-bAorcsPCIjbhJ_d0q-M13ZMUuh3Q0JzC_VWizYTTOhi2a79tAdcWyN1FJiU1WKPvXLg_zhbWn533sDSTrPkKboGtm7dKU/s1600/IMG_1725.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB9aAr57vI5anOXcW3Osbq5fDjT600wm6VTq_Eg6ez0ND0X-bAorcsPCIjbhJ_d0q-M13ZMUuh3Q0JzC_VWizYTTOhi2a79tAdcWyN1FJiU1WKPvXLg_zhbWn533sDSTrPkKboGtm7dKU/s640/IMG_1725.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Alpine Slide - so much fun!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvtLOG6mymwwoNvCnvLcnC36AxBRbrzMxceySHJtK7RjHhKrHgcBj3wzt1VBlzK-3q_WSZ7XSHR4dyq2RlX-rsxCIUyA29-0vMyKjxjKJf56eBaMNu3DU_LotlJryPeeFnZV36wAMfYFQ/s1600/IMG_1646.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvtLOG6mymwwoNvCnvLcnC36AxBRbrzMxceySHJtK7RjHhKrHgcBj3wzt1VBlzK-3q_WSZ7XSHR4dyq2RlX-rsxCIUyA29-0vMyKjxjKJf56eBaMNu3DU_LotlJryPeeFnZV36wAMfYFQ/s640/IMG_1646.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HUoaCqMaJfY/TnY7etDnltI/AAAAAAAAF3U/Eq3jKKZDo30/s1600/IMG_1649.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HUoaCqMaJfY/TnY7etDnltI/AAAAAAAAF3U/Eq3jKKZDo30/s640/IMG_1649.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aDchtuu_uQg/TnY78cHjclI/AAAAAAAAF3c/5hPUOPuDxfw/s1600/IMG_1650.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aDchtuu_uQg/TnY78cHjclI/AAAAAAAAF3c/5hPUOPuDxfw/s640/IMG_1650.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">High up on the chairlift</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RItlm9ckEwk/TnY8-OcP4CI/AAAAAAAAF3g/JqH6ha5NCVU/s1600/IMG_1664.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RItlm9ckEwk/TnY8-OcP4CI/AAAAAAAAF3g/JqH6ha5NCVU/s640/IMG_1664.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">View from Mt. Harrison</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMKFC_rOcBoVo0GkoDLVveMBGCO02InYQVlW4HVDOMnDqpeiiZSG68NpEuT8gMnEImxIW0pJ7JdQIGUzJpobaiuZXPRFHYQbWI-xCe0Cqt8-8Zv9ZtEKqfx04kTWZtgDHbh1mXsszf2jg/s1600/IMG_1673.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMKFC_rOcBoVo0GkoDLVveMBGCO02InYQVlW4HVDOMnDqpeiiZSG68NpEuT8gMnEImxIW0pJ7JdQIGUzJpobaiuZXPRFHYQbWI-xCe0Cqt8-8Zv9ZtEKqfx04kTWZtgDHbh1mXsszf2jg/s640/IMG_1673.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Some great Bluegrass on top of the moutain</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4R6D_G0egezsJq2Bn0JCSwVexi3DWg_Wvu-jeOc3bgdRQCDF0BTdYVW5t7Upc75HykwMWQk0zF0lHWjkCWQAZRP_cwqs4jfF0j1pvSprjkp7JtZ0cSOOYJ85GHsiZGfcnkBHSw9fJZuE/s1600/IMG_1686.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4R6D_G0egezsJq2Bn0JCSwVexi3DWg_Wvu-jeOc3bgdRQCDF0BTdYVW5t7Upc75HykwMWQk0zF0lHWjkCWQAZRP_cwqs4jfF0j1pvSprjkp7JtZ0cSOOYJ85GHsiZGfcnkBHSw9fJZuE/s640/IMG_1686.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Black Bear Habitat</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EoG1jPmQrX0/TnY-wyc7A_I/AAAAAAAAF3w/3epMx33uUr4/s1600/IMG_1692.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EoG1jPmQrX0/TnY-wyc7A_I/AAAAAAAAF3w/3epMx33uUr4/s640/IMG_1692.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzFgFkUfpSw85rcANjcBjN78-MpoRtn8_CWFCPwqoQEyIM2AXZZjpXjgt9R53oPJwIeJLNXF4ZHSz25q7BIbXXYMR6PA_7YZK562lQQV35X8x-Ts_tq9_0NrSO9FcbRSDhkPgV06tIp0E/s1600/IMG_1712.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzFgFkUfpSw85rcANjcBjN78-MpoRtn8_CWFCPwqoQEyIM2AXZZjpXjgt9R53oPJwIeJLNXF4ZHSz25q7BIbXXYMR6PA_7YZK562lQQV35X8x-Ts_tq9_0NrSO9FcbRSDhkPgV06tIp0E/s640/IMG_1712.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Snapping Turtle</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MJUajHqm7qs/TnZAa9ZPd_I/AAAAAAAAF34/LdsFK1xOFzM/s1600/IMG_1729.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="476" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MJUajHqm7qs/TnZAa9ZPd_I/AAAAAAAAF34/LdsFK1xOFzM/s640/IMG_1729.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Thanks Bubba Gump Shrimp Company!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nlqwYm1TKjc/TnZBDzOxuTI/AAAAAAAAF4A/iGEKCTwrLjA/s1600/IMG_1732.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nlqwYm1TKjc/TnZBDzOxuTI/AAAAAAAAF4A/iGEKCTwrLjA/s640/IMG_1732.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I get compared to Forrest Gump often on the road!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1PByQlmqX2s/TnZB8SAi2gI/AAAAAAAAF4E/P-v8nQlhoY8/s1600/IMG_1736.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1PByQlmqX2s/TnZB8SAi2gI/AAAAAAAAF4E/P-v8nQlhoY8/s640/IMG_1736.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Ice cold beer to go with my delicious fish n' chips</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-h81dECxhpTI/TnZCfic_uoI/AAAAAAAAF4I/STY7foneXqY/s1600/IMG_1750.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-h81dECxhpTI/TnZCfic_uoI/AAAAAAAAF4I/STY7foneXqY/s640/IMG_1750.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Free samples!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0iFEXu9oDSU/TnZDM5aa-8I/AAAAAAAAF4Q/KXqh5zDV_uY/s1600/IMG_1747.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0iFEXu9oDSU/TnZDM5aa-8I/AAAAAAAAF4Q/KXqh5zDV_uY/s640/IMG_1747.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Fermenting moonshine</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SpOznoppupo/TnZD3vi4XXI/AAAAAAAAF4U/josAvDAC-Kc/s1600/IMG_1742.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SpOznoppupo/TnZD3vi4XXI/AAAAAAAAF4U/josAvDAC-Kc/s640/IMG_1742.jpg" width="480" /></a></div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04701275786282234068noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6278989047715952807.post-84798074895116971232011-09-16T08:43:00.000-07:002011-09-16T08:43:16.152-07:00September 13th, 14th<div style="text-align: center;">I lost a portion of my photos from Fall Creek Falls State Park but when uploading my photos recently some of them re-appeared. Here are a few photos from Cane Creek Falls. Unfortunately my pictures of Fall Creek Falls did not re-appear.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yxUR2LddgVk/TnKQZHRrNkI/AAAAAAAAFuM/uUmkOJMnHSM/s1600/IMG_0896.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yxUR2LddgVk/TnKQZHRrNkI/AAAAAAAAFuM/uUmkOJMnHSM/s640/IMG_0896.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLf6loMLJpznfRON7UzQ_ma23lsDo0vt2bCHg_dmsOsL1FotKBfhX2c3dxtJo-WrVfr4DQ0uI2MKLHcpRrLDOcyYZwpAFcQwPbGpMZ62ATFSu9nedlWlv4cOEUOaHF1f0Ev7yG_8qS_RM/s1600/IMG_0900.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLf6loMLJpznfRON7UzQ_ma23lsDo0vt2bCHg_dmsOsL1FotKBfhX2c3dxtJo-WrVfr4DQ0uI2MKLHcpRrLDOcyYZwpAFcQwPbGpMZ62ATFSu9nedlWlv4cOEUOaHF1f0Ev7yG_8qS_RM/s640/IMG_0900.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--d1LPpMtJeA/TnKRBMlRj1I/AAAAAAAAFuY/-Oa6ic1TSaU/s1600/IMG_0909.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--d1LPpMtJeA/TnKRBMlRj1I/AAAAAAAAFuY/-Oa6ic1TSaU/s640/IMG_0909.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tUpgYXe_9fY/TnKRWbqWQLI/AAAAAAAAFuc/DHYonu8LuyU/s1600/IMG_0916.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="564" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tUpgYXe_9fY/TnKRWbqWQLI/AAAAAAAAFuc/DHYonu8LuyU/s640/IMG_0916.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">September 13th</span></span></u></b><br />
I awoke to a foggy morning and got all packed up and left the church lawn. I headed back into the center of Pikeville and got some breakfast at a cafe. The ride started out really foggy but as I climbed up the mountain out of Pikeville I got above the fog and had some incredible views! It took a while to reach the top but then I was treated to a very fun downhill ride into the town of Dayton. Dayton's claim to fame is the Scopes Monkey Trial which drew all kinds of media to the town. I explored the museum at the courthouse where the trial took place and learned all about the history of the trial and the town of Dayton. There was a farmers market outside where I picked up a delicious apple and then I made a stop at the Harmony House Coffee shop. The coffee was very tasty and the people were incredibly friendly. I talked with several folks from the area for a while and then continued on my ride to Sweetwater. I was given some good advise on which roads to take to have a nice wide shoulder and the ride was very pleasant. I passed the Watts Bar Nuclear Plant and took a break at the nearby picnic area. The weather was great and the scenery really nice! The Hilltop Hotel in Sweetwater, TN offered me a room for the evening, thanks Hilltop Hotel!!! I arrived late afternoon and got checked into my room. The front desk sold single cans of beer which was the perfect end to my days ride. I spent the evening working on my last blog update and relaxing.<br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;">http://www.hilltophotelusa.com/</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><br />
</span></span></u></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sbAdgDcijdA/TnKUNDQ8ivI/AAAAAAAAFuk/tLZ4AvAeOUs/s1600/IMG_0976.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sbAdgDcijdA/TnKUNDQ8ivI/AAAAAAAAFuk/tLZ4AvAeOUs/s640/IMG_0976.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fTZbjqiyGsk/TnKUW03tmZI/AAAAAAAAFuo/ub_r_87OAIQ/s1600/IMG_0977.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fTZbjqiyGsk/TnKUW03tmZI/AAAAAAAAFuo/ub_r_87OAIQ/s640/IMG_0977.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The church where I camped</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j871U7gYCIk/TnKUfQsLrzI/AAAAAAAAFus/cLq9YRt19Jo/s1600/IMG_0979.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j871U7gYCIk/TnKUfQsLrzI/AAAAAAAAFus/cLq9YRt19Jo/s640/IMG_0979.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Entering the fog!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-adwAuzw-cvk/TnKUnjdmmaI/AAAAAAAAFuw/K37mBK-KPtE/s1600/IMG_0982.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-adwAuzw-cvk/TnKUnjdmmaI/AAAAAAAAFuw/K37mBK-KPtE/s640/IMG_0982.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hjHApsvdR2o/TnKU1noVM3I/AAAAAAAAFu0/zBeZZ4JeBI0/s1600/IMG_0986.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hjHApsvdR2o/TnKU1noVM3I/AAAAAAAAFu0/zBeZZ4JeBI0/s640/IMG_0986.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Above the fog</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o6hSyH0Glrk/TnKVCdH1FvI/AAAAAAAAFu8/eIlYi4P_DQA/s1600/IMG_0995.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="318" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o6hSyH0Glrk/TnKVCdH1FvI/AAAAAAAAFu8/eIlYi4P_DQA/s640/IMG_0995.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-62Ut6w3teX4/TnKVfO0PJcI/AAAAAAAAFvA/I9eS2IW6tgo/s1600/IMG_1017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-62Ut6w3teX4/TnKVfO0PJcI/AAAAAAAAFvA/I9eS2IW6tgo/s640/IMG_1017.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggzjEDl2qkMIE4F2veypvgyFi7TPEpt18fdzjBRAChF2OipRW7Utsn6ISChXZV9sFCkAYXPu1lnOOLiJ4jz6lRP6asHCpG2whV3ZZAfvw_bU19oEzyNNhM0XjKKSr-n1Ul9n-adt6qX9M/s1600/IMG_1011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggzjEDl2qkMIE4F2veypvgyFi7TPEpt18fdzjBRAChF2OipRW7Utsn6ISChXZV9sFCkAYXPu1lnOOLiJ4jz6lRP6asHCpG2whV3ZZAfvw_bU19oEzyNNhM0XjKKSr-n1Ul9n-adt6qX9M/s640/IMG_1011.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Rhea County Courthouse</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3AUV3EmUxrU/TnKWK_G7ntI/AAAAAAAAFvM/O65Ce1HCSbE/s1600/IMG_1003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3AUV3EmUxrU/TnKWK_G7ntI/AAAAAAAAFvM/O65Ce1HCSbE/s640/IMG_1003.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Mindy the Monkey</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-seg9GEHR-tM/TnKWdWMvFwI/AAAAAAAAFvQ/Xv1DHHfqaIo/s1600/IMG_1019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-seg9GEHR-tM/TnKWdWMvFwI/AAAAAAAAFvQ/Xv1DHHfqaIo/s640/IMG_1019.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Great coffee, friendly folks</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-08HI2z4uVAI/TnKWo5CuAaI/AAAAAAAAFvU/vEL91j5eIao/s1600/IMG_1023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="344" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-08HI2z4uVAI/TnKWo5CuAaI/AAAAAAAAFvU/vEL91j5eIao/s640/IMG_1023.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Heading towards Sweetwater</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ueaPQCQuAYM/TnKW-xaRgQI/AAAAAAAAFvY/Os7bd2PATvk/s1600/IMG_1025.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ueaPQCQuAYM/TnKW-xaRgQI/AAAAAAAAFvY/Os7bd2PATvk/s640/IMG_1025.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Thought this was pretty interesting</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vtwGGgY9V2A/TnKXMm0ow7I/AAAAAAAAFvg/s_lBQLdrpdc/s1600/IMG_1026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vtwGGgY9V2A/TnKXMm0ow7I/AAAAAAAAFvg/s_lBQLdrpdc/s640/IMG_1026.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZUCqrC3UT6k/TnKXZ770D1I/AAAAAAAAFvk/jDWVU2OmYDQ/s1600/IMG_1024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZUCqrC3UT6k/TnKXZ770D1I/AAAAAAAAFvk/jDWVU2OmYDQ/s640/IMG_1024.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vBmtTn2nGRQ/TnKXqDX21lI/AAAAAAAAFvo/bU4049f6EMs/s1600/IMG_1032.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vBmtTn2nGRQ/TnKXqDX21lI/AAAAAAAAFvo/bU4049f6EMs/s640/IMG_1032.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Nuclear plant</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DyBEA1bivio/TnKX23Ny7rI/AAAAAAAAFvs/cETD7YnPyd8/s1600/IMG_1036.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="378" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DyBEA1bivio/TnKX23Ny7rI/AAAAAAAAFvs/cETD7YnPyd8/s640/IMG_1036.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Thanks Hilltop Hotel!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-u55d5Bh8eBE/TnKYGhR1IEI/AAAAAAAAFv0/boLxTVhotwU/s1600/IMG_1046.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="542" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-u55d5Bh8eBE/TnKYGhR1IEI/AAAAAAAAFv0/boLxTVhotwU/s640/IMG_1046.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xOVbqFuq7js/TnKYSYt2UiI/AAAAAAAAFv4/dpSsB_l1DQw/s1600/IMG_1037.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xOVbqFuq7js/TnKYSYt2UiI/AAAAAAAAFv4/dpSsB_l1DQw/s640/IMG_1037.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qnVLIeIDZco/TnKYjXv2jBI/AAAAAAAAFv8/GJzXHZYvsyo/s1600/IMG_1043.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qnVLIeIDZco/TnKYjXv2jBI/AAAAAAAAFv8/GJzXHZYvsyo/s640/IMG_1043.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><br />
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</span></span></u></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">September 14th</span></span></u></b><br />
Started the morning off with a continental breakfast at the Hilltop Hotel. The Lost Sea cave tour and glass bottom boat ride offered me a free tour thanks to Stephanie at the Weed Chamber of Commerce! Thanks Lost Sea!!! I biked the 7 miles to the cave and was put on a tour the minute I arrived. I had been on this tour years ago and really enjoyed it so I thought it would be nice to re-visit. The tour starts by taking you through a very large cave with some nice formations. Eventually you reach the source of the underground lake, a beautiful waterfall coming through the rock. You then come to America's largest underground lake! Everyone boards a glass bottom boat and the tour guide takes you out on the lake which reaches a depth of 65 feet deep. The lake is stocked with rainbow trout which were originally put in the lake to see if they found an exit but the fish never left. Now the fish are re-stocked for entertainment purposes and the only food source is the tour guides which feed the fish during the boat ride. It is pretty exciting to see all of the large fish splash around in a feeding frenzy beside the boat. After the boat ride the tour ends with an uphill climb out of the cave and back to the gift shop where you can drink the water from the cave and it is delicious! On the ground of the Lost Sea they have a restaurant, store, picnic area, and a glassblower. I visited the glassblower shop where everything is made on hand. There was a huge selection of beautiful hand blown glass trinkets. After a little break at the picnic area I was back on the road and headed for the Smokeys! I biked past several clean beautiful lakes and stopped to take a swim. I had the entire lake to myself and there was no development, just trees, water, and nature. Nice! I bike a portion of highway called the Dragon which has 318 curves in 11 miles. It is very popular with motorcyclists. I then got onto the Foothills Parkway and had a 7 mile climb to the campground. I arrived shortly before sunset and got camp set up and started a fire. Spent the night relaxing around the fire.<br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;">http://www.thelostsea.com/</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><br />
</span></span></u></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UadkBzkuBgc/TnKnO2ldJLI/AAAAAAAAFwE/NgOpTBOzlMs/s1600/IMG_1058.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UadkBzkuBgc/TnKnO2ldJLI/AAAAAAAAFwE/NgOpTBOzlMs/s640/IMG_1058.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YpUcVHvyPCA/TnKn2LsCQ_I/AAAAAAAAFwM/uHtAUSI493c/s1600/IMG_1064.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YpUcVHvyPCA/TnKn2LsCQ_I/AAAAAAAAFwM/uHtAUSI493c/s640/IMG_1064.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Thanks Lost Sea Adventure!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHUk7EWgkjWS3cWXdw58TPSIbGXl2ZkCMW4ZsWJ8JWf9nklRFhvnmPhUNIIK56k4lXhmUcSBlpAjyNP2hon2YPq4H1LF_rL75R9pWII4BFKNHhCfODqRSCd9j1KSPOoMECzKQQIelkMlc/s1600/IMG_1066.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHUk7EWgkjWS3cWXdw58TPSIbGXl2ZkCMW4ZsWJ8JWf9nklRFhvnmPhUNIIK56k4lXhmUcSBlpAjyNP2hon2YPq4H1LF_rL75R9pWII4BFKNHhCfODqRSCd9j1KSPOoMECzKQQIelkMlc/s640/IMG_1066.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Tunnel leading into the cave</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dZn3uefKUCg/TnKoXfJwtsI/AAAAAAAAFwU/S-1qdbcZtJ0/s1600/IMG_1128.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dZn3uefKUCg/TnKoXfJwtsI/AAAAAAAAFwU/S-1qdbcZtJ0/s640/IMG_1128.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EUE1x-v3VJ0/TnKpxeOPpxI/AAAAAAAAFwk/BBDolcVXlKo/s1600/IMG_1098.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EUE1x-v3VJ0/TnKpxeOPpxI/AAAAAAAAFwk/BBDolcVXlKo/s640/IMG_1098.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The boat!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uLK0KXY0gX8/TnKqCfzwxzI/AAAAAAAAFwo/-QuqNFZ3By0/s1600/IMG_1105.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uLK0KXY0gX8/TnKqCfzwxzI/AAAAAAAAFwo/-QuqNFZ3By0/s640/IMG_1105.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitla1g3192zgLrOuVDyUVHQ1YwT8q-KODArQQMxovB8WaMbdvLOWUaRlhKq69NnU_iWlX21Dde6iGv_XQuXNJa3NEsVGDqrjJsVFIH0A_rpbEGUlwCEHaR3G0YR4CLjJuUhQ51kENxaZg/s1600/IMG_1111.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitla1g3192zgLrOuVDyUVHQ1YwT8q-KODArQQMxovB8WaMbdvLOWUaRlhKq69NnU_iWlX21Dde6iGv_XQuXNJa3NEsVGDqrjJsVFIH0A_rpbEGUlwCEHaR3G0YR4CLjJuUhQ51kENxaZg/s640/IMG_1111.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Fish feeding frenzy</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEIwn1dBG2zXGBzftXK8nlG9Xvsyv_UBLcrsZxlnjAlTrrL_O7NqVYUzq5EbIN6dZd-0YzdzGbAGHM_vBl0192QhyphenhyphenL2QU8cvN_EkgmmJzSHmbJaAS4_kD6XpwdQuC8qHvRQllH96SnxHg/s1600/IMG_1121.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEIwn1dBG2zXGBzftXK8nlG9Xvsyv_UBLcrsZxlnjAlTrrL_O7NqVYUzq5EbIN6dZd-0YzdzGbAGHM_vBl0192QhyphenhyphenL2QU8cvN_EkgmmJzSHmbJaAS4_kD6XpwdQuC8qHvRQllH96SnxHg/s640/IMG_1121.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Returning to the boat dock - pretty awesome going on a boat ride under ground!</div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-slar1wjVF8c/TnKsuUkqFHI/AAAAAAAAFxQ/8sjPbOs48iQ/s1600/IMG_1177.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="372" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-slar1wjVF8c/TnKsuUkqFHI/AAAAAAAAFxQ/8sjPbOs48iQ/s640/IMG_1177.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Approaching the Smokeys!</div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-F1p87lJ9os8/TnKtJU-HwTI/AAAAAAAAFxc/ZlF7aFMH8oQ/s1600/IMG_1184.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-F1p87lJ9os8/TnKtJU-HwTI/AAAAAAAAFxc/ZlF7aFMH8oQ/s640/IMG_1184.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Nice spot for a swim!</div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9pqB1lu8-4Y/TnKvUNC1ibI/AAAAAAAAFyI/M0ouWA6XjDY/s1600/IMG_1217.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9pqB1lu8-4Y/TnKvUNC1ibI/AAAAAAAAFyI/M0ouWA6XjDY/s640/IMG_1217.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BPSYJxkMxBc/TnKwEAYcE7I/AAAAAAAAFyY/U80315PvBPc/s1600/IMG_1250.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BPSYJxkMxBc/TnKwEAYcE7I/AAAAAAAAFyY/U80315PvBPc/s640/IMG_1250.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Turkeys</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yRUNGFTx_jk/TnKwTiOoojI/AAAAAAAAFyc/l9phaCFi_pY/s1600/IMG_1253.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yRUNGFTx_jk/TnKwTiOoojI/AAAAAAAAFyc/l9phaCFi_pY/s640/IMG_1253.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-U0M0lUp5LuA/TnKwu-hMSRI/AAAAAAAAFyo/YSDKDJUlq4k/s1600/IMG_1266.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-U0M0lUp5LuA/TnKwu-hMSRI/AAAAAAAAFyo/YSDKDJUlq4k/s640/IMG_1266.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Have to hang my food around here - many black bear</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-F2psxHzQVPM/TnKw9efAdkI/AAAAAAAAFys/0X-VvgizNDc/s1600/IMG_1281.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-F2psxHzQVPM/TnKw9efAdkI/AAAAAAAAFys/0X-VvgizNDc/s640/IMG_1281.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><u><br />
</u></b></span></span></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04701275786282234068noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6278989047715952807.post-2990431672296644552011-09-14T05:57:00.000-07:002011-09-14T05:57:41.303-07:00September 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th<div style="text-align: center;"><b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">September 9th</span></span></u></b><br />
Woke up to a very foggy morning and got my stuff all packed up for the days ride. As I was getting ready to head out one of the workers for Elk River Canoe Rental showed up. Shane told me that Ben, the owner of E.R.C.R. would be there soon so I hung out for a bit. After hanging out on the porch with Shane for a little bit Ben showed up and was very kind as well. Ben offered me a free float trip and was really interested in my bike ride. I couldn't turn down a kayak trip down the Elk River and Ben even threw in a 6 pack of Coors from his house and gave me a nice hat! I got dropped off by Chase up river after a scenic drive to drop off some other nice folks out for a canoe trip. Everybody was incredibly friendly and it felt great to get out on the river! I had perfect weather and saw several turtles and a couple of great blue herons. It was very relaxing and a nice change of pace from bicycling all summer. After I got back to the cabin/campground I decided not to bike today and hang out instead. Ben gave me two awesome shirts and some stickers! I hung out with the workers on the cabin porch all day drinking beers and having fun. Some of us went out to dinner at a local bar and Ben paid for my dinner and drinks. The spicy burger was delicious by the way! Ben also made donation to the Make-A-Wish Foundation as well as asked others to contribute to the cause. I was introduced to many people all of which were very nice. I can't speak highly enough about the town of Kelso, TN!! Also can't thank you enough for everything Ben and Elk River Canoe Rental!!! <br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;">http://www.elkrivercanoes.com/</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><br />
</span></span></u></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gjIFrEcmWwk/Tm6vV_zrxxI/AAAAAAAAFqY/Di0MntXHt5I/s1600/IMG_0575.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="262" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gjIFrEcmWwk/Tm6vV_zrxxI/AAAAAAAAFqY/Di0MntXHt5I/s400/IMG_0575.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Misty morning</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NTTJUI3aeQU/Tm6wAWiA4HI/AAAAAAAAFqc/vN6h-glUSRA/s1600/IMG_0581.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="362" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NTTJUI3aeQU/Tm6wAWiA4HI/AAAAAAAAFqc/vN6h-glUSRA/s640/IMG_0581.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Elk River Canoe Rental - Kelso, TN</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4P3gOGrIrew/Tm6wkTxAR0I/AAAAAAAAFqk/H20eI1UQgWs/s1600/IMG_0619.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4P3gOGrIrew/Tm6wkTxAR0I/AAAAAAAAFqk/H20eI1UQgWs/s640/IMG_0619.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kD_c_-F_7Lo/Tm6xbofnqcI/AAAAAAAAFqs/58Z7qvquEz8/s1600/IMG_0608.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="434" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kD_c_-F_7Lo/Tm6xbofnqcI/AAAAAAAAFqs/58Z7qvquEz8/s640/IMG_0608.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-c8DWIY6AUNc/Tm6xwk5J57I/AAAAAAAAFq0/zlbKnzcCQrA/s1600/IMG_0633.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-c8DWIY6AUNc/Tm6xwk5J57I/AAAAAAAAFq0/zlbKnzcCQrA/s640/IMG_0633.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Thanks again Brubar! Your energy bars have really helped me out on the trip!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>http://brubar.com/</b></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gkvyAGPGX-k/Tm6yGm6jCzI/AAAAAAAAFq4/kBdQZrj1Rz8/s1600/IMG_0639.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="302" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gkvyAGPGX-k/Tm6yGm6jCzI/AAAAAAAAFq4/kBdQZrj1Rz8/s640/IMG_0639.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JtnZgmnOjTM/Tm6ybDz3mWI/AAAAAAAAFq8/taXu9sHtGZA/s1600/IMG_0586.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JtnZgmnOjTM/Tm6ybDz3mWI/AAAAAAAAFq8/taXu9sHtGZA/s640/IMG_0586.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tIwqlu-Cbqc/Tm6yqwjoSqI/AAAAAAAAFrA/OzFkGJXZpfc/s1600/IMG_0616.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tIwqlu-Cbqc/Tm6yqwjoSqI/AAAAAAAAFrA/OzFkGJXZpfc/s640/IMG_0616.jpg" width="612" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XU6xuLLJQhM/TnAIBQlg1NI/AAAAAAAAFuA/z_qM6Ny28rI/s1600/IMG_0625.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XU6xuLLJQhM/TnAIBQlg1NI/AAAAAAAAFuA/z_qM6Ny28rI/s640/IMG_0625.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Love my new hat! :)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><u><br />
</u></b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">September 10th</span></span></u></b><br />
Had a relaxing morning hanging out with the boys in the porch. Ben gave me a nice new knife that someone had left behind at Elk River Canoe Rental, thanks again Ben!! Hargrove stocked me up on snacks and gave a donation for Make-A-Wish, thanks Hargrove!! After hanging out for a bit I said goodbye to everyone and started the ride. I was sad to leave my new friends but I plan to re-visit Kelso again someday down the road. It was a beautiful day in the upper 70's, sunny, and I had the wind at my back. It doesn't get much better than that! I made a stop in the town of Winchester, TN to do laundry and get on some Wifi. I emailed the Bear Hollow Resort in Monteagle, TN and asked about a room for the evening. Just a few minutes later I received a call from Elaine and Jim, the owners of the resort and they said they would donate a cottage to me for night! After my laundry was done I biked up a mountain passing through the really cool town of Cowan. After climbing for a while I took a break at an overlook and met Michael and Dawn. After they learned I was on a bicycle they offered me a ride the rest of the way up the mountain. I couldn't turn it down as they were very nice people and the climb was pretty dangerous and tough with little to no shoulder and a lot of blind curves. Michael and Dawn dropped me off at the top in Monteagle and we talked for a bit and took some pictures. They even gave me a $20 donation. Thanks again Michael and Dawn, really nice to meet you both!!! I got a tasty dinner and cold beer at the Modern Tavern and then headed down the road to the Bear Hollow Resort. After meeting the very friendly owners Elaine and Jim they gave me keys to the Rupert Cottage. The cottage was very nice and cozy! I really enjoyed having the kitchen and a really nice bed, just what I needed after camping for a few days. Thanks again Bear Hollow Resort!!! After taking a much needed shower I walked next door to South Cumberland State Park and took a short hike just before sunset. Spent the evening relaxing in the cozy cottage, felt great! What a wonderful day filled with excellent weather, beautiful scenery, and amazing people!<br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;">http://www.bearhollowtn.net/</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><u><br />
</u></b></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KJu-0vfpMpE/Tm60Apu8GmI/AAAAAAAAFrQ/phONieCl-KU/s1600/IMG_0645.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KJu-0vfpMpE/Tm60Apu8GmI/AAAAAAAAFrQ/phONieCl-KU/s640/IMG_0645.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Chase, Ben, Me, and Hargrove</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qtSmRMLF-tU/Tm60dpiwXoI/AAAAAAAAFrU/AEYQiM15qQo/s1600/IMG_0647.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="411" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qtSmRMLF-tU/Tm60dpiwXoI/AAAAAAAAFrU/AEYQiM15qQo/s640/IMG_0647.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Murphy and Me</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jWIy6YdoyKU/Tm60tUbTB2I/AAAAAAAAFrc/HijDqpmeOBk/s1600/IMG_0656.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jWIy6YdoyKU/Tm60tUbTB2I/AAAAAAAAFrc/HijDqpmeOBk/s640/IMG_0656.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-weyepWTddGs/Tm61CyJfcPI/AAAAAAAAFrg/O3ciTl58W-c/s1600/IMG_0660.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-weyepWTddGs/Tm61CyJfcPI/AAAAAAAAFrg/O3ciTl58W-c/s640/IMG_0660.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Heading towards the mountain</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kA6KkJYLbs8/Tm61W5ld23I/AAAAAAAAFrk/A_6MSpOnV_o/s1600/IMG_0667.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="358" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kA6KkJYLbs8/Tm61W5ld23I/AAAAAAAAFrk/A_6MSpOnV_o/s640/IMG_0667.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Curvy mountain roads</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Bfnq6SQAWBM/Tm61uy-z9fI/AAAAAAAAFro/e9qOW17cjaM/s1600/IMG_0671.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Bfnq6SQAWBM/Tm61uy-z9fI/AAAAAAAAFro/e9qOW17cjaM/s640/IMG_0671.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The view</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ftPkZhu30X4/Tm62I9k7TsI/AAAAAAAAFrw/IJjb5qbTVC4/s1600/IMG_0672.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ftPkZhu30X4/Tm62I9k7TsI/AAAAAAAAFrw/IJjb5qbTVC4/s640/IMG_0672.jpg" width="440" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Dawn and Michael</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YCkxcyfMWVM/Tm62a5n0WpI/AAAAAAAAFr0/isBc-SQEbuo/s1600/IMG_0674.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YCkxcyfMWVM/Tm62a5n0WpI/AAAAAAAAFr0/isBc-SQEbuo/s640/IMG_0674.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Barbecue pork, cheese, sour cream and onion stuffed potatoes, wow!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9LLw35kh7sA/Tm62z5kQB6I/AAAAAAAAFr4/171humnvUS8/s1600/IMG_0676.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9LLw35kh7sA/Tm62z5kQB6I/AAAAAAAAFr4/171humnvUS8/s640/IMG_0676.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Thanks Bear Hollow Resort</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GXX-dLQ0vbc/Tm63J2pdG0I/AAAAAAAAFsE/DCGmFXtVOXE/s1600/IMG_0688.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GXX-dLQ0vbc/Tm63J2pdG0I/AAAAAAAAFsE/DCGmFXtVOXE/s640/IMG_0688.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The Rupert Cottage</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggEAFOJeqonrgwTqY9Dxg20q9yol35LhibT0YSR0m7amT7L5OYDnxNjVOzyBjkHObKJUWq4vClfyKArCDib4LROQk6CqfV4wSvcut31ovzZTy8JCoNhWMqAqDUd0va0axaFty01nEeeEU/s1600/IMG_0679.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggEAFOJeqonrgwTqY9Dxg20q9yol35LhibT0YSR0m7amT7L5OYDnxNjVOzyBjkHObKJUWq4vClfyKArCDib4LROQk6CqfV4wSvcut31ovzZTy8JCoNhWMqAqDUd0va0axaFty01nEeeEU/s640/IMG_0679.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SQNh7FHXtpA/Tm64LXLBMzI/AAAAAAAAFsM/Rb9qkd3AnWU/s1600/IMG_0681.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="490" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SQNh7FHXtpA/Tm64LXLBMzI/AAAAAAAAFsM/Rb9qkd3AnWU/s640/IMG_0681.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_ZVLnchGIWc/Tm642MUMufI/AAAAAAAAFsU/Geiui3R4_pQ/s1600/IMG_0683.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_ZVLnchGIWc/Tm642MUMufI/AAAAAAAAFsU/Geiui3R4_pQ/s640/IMG_0683.jpg" width="498" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsJP1g1lOGmp1Qs1LEkn8_Fn5VEd2LCNn7U1VUyrKt6gIgI_aF8t9ZyTLzPToZ_Nul55_oiftF3HVbWx9a_YtZDmVeg39ymgxrpYeSwsY91iSIxdAi83Bl6MpFCUdVoODZRZK9GwSoJFI/s1600/IMG_0695.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="352" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsJP1g1lOGmp1Qs1LEkn8_Fn5VEd2LCNn7U1VUyrKt6gIgI_aF8t9ZyTLzPToZ_Nul55_oiftF3HVbWx9a_YtZDmVeg39ymgxrpYeSwsY91iSIxdAi83Bl6MpFCUdVoODZRZK9GwSoJFI/s640/IMG_0695.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The yard at the Bear Hollow Resort</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HyPiid5LVnc/Tm66Re6rJiI/AAAAAAAAFsc/NzVOGdrlDyw/s1600/IMG_0694.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="440" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HyPiid5LVnc/Tm66Re6rJiI/AAAAAAAAFsc/NzVOGdrlDyw/s640/IMG_0694.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><br />
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</span></span></u></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">September 11th</span></span></u></b><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><br />
</span></span></u></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZwcTlh2R-GE/Tm67Um95lfI/AAAAAAAAFsk/YtPldlrtNb4/s1600/IMG_0706.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZwcTlh2R-GE/Tm67Um95lfI/AAAAAAAAFsk/YtPldlrtNb4/s640/IMG_0706.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5s7jYFP0lQ4/Tm671ur3tsI/AAAAAAAAFso/F2mrUUgtBo0/s1600/IMG_0710.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5s7jYFP0lQ4/Tm671ur3tsI/AAAAAAAAFso/F2mrUUgtBo0/s640/IMG_0710.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UJPN228Zy10/Tm68nz2q1YI/AAAAAAAAFss/JVTzlWWiYt4/s1600/IMG_0711.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UJPN228Zy10/Tm68nz2q1YI/AAAAAAAAFss/JVTzlWWiYt4/s640/IMG_0711.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-n4s3xdoHw-I/Tm69gbuzL8I/AAAAAAAAFs0/jKTzjNxyVBM/s1600/IMG_0713.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="410" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-n4s3xdoHw-I/Tm69gbuzL8I/AAAAAAAAFs0/jKTzjNxyVBM/s640/IMG_0713.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Beautiful Park!!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FW8opMLeLRA/Tm6-TAaLmTI/AAAAAAAAFs4/rFw0R8XheB8/s1600/IMG_0723.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="444" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FW8opMLeLRA/Tm6-TAaLmTI/AAAAAAAAFs4/rFw0R8XheB8/s640/IMG_0723.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Home Sweet Home</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">September 12th</span></u></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">At 1:30 in the morning I awoke to the biggest thunderstorm of the trip! There was deafening thunder, a ton of lightning, and torrential downpours. It was exciting and I pondered leaving my tent for some safer shelter but decided to take my chances with the storm. The thunder and rain were so loud I couldn't fall back asleep for a while but it eventually passed and I fell asleep. When I woke up in the morning my tent had leaked a little bit but not much but everything else was soaked. I spent the morning drying stuff out and then went out for a really nice hike. I stopped at the park general store for a coffee, nice luxury in a state park! The weather was perfect and I checked out 3 of the waterfalls in the park, all very beautiful. Fall Creek Falls is the highest waterfall in the Eastern United States at 256 feet! I had been here with some friends many years ago and was excited to re-visit such a beautiful part of the country. If you are ever in the Smoky Mountains I would suggest a side trip to Fall Creek Falls, especially if you like to hike! I visited the nature center, walked across the very fun swinging bridge and spent several hours hiking around the park. When I got back to my bike I headed over to the park restaurant and ate at the soup and salad bar. Another nice park luxury! I decided I would head out of the park to Pikeville, TN and get a campsite for the night. After climbing a couple pretty big hills I got to go down the mountain into Pikeville. The 10 mile downhill was a blast with a nice 6% grade and fun curves! When I arrived in Pikeville it was starting to get dark and I could not find anywhere to camp. I eventually set up my tent on the lawn of a Methodist church. It was actually a pretty nice spot to camp and nobody bothered me. When I uploaded my pictures from the day I found out that somehow almost all of my photos from Fall Creek Falls were deleted. That was such a bummer because I know I had some really good ones of the waterfalls. I guess I will have to go back sometime soon and re-do the hike!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></u></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6SkHJrkXL-zyvcf7rg-yIDCLN1LYpRXSdHC2TOMCWkURjZ2Fxpof7sjWx1uInnku8ro3wRsh9SHZSUWLRlf7CFyw7AQ4zZ-3nAD7jI4dzA57T6ecSI0s4Y4kWvQ_Ti9mKEL_vm8ysZX0/s1600/IMG_0949.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6SkHJrkXL-zyvcf7rg-yIDCLN1LYpRXSdHC2TOMCWkURjZ2Fxpof7sjWx1uInnku8ro3wRsh9SHZSUWLRlf7CFyw7AQ4zZ-3nAD7jI4dzA57T6ecSI0s4Y4kWvQ_Ti9mKEL_vm8ysZX0/s640/IMG_0949.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Fall Creek Falls Lake</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-145F6n-xeZ0/Tm_ozSal31I/AAAAAAAAFtI/wg0c5nNrHV4/s1600/IMG_0932.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-145F6n-xeZ0/Tm_ozSal31I/AAAAAAAAFtI/wg0c5nNrHV4/s640/IMG_0932.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The super fun suspension bridge</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SW_eKw87bG8/Tm_pu1dlNiI/AAAAAAAAFtM/bDjL2J4bTXI/s1600/IMG_0941.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SW_eKw87bG8/Tm_pu1dlNiI/AAAAAAAAFtM/bDjL2J4bTXI/s640/IMG_0941.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIfbOMnFKNVIHgI66d6_BwqY8oCyzhamZxd4ULrmL8TrNPWfUrPx2NQCHbI9A4zctIsDstgfBoXfrfwwMuKDFGeu_z-SNSifWn0StyrG5joEy6dqjA_rC7dWzrbzFdGGlaWdpW25qUj4w/s1600/IMG_0928.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIfbOMnFKNVIHgI66d6_BwqY8oCyzhamZxd4ULrmL8TrNPWfUrPx2NQCHbI9A4zctIsDstgfBoXfrfwwMuKDFGeu_z-SNSifWn0StyrG5joEy6dqjA_rC7dWzrbzFdGGlaWdpW25qUj4w/s640/IMG_0928.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4yVQBsaKa7A/Tm_qoMvXjeI/AAAAAAAAFtk/9F4UHUY4vos/s1600/IMG_0944.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4yVQBsaKa7A/Tm_qoMvXjeI/AAAAAAAAFtk/9F4UHUY4vos/s640/IMG_0944.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">soup and salad bar - yay!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLWrpCBtnyqUgVW5htLgnUUNuiBNlJb17tL29O_uzf_vJClNhUxYP1h3_nx1dNgsJZjpS3ZOtgdcEa1J8nTq42o1_-kXg-XXu9_VCXOVsF3yu2WttjIh4TapTmFQ_MfN2fVhVAgfKgNJQ/s1600/IMG_0956.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLWrpCBtnyqUgVW5htLgnUUNuiBNlJb17tL29O_uzf_vJClNhUxYP1h3_nx1dNgsJZjpS3ZOtgdcEa1J8nTq42o1_-kXg-XXu9_VCXOVsF3yu2WttjIh4TapTmFQ_MfN2fVhVAgfKgNJQ/s640/IMG_0956.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Old school house</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-y8HjxTPqWQw/Tm_rcIpKS0I/AAAAAAAAFts/jdDs_AdlGJs/s1600/IMG_0954.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="364" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-y8HjxTPqWQw/Tm_rcIpKS0I/AAAAAAAAFts/jdDs_AdlGJs/s640/IMG_0954.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Taking a break</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-q3ycKMDXUII/Tm_rySPo8TI/AAAAAAAAFtw/4vUZnQWeJZ4/s1600/IMG_0968.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-q3ycKMDXUII/Tm_rySPo8TI/AAAAAAAAFtw/4vUZnQWeJZ4/s640/IMG_0968.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Saw this on my way to Pikeville</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AStpO7aPNtI/Tm_sGDOCg4I/AAAAAAAAFt8/FhKrdzuggJI/s1600/IMG_0972.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AStpO7aPNtI/Tm_sGDOCg4I/AAAAAAAAFt8/FhKrdzuggJI/s640/IMG_0972.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Fun curvy downhill ride!</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04701275786282234068noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6278989047715952807.post-49444011995840048982011-09-10T21:13:00.000-07:002011-09-10T21:13:38.439-07:00September 6th, 7th, 8th<div style="text-align: center;"><b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">September 6th</span></span></u></b></div><div style="text-align: center;">It was a chilly morning when I woke up but I slept great! I want to thank Shepherd's Dream for the awesome wool sleeping mat, sure makes tent camping extra enjoyable! I can set up on a pile of rocks and still be comfortable. Check out there website below, they make a lot of really nice bedding and you can order online. I got all packed up and took one last walk by the lake before beginning today's ride. There was a strong North wind which helped me out for most of the day. Always nice when you get a tailwind, makes a huge difference! I made another McDonalds wifi, yogurt, and water stop in the town of Henderson, TN. From there I road on a mixture of highway and back country roads taking me to the town of Adamsville. The ride was nice and quiet and really pretty. There were a couple decent hills and the temperatures were great in the 70's! So nice to have good riding conditions again. I did encounter a pretty terrifying dog that wanted to have me for lunch but it pulled a couple quick moves and got around him without a fight. Made me think of Cujo! In Adamsville I was getting pretty hungry so I stopped at Ma Ma Fia's Cafe. I met Mike, the owner of the cafe and he offered to buy my lunch after hearing about my bike trip. Thanks Mike!!! I ordered the chicken parmesan which came with salad and garlic bread and all of it was delicious!! I also had the homemade New York cheesecake which was also incredibly tasty! I would highly recommend eating here if you are ever in Adamsville, TN! From Adamsville I had an easy ride on a nice wide shoulder into the city of Savannah. Stephanie at the Weed Chamber called me with news that the Quality Inn in Savannah donated me a room for the evening. Thank you Stephanie and thank you Quality Inn Savannah, TN!!! After a nice shower I ran to the grocery store and then got some business done online. Nice to have a room to work on the blog and catching up on emails. Sorry of it takes a while for me to respond to emails by the way but I do enjoy getting them!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;">http://www.shepherdsdream.com/</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;">http://www.facebook.com/pages/Ma-Ma-Fias-Cafe/187643017956307</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;">http://www.qualityinn.com/hotel-savannah-tennessee-TN049</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><br />
</span></span></u></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ME9Jb72djU8/TmwMVWplK4I/AAAAAAAAFnc/eOWnCFB3Nrw/s1600/IMG_0443.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ME9Jb72djU8/TmwMVWplK4I/AAAAAAAAFnc/eOWnCFB3Nrw/s400/IMG_0443.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Leaving Chickasaw State Park after my Labor Day break</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bAeeAnpWXA0/TmwMfw-H6SI/AAAAAAAAFng/3Fvvj-_kwKA/s1600/IMG_0430.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bAeeAnpWXA0/TmwMfw-H6SI/AAAAAAAAFng/3Fvvj-_kwKA/s400/IMG_0430.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Lake Placid - Chickasaw State Park</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UzKhpiso1EM/TmwMwA6x-9I/AAAAAAAAFnk/NRvNZp-o_XM/s1600/IMG_0438.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UzKhpiso1EM/TmwMwA6x-9I/AAAAAAAAFnk/NRvNZp-o_XM/s640/IMG_0438.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UrUvmIA4D1E/TmwM73GtyzI/AAAAAAAAFns/l1h0HIEt16k/s1600/IMG_0444.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UrUvmIA4D1E/TmwM73GtyzI/AAAAAAAAFns/l1h0HIEt16k/s640/IMG_0444.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CUuoiE3OIiU/TmwNFpl9DII/AAAAAAAAFnw/Mwy11f_zpDA/s1600/IMG_0453.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="346" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CUuoiE3OIiU/TmwNFpl9DII/AAAAAAAAFnw/Mwy11f_zpDA/s400/IMG_0453.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Excellent food! Great prices! Highly Recommended!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vSr4FtmLnlg/TmwNTje2EaI/AAAAAAAAFn0/tm0MpSC9UdE/s1600/IMG_0449.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="281" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vSr4FtmLnlg/TmwNTje2EaI/AAAAAAAAFn0/tm0MpSC9UdE/s400/IMG_0449.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Chicken Parmesan</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZlSVr8MGL6U/TmwNiTCLE7I/AAAAAAAAFn8/UEsQpq8IPmE/s1600/IMG_0450.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="548" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZlSVr8MGL6U/TmwNiTCLE7I/AAAAAAAAFn8/UEsQpq8IPmE/s640/IMG_0450.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Thanks for lunch Ma Ma Fia's Cafe!!! The chef and I</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JmCKhI1HPik/TmwNsYyCyrI/AAAAAAAAFoA/_gqA1ABrihs/s1600/IMG_0455.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JmCKhI1HPik/TmwNsYyCyrI/AAAAAAAAFoA/_gqA1ABrihs/s640/IMG_0455.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Crossing the Tennessee River</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BwbuGmSomVg/TmwN27yhisI/AAAAAAAAFoE/Eip1agh-2Yw/s1600/IMG_0468.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="408" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BwbuGmSomVg/TmwN27yhisI/AAAAAAAAFoE/Eip1agh-2Yw/s640/IMG_0468.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Thanks Quality Inn Savannah, TN!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zyDen2nK37g/TmwN_6bKbHI/AAAAAAAAFoM/26QBM03Rt10/s1600/IMG_0461.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="273" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zyDen2nK37g/TmwN_6bKbHI/AAAAAAAAFoM/26QBM03Rt10/s400/IMG_0461.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Nice comfy bed!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><br />
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</span></span></u></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">September 7th</span></span></u></b></div><div style="text-align: center;">Started the morning off with a good continental breakfast at the Quality Inn in Savannah, TN. I love the waffle makers, always a nice start to the day! I took my time getting ready and listened to music, drank coffee, and got packed up. It was a nice party cloudy day starting in the 60's and warming up throughout the day. I had a mix of riding conditions and encountered quite a bit of road construction. At times I was able to ride on the closed part of the road which was great! About half way through the ride I took a break for some Butterfinger cake at a little store, so good! Early afternoon I reached my destination of Lawrenceburg, TN, home of David Crockett. I got a nice campsite along a creek at David Crockett State Park and when I went to the office to pay I met Dede who let me hold Buttermilk, an albino corn snake. This was actually the first time I have ever held a snake so it was pretty exciting for me! I biked a couple miles through the park and relaxed by the lake for a bit before heading back to the campsite for the evening. While riding though the park I saw several deer, turkeys, and I saw two cows fighting each other. I watched for a while and wondered what they were fighting about. Who has the better milk perhaps?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><br />
</span></span></u></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AeEi7mUnXxI/TmwOdrlsmZI/AAAAAAAAFoQ/vyXePlFej6Y/s1600/IMG_0470.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AeEi7mUnXxI/TmwOdrlsmZI/AAAAAAAAFoQ/vyXePlFej6Y/s640/IMG_0470.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9AjMRVAMhXQ/TmwOmhPOXpI/AAAAAAAAFoU/Ugy_s5oqSJU/s1600/IMG_0473.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="312" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9AjMRVAMhXQ/TmwOmhPOXpI/AAAAAAAAFoU/Ugy_s5oqSJU/s640/IMG_0473.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-12Masd_L4iA/TmwOveVWV7I/AAAAAAAAFoY/uywJj-2vKsk/s1600/IMG_0480.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="406" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-12Masd_L4iA/TmwOveVWV7I/AAAAAAAAFoY/uywJj-2vKsk/s640/IMG_0480.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Blasting Zone!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Q5RxxD9P_zI/TmwO4nVUxLI/AAAAAAAAFog/TXGkQI2-jDo/s1600/IMG_0489.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="406" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Q5RxxD9P_zI/TmwO4nVUxLI/AAAAAAAAFog/TXGkQI2-jDo/s640/IMG_0489.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-B3NRx78wvO4/TmwPHOa6zlI/AAAAAAAAFok/znWTFBH9ceA/s1600/IMG_0484.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-B3NRx78wvO4/TmwPHOa6zlI/AAAAAAAAFok/znWTFBH9ceA/s640/IMG_0484.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Recently blasted area</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-I4cft3GwO9Y/TmwPQYVjWlI/AAAAAAAAFoo/0Odsmg0mwTE/s1600/IMG_0490.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-I4cft3GwO9Y/TmwPQYVjWlI/AAAAAAAAFoo/0Odsmg0mwTE/s640/IMG_0490.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I am amazed how even the tiny bridged have names</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zndQvFxFvaA/TmwPfkkZ-jI/AAAAAAAAFos/i8jFfXiCS4A/s1600/IMG_0551.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="592" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zndQvFxFvaA/TmwPfkkZ-jI/AAAAAAAAFos/i8jFfXiCS4A/s640/IMG_0551.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirh_daK5dKH74SaqxibDOqsbF0-13UgneXA9J0p0bszR28_C7gHBOvtdOaG0QbJi5wN5myEAEq9UQnUjO0tPkBRWIpMWCyF4tmvWFxdNMnCwT0F7POZegsEz66GSOXgjkxWRo7q2MHcrA/s1600/IMG_0501.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirh_daK5dKH74SaqxibDOqsbF0-13UgneXA9J0p0bszR28_C7gHBOvtdOaG0QbJi5wN5myEAEq9UQnUjO0tPkBRWIpMWCyF4tmvWFxdNMnCwT0F7POZegsEz66GSOXgjkxWRo7q2MHcrA/s400/IMG_0501.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-us2X5p_FBz8/TmwP4Hg8RBI/AAAAAAAAFo4/plCPJtR0llw/s1600/IMG_0506.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="312" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-us2X5p_FBz8/TmwP4Hg8RBI/AAAAAAAAFo4/plCPJtR0llw/s640/IMG_0506.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XXDuvkoN5CE/TmwQJc88fVI/AAAAAAAAFo8/KcrKXZsrSag/s1600/IMG_0517.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XXDuvkoN5CE/TmwQJc88fVI/AAAAAAAAFo8/KcrKXZsrSag/s640/IMG_0517.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7dV3q6ElzR8/TmwQWSzTtnI/AAAAAAAAFpE/XMmuLfEZ0wc/s1600/IMG_0521.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7dV3q6ElzR8/TmwQWSzTtnI/AAAAAAAAFpE/XMmuLfEZ0wc/s640/IMG_0521.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bXbc7onJzCg/TmwQjXbT9pI/AAAAAAAAFpI/a-Wk6owTSUM/s1600/IMG_0528.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="542" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bXbc7onJzCg/TmwQjXbT9pI/AAAAAAAAFpI/a-Wk6owTSUM/s640/IMG_0528.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Me and Buttermilk</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LbwV1HDtdp0/TmwQt_oip0I/AAAAAAAAFpM/BIP1zGi0IsQ/s1600/IMG_0534.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LbwV1HDtdp0/TmwQt_oip0I/AAAAAAAAFpM/BIP1zGi0IsQ/s640/IMG_0534.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RV3uu_PWSBA/TmwQ98AM2QI/AAAAAAAAFpU/_-AveqUzwg8/s1600/IMG_0543.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RV3uu_PWSBA/TmwQ98AM2QI/AAAAAAAAFpU/_-AveqUzwg8/s640/IMG_0543.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><br />
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</span></span></u></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">September 8th</span></span></u></b></div><div style="text-align: center;">Had a great sleep at David Crockett State Park and after breakfast I hit the road. The weather was great and I had a nice wide shoulder to ride on most of the day. I biked through the towns of Pulaski and Fayetteville and was looking for a place to sleep for the evening. After getting on Google I found a campground in Kelso, TN. I called Elk River Canoe Rentals and they told me it was only $5 for a campsite so that is where I headed. When reaching Kelso I took a gravel road several miles and met a deputy sheriff / baptist preacher. We talked for a while about bicycling and his plans to ride during his retirement. After long ride he assured me that the campground was just over one more hill. I biked into the Canoe Rental / Campground in the evening and was the only one there. I set up camp and made plans to meet Ben, the owner of Elk River Canoe Rental in the morning. It was a beautiful night with cool temperatures and an assortment of wildlife. I saw deer, turkeys, a huge spider, and fell asleep to the sound of owls in the trees just above me.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;">http://www.elkrivercanoes.com/</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LOaTwy23SpI/TmwRoVPXJMI/AAAAAAAAFpY/o044N_0cwKA/s1600/IMG_0552.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="432" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LOaTwy23SpI/TmwRoVPXJMI/AAAAAAAAFpY/o044N_0cwKA/s640/IMG_0552.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Bike Route!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PW6-7UtlU9s/TmwRx3h66BI/AAAAAAAAFpc/E9rq625oBCs/s1600/IMG_0555.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PW6-7UtlU9s/TmwRx3h66BI/AAAAAAAAFpc/E9rq625oBCs/s640/IMG_0555.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9h_yUXp8Thc/TmwSAFXt2rI/AAAAAAAAFpk/wS0tf6dfaXU/s1600/IMG_0559.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9h_yUXp8Thc/TmwSAFXt2rI/AAAAAAAAFpk/wS0tf6dfaXU/s640/IMG_0559.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Elk River Canoe Rental</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DB9czUtS9EA/TmwSPBHA2MI/AAAAAAAAFpo/nCk1prJHu1g/s1600/IMG_0563.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DB9czUtS9EA/TmwSPBHA2MI/AAAAAAAAFpo/nCk1prJHu1g/s640/IMG_0563.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyj8PgNL5aSO3-mBe4wwFD-za4QV59wp9KBmQeZFBQ9FH_8AoJ4Eulxd1G0b_pRDbMV2rRtp0PeHAHsdnjaobDmLHhEmv92P9uMlidMdx013NCGnFNXkdngx1h27_Y7JJ-rGSbg3EPMjw/s1600/IMG_0567.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="350" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyj8PgNL5aSO3-mBe4wwFD-za4QV59wp9KBmQeZFBQ9FH_8AoJ4Eulxd1G0b_pRDbMV2rRtp0PeHAHsdnjaobDmLHhEmv92P9uMlidMdx013NCGnFNXkdngx1h27_Y7JJ-rGSbg3EPMjw/s640/IMG_0567.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Elk River</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-V3cbV1UkW74/TmwSou9yHHI/AAAAAAAAFp0/3KaEWe52td8/s1600/IMG_0573.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="608" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-V3cbV1UkW74/TmwSou9yHHI/AAAAAAAAFp0/3KaEWe52td8/s640/IMG_0573.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Hard to tell from this picture but this spider was huge!!</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04701275786282234068noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6278989047715952807.post-36666970279798376142011-09-06T19:08:00.000-07:002011-09-06T19:08:11.162-07:00September 3rd, 4th, 5th<div style="text-align: center;"><b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">September 3rd</span></span></u></b><br />
Woke up and enjoyed the view of the courtyard from my downtown Memphis hotel room one last time. After enjoying the continental breakfast at the Sleep Inn I got packed up, patched a flat tire, and looked over my maps. I wasn't quite sure as to where I was going to spend the night but I started heading east planning to at least get outside of the city. It was a hot day but not as bad as what I have been through so far. After getting a little lost I eventually found the Shelby Farms Greenline Trail. This bicycle/hiking trail took me out of the city and to a nice park just east of Memphis. While riding on the trail I heard back from my friend Erika at the Weed Chamber of Commerce. Erika had found me a place to stay in Oakland, TN, the Church House Bed and Breakfast donated me a room for the evening. Thanks Erika and thanks James and Louise at the Church House B&B!!! After leaving Shelby Farms Park I took a couple highways towards Oakland stopping for a much needed ice cream cone at a Baskin-Robbins. It's amazing how much food you can eat on a cross country bike trip! I spent most of the day riding through the typical city suburbs full of the stores and restaurants you see in every major city. Kind of boring to me but as I got closer to Oakland I started to notice more trees and land, and really enjoyed the ride again. When I arrived in Oakland I went straight to the Church House Bed and Breakfast. I met James and Louise, the very friendly Innkeepers. We talked for a bit and they offered me an assortment of beverages and showed me my very nice room for the evening. After getting setteled in I took a walk over to the grocery store and rented a movie from the Redbox machine. My room had a flat screen TV and dvd player so I thought it would make for a good movie night. Before the movie I took a nice hot bath in the awesome giant bathtub, perfect thing for a tired biker! Watched a movie and had an incredible sleep. It was really cool to sleep in the 80 year old renovated Methodist Church. Thanks again Chucrch House B&B!!<br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;">http://www.bbonline.com/tn/oldchurchhouse/</span></b><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dpRFb_sxGYg/TmbHtgUfUPI/AAAAAAAAFnA/SuDlARGfEN8/s1600/IMG_0242.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dpRFb_sxGYg/TmbHtgUfUPI/AAAAAAAAFnA/SuDlARGfEN8/s400/IMG_0242.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>View from my room at the Sleep Inn in downtown Memphis</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><br />
</span></span></u></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZyobPJ6dESw/TmaT8rt43WI/AAAAAAAAFlE/_dKQAm7jdeU/s1600/IMG_0294.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZyobPJ6dESw/TmaT8rt43WI/AAAAAAAAFlE/_dKQAm7jdeU/s400/IMG_0294.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Shelby Farms Greenline Trail</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SR96qLKyEVQ/TmaUH7A0KQI/AAAAAAAAFlM/M3HVLPq83N8/s1600/IMG_0343.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SR96qLKyEVQ/TmaUH7A0KQI/AAAAAAAAFlM/M3HVLPq83N8/s640/IMG_0343.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Thanks Church House B&B!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1aNWeAlMxC4/TmaUTCazwfI/AAAAAAAAFlQ/gE44mamVcjU/s1600/IMG_0349.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1aNWeAlMxC4/TmaUTCazwfI/AAAAAAAAFlQ/gE44mamVcjU/s400/IMG_0349.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kZlVeo4V1q0/TmaUjUPUbDI/AAAAAAAAFlU/c_yI5XQFAo8/s1600/IMG_0320.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kZlVeo4V1q0/TmaUjUPUbDI/AAAAAAAAFlU/c_yI5XQFAo8/s400/IMG_0320.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Inside the 80 year old Methodist Church</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-64V7ZxmtcIw/TmaUyEEWNmI/AAAAAAAAFlY/ZivKotAoeww/s1600/IMG_0303.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-64V7ZxmtcIw/TmaUyEEWNmI/AAAAAAAAFlY/ZivKotAoeww/s400/IMG_0303.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Very comfortable bed!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LaDswb0juFA/TmaVD__s97I/AAAAAAAAFlg/yoXYIGqb_o0/s1600/IMG_0322.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LaDswb0juFA/TmaVD__s97I/AAAAAAAAFlg/yoXYIGqb_o0/s400/IMG_0322.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rOO9Yy5gCNA/TmaVR785wUI/AAAAAAAAFlk/A9S9XMWipCk/s1600/IMG_0332.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rOO9Yy5gCNA/TmaVR785wUI/AAAAAAAAFlk/A9S9XMWipCk/s400/IMG_0332.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Nice bathtub to soak the weary muscles</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BGXGU0XDXfw/TmaVdxo7BjI/AAAAAAAAFlo/F23VjyJx_GU/s1600/IMG_0310.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BGXGU0XDXfw/TmaVdxo7BjI/AAAAAAAAFlo/F23VjyJx_GU/s400/IMG_0310.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Original stain glass windows</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><br />
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</span></span></u></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">September 4th</span></span></u></b><br />
Woke up early Sunday morning in the Old Church House B&B feeling well rested. Louise fed me a delicious breakfast and shared stories with me about Memphis. Louise used to be a Memphis police officer and told me about being one of the first officers at the scene when Elvis passed away. She assured me that Elvis is not still alive but I am pretty sure I saw him in Vegas earlier in the bike trip! After the awesome breakfast I relaxed at the church for a little while and then started my ride to Chickasaw State Park. It was a cloudy and humid morning but there was a chance of rain in the forecast. About halfway through the ride it started to drizzle, then turned to rain, and then poured on me! It actually was quite a blessing because it took away from the humidity and cooled me off on the many large hills I had to climb. I did notice I was starting to get a little bit of a cold the day before and as the day went on it was affecting me more and more. By the time I reached Chickasaw State Park I was soaked and tired as can be. I talked with the rangers for a bit and then headed to my campsite overlooking Lake Placid. The park was beautiful and even though I was cold, wet, and tired it was a nice place to be. After a hot shower and some dry clothes I threw on a raincoat and hiked around the woods taking in the scenery. Everything looked extra green from all of the rain and it was a really enjoyable hike. Tomorrow's forecast sounded pretty bad, extreme winds and more rain so I decided I wouldn't ride, after all tomorrow is Labor Day and I shouldn't do any hard work. I spent the night in my tent playing games on the computer and jamming out to some good tunes. I also started choosing photos to have printed on fabric and rock. More about that in the coming weeks.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><br />
</span></span></u></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fCF8Q1Cxso8/TmaW4Mo5GZI/AAAAAAAAFls/XhwK1AccbrU/s1600/IMG_0351.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fCF8Q1Cxso8/TmaW4Mo5GZI/AAAAAAAAFls/XhwK1AccbrU/s640/IMG_0351.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Thanks again Church House Bed and Breakfast!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YuLenHk-R18/TmaXGYzOD0I/AAAAAAAAFl0/Pq0U5mQoQhY/s1600/IMG_0352.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YuLenHk-R18/TmaXGYzOD0I/AAAAAAAAFl0/Pq0U5mQoQhY/s400/IMG_0352.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I love wide shoulders!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">( that should be a t-shirt for a bike shop )</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghw-XKRT6_qwFXrz33gZm2x9YYnUbv4HRCy2e-AaiiKv5Cs0skpb9eCFde1x97XL8YrDBpTx53-mcmuJziYwAQxgK2su79dOfJFqMmKHle09gLz7lV7aHOuRkGfprcXkjEsgmN6Na3UV0/s1600/IMG_0357.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghw-XKRT6_qwFXrz33gZm2x9YYnUbv4HRCy2e-AaiiKv5Cs0skpb9eCFde1x97XL8YrDBpTx53-mcmuJziYwAQxgK2su79dOfJFqMmKHle09gLz7lV7aHOuRkGfprcXkjEsgmN6Na3UV0/s640/IMG_0357.jpg" width="562" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Bridge over Lake Placid</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aRxyEscupAQ/TmaXfclscLI/AAAAAAAAFl8/2ShZwuM_cB4/s1600/IMG_0363.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="378" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aRxyEscupAQ/TmaXfclscLI/AAAAAAAAFl8/2ShZwuM_cB4/s640/IMG_0363.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Lake Placid - Chickasaw State Park</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UiRa-ij2FS8/TmaXwQUUB_I/AAAAAAAAFmA/uPrWBmoQi1M/s1600/IMG_0373.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UiRa-ij2FS8/TmaXwQUUB_I/AAAAAAAAFmA/uPrWBmoQi1M/s640/IMG_0373.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</u></b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">September 5th</span></span></u></b><br />
Labor Day, a day to relax, and that is what I did! Still feeling a little under the weather I spent most of the day relaxing at the campsite. I did get out for a 3 or 4 mile hike which was very enjoyable. It was extremely windy and I noticed a lot of the smaller branches falling from the trees. I also saw a very large amount of big trees that must have fallen recently as there leaves were still quite green. I wondered if it was caused from flooding, wind, or possibly disease. The trees looked healthy to me so I am guessing it was caused by the flooding earlier in the year in this area. This is just a guess of course. At a park in eastern Arkansas the Red Oak Borer Epidemic was causing trees to die and fall making it somewhat dangerous for us campers and hikers. After my hike I had a peaceful evening listening to Paul Simon's album, Songs From The Capeman, one of my favorites! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><br />
</span></span></u></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFxEZj-PsXtDte3hrbFEkKfK8nuQMyKCVIzcRHpZF5U_k5ez66ZR8Revh6eDdFYPO6W2qu4opwF-NukS0xIzeWeH8pjNv2glj7FAk_VpDGHZhhyphenhyphenbsUfRXBg0MGQRGIbwtBiMxlGO77r50/s1600/IMG_0376.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFxEZj-PsXtDte3hrbFEkKfK8nuQMyKCVIzcRHpZF5U_k5ez66ZR8Revh6eDdFYPO6W2qu4opwF-NukS0xIzeWeH8pjNv2glj7FAk_VpDGHZhhyphenhyphenbsUfRXBg0MGQRGIbwtBiMxlGO77r50/s640/IMG_0376.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YSXxupDU_eA/TmaY0aYtq2I/AAAAAAAAFmM/GlHdtQWL4Lc/s1600/IMG_0383.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YSXxupDU_eA/TmaY0aYtq2I/AAAAAAAAFmM/GlHdtQWL4Lc/s640/IMG_0383.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WggAONoH0es/TmaZGoKuuNI/AAAAAAAAFmQ/7-4uKomfCoU/s1600/IMG_0388.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="348" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WggAONoH0es/TmaZGoKuuNI/AAAAAAAAFmQ/7-4uKomfCoU/s640/IMG_0388.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So green!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-61t0U8pQHRU/TmaZY5qcm5I/AAAAAAAAFmY/AGFyveIx5kg/s1600/IMG_0394.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="384" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-61t0U8pQHRU/TmaZY5qcm5I/AAAAAAAAFmY/AGFyveIx5kg/s640/IMG_0394.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EOyNo0m_LF8/TmaZxwU2i2I/AAAAAAAAFmc/xKR4aAW9B3U/s1600/IMG_0411.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EOyNo0m_LF8/TmaZxwU2i2I/AAAAAAAAFmc/xKR4aAW9B3U/s400/IMG_0411.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">How can you pass up the Friends Trail?!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: auto;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-miK-zxltB0c/TmaaItr1gKI/AAAAAAAAFmo/qqsdotNdowQ/s1600/IMG_0422.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-miK-zxltB0c/TmaaItr1gKI/AAAAAAAAFmo/qqsdotNdowQ/s640/IMG_0422.JPG" width="620" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RVQTeob2038/TmaadIi1gyI/AAAAAAAAFms/eVvvEepLAWs/s1600/IMG_0429.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RVQTeob2038/TmaadIi1gyI/AAAAAAAAFms/eVvvEepLAWs/s640/IMG_0429.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t7sNpOci158/TmbRKSH2U9I/AAAAAAAAFnE/bwaSw5PtLV4/s1600/IMG_0420.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t7sNpOci158/TmbRKSH2U9I/AAAAAAAAFnE/bwaSw5PtLV4/s640/IMG_0420.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><b>http://www.peopleforbikes.org/</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">Sign the Pledge, please :)</div><br />
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</u></b></span></span></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04701275786282234068noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6278989047715952807.post-69084096436523027652011-09-04T06:49:00.000-07:002011-09-04T06:49:16.716-07:00September 1st, 2nd<div style="text-align: center;"><b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">September 1st</span></span></u></b></div><div style="text-align: center;">After talking with the park ranger for a bit I thought I would bike to the lake seeing as I was at Lake Poinsett State Park and should probably at least see it. After snapping a couple pictures I was on my way, it was another very hot day and I had a big ride ahead of me. Today I was headed for Memphis, Tennessee! I biked down a quiet country road and came across an old store in the town of Birdeye, Arkansas. I stopped for some coffee and a tasty sausage biscuit. After talking with the owner about my trip she took my picture in front of the store and gave me $5 to contribute to Make-A-Wish. Thanks Birdeye Store! I crossed several rivers before reaching the highway that would lead me into West Memphis. When I arrived in West Memphis I called the Chamber of Commerce in Weed to get directions into Memphis as it was kind of tricky getting into the city. After some confusion I decided I would just get on the interstate and cross the Mississippi River on Interstate 55. The shoulder was full of broken glass, car parts, and random items and before I even reached downtown Memphis I had 2 flat tires. When I crossed over the river into Tennessee I was in the warehouse district and Erika at the Weed Chamber gave me step by step instructions over the phone to get me downtown. Earlier in the week Stephanie at the Weed Chamber had spoke with the Memphis Chamber of Commerce and they had arranged a donated room for me from the Sleep Inn in downtown Memphis. Thanks Weed Chamber, Memphis Chamber, and Sleep Inn!!! I made it downtown late afternoon and really enjoyed my ride through the buildings and parks on Front Street. I pulled into the Sleep Inn and met several nice people before checking into my room. I was very tired from the long day but got a second wind and headed down to the world famous Beale Street for some good food, blues, and brews! My first stop was at Dyer's Burgers which was a greta choice and then from there I checked out many of the clubs on Beale. There was an incredible amount of amazing blues musicians playing both inside and out. I met a lot of fun and nice people and danced the night away! Beale Street was a blast and I highly recommend it to anyone who loves the blues or just loves to have fun!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;">http://www.memphischamber.com/</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;">http://www.sleepinn.com/hotel-memphis-tennessee-TN451</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;">http://www.bealestreetonline.com/</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></u></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-31XCDfY1M8U/TmN3v56ajzI/AAAAAAAAFjI/F4xz-Xb69II/s1600/IMG_0182.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-31XCDfY1M8U/TmN3v56ajzI/AAAAAAAAFjI/F4xz-Xb69II/s400/IMG_0182.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Lake Poinsett</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dcJsF0hIdFc/TmN3ypg2qkI/AAAAAAAAFjM/ltCm-oKjf9E/s1600/IMG_0187.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dcJsF0hIdFc/TmN3ypg2qkI/AAAAAAAAFjM/ltCm-oKjf9E/s640/IMG_0187.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Birdeye Store</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNd6u5A0Cmf1OnGhih_Wr5qqRw0iUeHOwtjINC0QcSWudNJY-IwRDwaMhK0FPn_FIXQ6HKZd2cyNByc1JRl4dtmFPZ09U7Pb_96iiDlKSBkMQ50fnCTrYZrLOzGogJeBIkiPnJYO-Xl64/s1600/IMG_0189.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNd6u5A0Cmf1OnGhih_Wr5qqRw0iUeHOwtjINC0QcSWudNJY-IwRDwaMhK0FPn_FIXQ6HKZd2cyNByc1JRl4dtmFPZ09U7Pb_96iiDlKSBkMQ50fnCTrYZrLOzGogJeBIkiPnJYO-Xl64/s400/IMG_0189.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rXtYn767F3w/TmN33Z0lKGI/AAAAAAAAFjU/gfgkZBm69iI/s1600/IMG_0191.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rXtYn767F3w/TmN33Z0lKGI/AAAAAAAAFjU/gfgkZBm69iI/s400/IMG_0191.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">One of many river crossings</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HqOMYD_A90M/TmN350t_b1I/AAAAAAAAFjY/41HJz3axneE/s1600/IMG_0212.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HqOMYD_A90M/TmN350t_b1I/AAAAAAAAFjY/41HJz3axneE/s640/IMG_0212.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The I-55 bridge</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vokfKnNKLrw/TmN375uSZ4I/AAAAAAAAFjg/ebhYZLVId_U/s1600/IMG_0220.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="284" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vokfKnNKLrw/TmN375uSZ4I/AAAAAAAAFjg/ebhYZLVId_U/s640/IMG_0220.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Downtown Memphis (view from I-55 bridge)</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO_Nu4_LqgXldssed9w206QKiw_pioNY5_q3CWu0ipNTmVY_iTwLzQ-rSwGTtgafan3norNXKKAKHv_gjAQXeSyVdWkl2kx3x8AtWl7DqcT9qfPWnDOwTX58OoYADN_rsKeXeHUEhfX00/s1600/IMG_0223.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="518" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO_Nu4_LqgXldssed9w206QKiw_pioNY5_q3CWu0ipNTmVY_iTwLzQ-rSwGTtgafan3norNXKKAKHv_gjAQXeSyVdWkl2kx3x8AtWl7DqcT9qfPWnDOwTX58OoYADN_rsKeXeHUEhfX00/s640/IMG_0223.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Crossing the mighty Mississippi!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pG85J7ZJxQg/TmN4AkfK2TI/AAAAAAAAFjo/7QndLlmbOEE/s1600/IMG_0232.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="301" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pG85J7ZJxQg/TmN4AkfK2TI/AAAAAAAAFjo/7QndLlmbOEE/s400/IMG_0232.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Memphis Pyramid</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uD671xkhg6o/TmN4DPtt13I/AAAAAAAAFjs/tW7j8sE7Wn0/s1600/IMG_0235.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uD671xkhg6o/TmN4DPtt13I/AAAAAAAAFjs/tW7j8sE7Wn0/s400/IMG_0235.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIi2hJrHefMJ5kI5c2CC8FA__f1B_W7hYd1zigA_lz7wLgryHivc6OgPOfXYzHAXtzvjK7bYdF9Ihxj5fMwCqp0qwn34pt9N0diEuO3UmLaFIfLH2gVK3blX0LcHzdGRZNm9rW_ss39Ek/s1600/IMG_0279.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIi2hJrHefMJ5kI5c2CC8FA__f1B_W7hYd1zigA_lz7wLgryHivc6OgPOfXYzHAXtzvjK7bYdF9Ihxj5fMwCqp0qwn34pt9N0diEuO3UmLaFIfLH2gVK3blX0LcHzdGRZNm9rW_ss39Ek/s640/IMG_0279.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Thanks Memphis Chamber and Sleep Inn!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5ok4ispyOqo/TmN4Il2hiXI/AAAAAAAAFj4/T0fbeLJ2JjE/s1600/IMG_0237.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5ok4ispyOqo/TmN4Il2hiXI/AAAAAAAAFj4/T0fbeLJ2JjE/s400/IMG_0237.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Comfy room</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-z9I9EEfyEQc/TmN4MpYUllI/AAAAAAAAFj8/zvAz2vCBoCM/s1600/IMG_0241.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-z9I9EEfyEQc/TmN4MpYUllI/AAAAAAAAFj8/zvAz2vCBoCM/s640/IMG_0241.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">View of Court Square from my room</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bQaMS_jAppo/TmN4OtkDDBI/AAAAAAAAFkE/ekZYDiA_7gI/s1600/IMG_0256.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bQaMS_jAppo/TmN4OtkDDBI/AAAAAAAAFkE/ekZYDiA_7gI/s640/IMG_0256.JPG" width="546" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-j_1tRUSYDB0/TmN4Sz148ZI/AAAAAAAAFkI/PaREl6aHSR8/s1600/IMG_0246.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-j_1tRUSYDB0/TmN4Sz148ZI/AAAAAAAAFkI/PaREl6aHSR8/s640/IMG_0246.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Dryer's Burger</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oAX8EMCVRN4/TmN4XZXwyYI/AAAAAAAAFkM/a_tsgNtF6U4/s1600/IMG_0250.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oAX8EMCVRN4/TmN4XZXwyYI/AAAAAAAAFkM/a_tsgNtF6U4/s640/IMG_0250.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">One of many horse and carriages in downtown Memphis</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-96gDvnnQofw/TmN4a63JpMI/AAAAAAAAFkU/E6bitLYkKis/s1600/IMG_0261.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-96gDvnnQofw/TmN4a63JpMI/AAAAAAAAFkU/E6bitLYkKis/s400/IMG_0261.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
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</span></span></u></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">September 2nd</span></span></u></b></div><div style="text-align: center;">I didn't wake up until about noon after a late night on Beale Street and was very happy I had a rest day and didn't have to bike anywhere. Thanks again to the Memphis Chamber and Sleep Inn for the two nights of donated lodging!! I walked to a nearby sub shop called Lenny's and then went back to the room to catch up on my to do list. After being in the room most of the day I decided to take a walk around downtown Memphis and explore a little. I walked along the Mississippi River, checked out the riverboats and old buildings, and then went back to the room for a little bit before deciding to head back down to Beale Street. After some more good food I checked out some more great music and made it a somewhat early night. I love Memphis, good people, great food, and excellent music!</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;">http://www.memphischamber.com/</span></b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;">http://www.sleepinn.com/hotel-memphis-tennessee-TN451</span></b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;">http://www.bealestreetonline.com/</span></b></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></u></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-91b98Zfm6-Q/TmN6XLde1LI/AAAAAAAAFkY/CG30Gzc3CZ8/s1600/IMG_0266.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="384" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-91b98Zfm6-Q/TmN6XLde1LI/AAAAAAAAFkY/CG30Gzc3CZ8/s640/IMG_0266.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">View of the I-55 bridge</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1pmR0SGp24o/TmN6ZDUYgsI/AAAAAAAAFkc/FIR86bNLjCk/s1600/IMG_0273.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1pmR0SGp24o/TmN6ZDUYgsI/AAAAAAAAFkc/FIR86bNLjCk/s640/IMG_0273.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oKm0NZOGuaw/TmN6b8whEzI/AAAAAAAAFkg/usiPEp0L6iY/s1600/IMG_0282.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oKm0NZOGuaw/TmN6b8whEzI/AAAAAAAAFkg/usiPEp0L6iY/s640/IMG_0282.jpg" width="586" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My favorite of all the clubs on Beale Street</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7_5ZI1GvDwY/TmN6fNSbPnI/AAAAAAAAFks/LTaYhrLgl38/s1600/IMG_0285.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7_5ZI1GvDwY/TmN6fNSbPnI/AAAAAAAAFks/LTaYhrLgl38/s400/IMG_0285.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Every night Beale Street closes off the road and bars serve big ass beers inside and outside!</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04701275786282234068noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6278989047715952807.post-15456792172565640552011-09-02T21:29:00.000-07:002011-09-02T21:30:59.078-07:00August 30th, 31st<div style="text-align: center;"><b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">August 30th</span></span></u></b><br />
Woke up early to a campground full of deer and started my ride up the big hill. Near the top of the hill I came to Blanchard Springs Caverns. I arrived an hour before they opened so I spent some time walking around the grounds and having a relaxing morning. I talked with some friendly park rangers who were interested in my bike trip and then met Dean who was my tour guide. Being the only person going on the first tour I got a personal trip through the caverns. There are several tours offered and I did the dripstone tour which takes you through the oldest part of the cave with some incredible formations. The main room which was discovered in the 1960's was 4 football fields wide. The lighting in the cave was done by a lighting expert famous for his work with opera houses and really made the cave an extraordinary experience! Dean was an excellent tour guide and this was quite possibly the best cave tour I have ever been on. I left the caverns just before noon and began my ride to Batesville, Arkansas. Dean had suggested a couple places to check out in the town of Mountain View, which was about 11 miles into my days ride. I stopped at a Mexican restaurant for a great lunch and then went to Yoder's for some homemade cashew butter, coffee, and dried pineapple. Next door to Yoder's I bought some fudge to go with my coffee and had a nice break before moving on. I had a couple large hills to climb and once again it was very hot but the ride was scenic as I rode through the eastern Ozarks. The ride was also quite dangerous with many blind turns and fast drivers. I came across a farm and spooked the 100 or so cows causing them to run along side of me for a while as I yelled rawhide and yee-haw at them. Good times! I arrived in Batesville late in the afternoon and stopped at a Dairy Queen for a salad and very tasty Nutter Butter Blizzard, yum! When I checked my odometer I realized I had just hit the 3,000 mile mark for this year! The Batesville Chamber of Commerce spoke with Comfort Suites who donated me a room for the evening! Thanks Batesville Chamber of Commerce and Batesville Comfort Suites!!! After a shower I did some laundry at the hotel and soaked my weary bones in the hot tub.<br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;">http://www.mybatesville.org/</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><br />
</span></span></u></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qtfV6S6BNlw/TmEk_5cnFQI/AAAAAAAAFfw/ZTUjdGG1Hn4/s1600/IMG_9932.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qtfV6S6BNlw/TmEk_5cnFQI/AAAAAAAAFfw/ZTUjdGG1Hn4/s400/IMG_9932.JPG" width="385" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Leaf Bug</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3_igZ43lNa4/TmElVzdQgJI/AAAAAAAAFf0/kwQmPI_WE30/s1600/IMG_9936.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="330" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3_igZ43lNa4/TmElVzdQgJI/AAAAAAAAFf0/kwQmPI_WE30/s640/IMG_9936.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Well worth the visit!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tjpFtiS4PDk/TmEmWfjP2LI/AAAAAAAAFf8/FgtXqlFZQiY/s1600/IMG_9938.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tjpFtiS4PDk/TmEmWfjP2LI/AAAAAAAAFf8/FgtXqlFZQiY/s400/IMG_9938.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Impressive fossil rock</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Rx8damRRX0Y/TmEn4Hkm4MI/AAAAAAAAFgA/SudX5VYHq6A/s1600/IMG_0007.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Rx8damRRX0Y/TmEn4Hkm4MI/AAAAAAAAFgA/SudX5VYHq6A/s640/IMG_0007.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eqRSxtOj9h8/TmFZcP-_AQI/AAAAAAAAFgg/PSjRR-3PQqo/s1600/IMG_0045.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eqRSxtOj9h8/TmFZcP-_AQI/AAAAAAAAFgg/PSjRR-3PQqo/s640/IMG_0045.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicEl7nbpt0z1csCIQLxlXYtsyWUWz4u-H1Av9nhIQUSy_P-yb405z3QNqfraLfukcngnQ-14ZaFE07ZQLMv4LQs-VYr7YDxfCRR67lW0BAMCNgyG7F-uMHOmMPxwW2UztgKWZqJ9wvAbo/s1600/IMG_0048.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="440" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicEl7nbpt0z1csCIQLxlXYtsyWUWz4u-H1Av9nhIQUSy_P-yb405z3QNqfraLfukcngnQ-14ZaFE07ZQLMv4LQs-VYr7YDxfCRR67lW0BAMCNgyG7F-uMHOmMPxwW2UztgKWZqJ9wvAbo/s640/IMG_0048.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZLAS9klvDK4wm0OpiajKkwyFnEXWVAzYNcCV-OtbZ_7xpsAm9L6EiWlebR9SunxAZNxK2LMxkpw2NcyGFw8GBd94-fbdEQSCYnSR5Fjgayvw8OixjjgbGnOSEKrffmlJgKyBlVRUiFDs/s1600/IMG_0055.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZLAS9klvDK4wm0OpiajKkwyFnEXWVAzYNcCV-OtbZ_7xpsAm9L6EiWlebR9SunxAZNxK2LMxkpw2NcyGFw8GBd94-fbdEQSCYnSR5Fjgayvw8OixjjgbGnOSEKrffmlJgKyBlVRUiFDs/s640/IMG_0055.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">One of the smaller hills</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioHui6WSXxYr0ntMDMhbSvKnMAatwQULSYRf2DeyqvOlrN34We_382VQuwLFHlRCFvM_Yt64llvwX5BmVH7HX1n-21Lp2jOiZgWHpDsttFJ2OEe80jVfCV_-xmp4cGJVEfEukKJA0iEfw/s1600/IMG_0057.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioHui6WSXxYr0ntMDMhbSvKnMAatwQULSYRf2DeyqvOlrN34We_382VQuwLFHlRCFvM_Yt64llvwX5BmVH7HX1n-21Lp2jOiZgWHpDsttFJ2OEe80jVfCV_-xmp4cGJVEfEukKJA0iEfw/s400/IMG_0057.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Courthouse in Mountain View</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9b87A4YtxV8/TmFa4a-5q5I/AAAAAAAAFg8/i1VIB_K2fZY/s1600/IMG_0058.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9b87A4YtxV8/TmFa4a-5q5I/AAAAAAAAFg8/i1VIB_K2fZY/s400/IMG_0058.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Break time</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YCUkUpFGWzw/TmFbNIUczxI/AAAAAAAAFhA/qd3kf-WNifA/s1600/IMG_0068.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YCUkUpFGWzw/TmFbNIUczxI/AAAAAAAAFhA/qd3kf-WNifA/s640/IMG_0068.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JwqLzjunnGo/TmFbbbfgRVI/AAAAAAAAFhI/pFvRfZDnAD0/s1600/IMG_0074.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="332" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JwqLzjunnGo/TmFbbbfgRVI/AAAAAAAAFhI/pFvRfZDnAD0/s640/IMG_0074.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xB3en3mp8qE/TmFb2lJ6qdI/AAAAAAAAFhM/GzZOZ0kQrZI/s1600/IMG_0080.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xB3en3mp8qE/TmFb2lJ6qdI/AAAAAAAAFhM/GzZOZ0kQrZI/s400/IMG_0080.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This would explain all of the race car drivers on the roads today!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRYfG_7tEKjcbLBbZvCKOLDe5a-cSRUhULsIW0CSKUFzZkw3NTcPc6nP_1hKVKb1-UzIO4j_wKKpk1V3TqXSTqs12hWFySgjXjeQjzTmxWehwmBpnrtfWZlHjRE07JnlxBX3lx5fsqbKM/s1600/IMG_0082.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRYfG_7tEKjcbLBbZvCKOLDe5a-cSRUhULsIW0CSKUFzZkw3NTcPc6nP_1hKVKb1-UzIO4j_wKKpk1V3TqXSTqs12hWFySgjXjeQjzTmxWehwmBpnrtfWZlHjRE07JnlxBX3lx5fsqbKM/s400/IMG_0082.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">White River</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lbppxm8eeCc/TmFceDLDBNI/AAAAAAAAFhU/7OyVW8JkFL0/s1600/IMG_0084.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lbppxm8eeCc/TmFceDLDBNI/AAAAAAAAFhU/7OyVW8JkFL0/s400/IMG_0084.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Yum!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWoMEDgDRqi9MYVICF8-htGRxqx1uJROpkX28BDQ3Iyhqq7fiwKIX5s7iqu5buyN1jmOIzXhQvNoaacc08b59bTRpSyBrNCvq57vdmSXwP0ITk2yEGZMWkB6MpqGDVtUQhM3Na7Xh1UYg/s1600/IMG_0092.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="396" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWoMEDgDRqi9MYVICF8-htGRxqx1uJROpkX28BDQ3Iyhqq7fiwKIX5s7iqu5buyN1jmOIzXhQvNoaacc08b59bTRpSyBrNCvq57vdmSXwP0ITk2yEGZMWkB6MpqGDVtUQhM3Na7Xh1UYg/s640/IMG_0092.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Thanks Comfort Suites!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0F-cy3E1vuw/TmFdZdpLAFI/AAAAAAAAFhg/Hg6X4DR9a8s/s1600/IMG_0086.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0F-cy3E1vuw/TmFdZdpLAFI/AAAAAAAAFhg/Hg6X4DR9a8s/s400/IMG_0086.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dlM467qIpbM/TmFdw96WVZI/AAAAAAAAFhk/d4AULo8ucT4/s1600/IMG_0101.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dlM467qIpbM/TmFdw96WVZI/AAAAAAAAFhk/d4AULo8ucT4/s400/IMG_0101.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Had the pool all to myself</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1IfsQHVAM0M/TmFeKjO9C-I/AAAAAAAAFhw/IIuzVgsH1ao/s1600/IMG_0103.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="287" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1IfsQHVAM0M/TmFeKjO9C-I/AAAAAAAAFhw/IIuzVgsH1ao/s400/IMG_0103.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Just what the doctor ordered!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"><br />
</span></span></u></b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">August 31st</span></span></u></b><br />
After some coffee, yogurt, and a banana form the hotel I spoke with Debbie, the hotel manager, who gave me some directions to ride on quiet backroads leaving the city. Thanks Debbie! Today was very humid and I was sweating instantly. I stopped at a gas station and met someone who was curious about my trip. After talking a little but she gave me $4 to donate to Make-A-Wish. A little further down the road I met Dennis who was also out bicycling. Dennis was on a ride from Batesveille to Newport and back, about a 60 mile ride. We talked for a while about bike trips and the area and then Dennis gave me $20 to donate to Make-A-Wish. Thanks Dennis!! The kindness of strangers is awesome in Arkansas! The road to Newport had a nice wide shoulder and I was able to ride with some comfort again. After taking a break at a nice quiet park in Newport I rode a quiet country road towards my destination, Lake Poinsett State Park. The road was flat and straight making it an easy ride other than the humidity. While riding down the road an ATV pulled up next to me and we talked while biking for a couple of miles. The guy on the ATV was really impressed with what I was doing and about 10 minutes after we parted ways a jeep pulled up next to me and gave me 3 sandwiches and said he was friends with the guy on the ATV. I have now received 6 sandwiches from people in Arkansas! I arrived to my campsite at Lake Poinsett State Park with just enough light left to set up my tent and take a quick shower. Spent the night going through my photos and listening to music. It was still humid but I fell asleep no problem after the long ride.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SQHMS5C9yho/TmFnBLtJbCI/AAAAAAAAFh0/GR4TrF4QdcQ/s1600/IMG_0105.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="362" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SQHMS5C9yho/TmFnBLtJbCI/AAAAAAAAFh0/GR4TrF4QdcQ/s640/IMG_0105.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Coal plant near Newport</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ppzLzDZewhg/TmFnc19edwI/AAAAAAAAFh4/0B6-jFef_j0/s1600/IMG_0109.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="401" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ppzLzDZewhg/TmFnc19edwI/AAAAAAAAFh4/0B6-jFef_j0/s640/IMG_0109.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XOgh47dHVq8/TmFoL-b3i4I/AAAAAAAAFiM/uJ_aquKCfH0/s1600/IMG_0120.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="411" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XOgh47dHVq8/TmFoL-b3i4I/AAAAAAAAFiM/uJ_aquKCfH0/s640/IMG_0120.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Park in Newport</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitarszDoH_dDqMC8sBfWrV0MIndsvpSVrzcDtTaEYZFZIROGq1hX6XtIQUazbjkmONOItF6vvpKW-LisKQrPs7KOK9aRFozU2gABHw51cVfEucDXN8G-igEO0ls3iSY9M2bomB7hdksoo/s1600/IMG_0131.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitarszDoH_dDqMC8sBfWrV0MIndsvpSVrzcDtTaEYZFZIROGq1hX6XtIQUazbjkmONOItF6vvpKW-LisKQrPs7KOK9aRFozU2gABHw51cVfEucDXN8G-igEO0ls3iSY9M2bomB7hdksoo/s640/IMG_0131.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yBvaOfnmPyg/TmFo2HZgfHI/AAAAAAAAFiU/a983Tf_37lg/s1600/IMG_0135.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yBvaOfnmPyg/TmFo2HZgfHI/AAAAAAAAFiU/a983Tf_37lg/s640/IMG_0135.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mXFd-uv2B3w/TmFpEV7MntI/AAAAAAAAFig/3ENElb8m50o/s1600/IMG_0163.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="406" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mXFd-uv2B3w/TmFpEV7MntI/AAAAAAAAFig/3ENElb8m50o/s640/IMG_0163.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The flat straight road to Lake Poinsett</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3FO-d6FeYUM/TmFpaaaiJ4I/AAAAAAAAFik/Rjrr1an4dDo/s1600/IMG_0167.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3FO-d6FeYUM/TmFpaaaiJ4I/AAAAAAAAFik/Rjrr1an4dDo/s400/IMG_0167.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHSYBmYtzqjgO9075UMz71fJdtwNhh77lukg6iLeZ4UvzxSlJpYwp3PuZJcQZJRknes0B4FwVgq7yUq8tmAfLsEXVuel6GqvUi87NvBJ3-w_LZMLiSKSz-fySy8ucBavZqwbeFwXnQUEQ/s1600/IMG_0170.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHSYBmYtzqjgO9075UMz71fJdtwNhh77lukg6iLeZ4UvzxSlJpYwp3PuZJcQZJRknes0B4FwVgq7yUq8tmAfLsEXVuel6GqvUi87NvBJ3-w_LZMLiSKSz-fySy8ucBavZqwbeFwXnQUEQ/s400/IMG_0170.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Just enough light to get set up</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VoRR1T-WwlQ/TmFp7qj0N8I/AAAAAAAAFis/D24JSaavZ2U/s1600/IMG_0172.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VoRR1T-WwlQ/TmFp7qj0N8I/AAAAAAAAFis/D24JSaavZ2U/s400/IMG_0172.jpg" width="377" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Frog in the shower!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--W74gPZJUAI/TmFqV0HnYhI/AAAAAAAAFi0/3f40xgaSSPo/s1600/IMG_0178.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="512" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--W74gPZJUAI/TmFqV0HnYhI/AAAAAAAAFi0/3f40xgaSSPo/s640/IMG_0178.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><br />
</span></span></u></b></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04701275786282234068noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6278989047715952807.post-24797933166833647092011-08-31T08:25:00.000-07:002011-08-31T08:25:38.533-07:00August 27th, 28th, 29th<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"><b><i>Congratulations to Jade at Hoptech Home Brewing Supplies for winning my "State of Jefferson" DVD!!! Hoptech is one of my awesome sponsors and you can visit there website by clicking on there link. Another contest will be coming soon!</i></b></span><br />
<b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><br />
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<b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">August 27th</span></span></u></b><br />
After a really good sleep in the bunkhouse I walked across the street to the general store for some coffee. I met a German man who had biked through this area 30 years ago and now lives here. Always fun to hear peoples stories of how they ended up where they are. I also met some really nice people from Fayetteville, Jeremiah, Hannah, and Jonathon. We hung out and talked for most of the morning and they made me 3 sandwiches and gave me some clif bars to take with me for the day's ride. Thanks so much guys, it was really nice meeting all of you! After a nice relaxing morning I headed down the street and walked around the Ponca Elk Education Center. Great to see Elk back in the Ozarks! My ride started off with a very large climb although quite scenic. There wasn't much traffic and then I had a huge downhill into the town of Jasper. Jasper seemed like a fun town and I decided that I would spend the night here. After talking with a nice couple outside the gas station for a little bit they handed me $40 and told me I should get a room, so I did. Just next door was the Arkansas House and they happened to have one room left, perfect! After a shower and a couple phone calls I took a walk and checked out the town. Got some local goat soap at the Chamber of Commerce and talked with one of the workers for a while. The county fair was in town but it was up and extremely large hill so I decided to skip it and head back to the Arkansas House. There was a restaurant at the Inn that was all organic and local food. I had the buffalo burger which was very good! Still hungry I walked down the street to the Ozark Cafe and Pizza on the Square and got a calzone. Two dinners tonight, I must have been hungry, ha! Spent the evening at the Inn working on my previous blog update and relaxing.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><br />
</span></span></u></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2MV49o28qJ4/Tl2HN5icIoI/AAAAAAAAFas/7cSBAY5Wctw/s1600/IMG_9487.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2MV49o28qJ4/Tl2HN5icIoI/AAAAAAAAFas/7cSBAY5Wctw/s400/IMG_9487.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Awesome place!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JlqezzqvjiQ/Tl2HcLNj0mI/AAAAAAAAFa0/ENzCCfvwK7E/s1600/IMG_9481.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="408" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JlqezzqvjiQ/Tl2HcLNj0mI/AAAAAAAAFa0/ENzCCfvwK7E/s640/IMG_9481.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The Bunkhouse</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--8AQoL_lWDM/Tl2HnhJApiI/AAAAAAAAFa4/fFZFfIVKXDY/s1600/IMG_9485.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--8AQoL_lWDM/Tl2HnhJApiI/AAAAAAAAFa4/fFZFfIVKXDY/s640/IMG_9485.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BUf8XgdLsj8/Tl2H2nqmUpI/AAAAAAAAFa8/MnVtRFETddc/s1600/IMG_9484.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BUf8XgdLsj8/Tl2H2nqmUpI/AAAAAAAAFa8/MnVtRFETddc/s400/IMG_9484.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Love this sign!!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5ttzuTJLQWM/Tl2IHIjuoTI/AAAAAAAAFbA/rvc_KaRhJnQ/s1600/IMG_9482.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5ttzuTJLQWM/Tl2IHIjuoTI/AAAAAAAAFbA/rvc_KaRhJnQ/s640/IMG_9482.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Hannah, Jeremiah, Me, and Jonathon</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LyoH35Zihs4/Tl2ITg9XJzI/AAAAAAAAFbI/liBzJXYBkC0/s1600/IMG_9494.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LyoH35Zihs4/Tl2ITg9XJzI/AAAAAAAAFbI/liBzJXYBkC0/s400/IMG_9494.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Ponca Elk Education Center</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OoCpREWa700/Tl2Io-beUQI/AAAAAAAAFbM/dAf6IzSNzW4/s1600/IMG_9495.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OoCpREWa700/Tl2Io-beUQI/AAAAAAAAFbM/dAf6IzSNzW4/s400/IMG_9495.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dhlvdDAnD8U/Tl2I5fDUWPI/AAAAAAAAFbQ/QwYkS2gJUSE/s1600/IMG_9499.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="376" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dhlvdDAnD8U/Tl2I5fDUWPI/AAAAAAAAFbQ/QwYkS2gJUSE/s640/IMG_9499.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Starting the huge cimb</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g34VUeAdlwM/Tl2JBmqMdiI/AAAAAAAAFbY/cZ7UnCzty6U/s1600/IMG_9508.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="330" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g34VUeAdlwM/Tl2JBmqMdiI/AAAAAAAAFbY/cZ7UnCzty6U/s640/IMG_9508.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7Vzn5tIeXJk/Tl2JYdqaPuI/AAAAAAAAFbc/8o-DBll9IVQ/s1600/IMG_9511.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="500" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7Vzn5tIeXJk/Tl2JYdqaPuI/AAAAAAAAFbc/8o-DBll9IVQ/s640/IMG_9511.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Harleys hanging from the tree and a Wisconsin license plate!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zsJD6zXEDrg/Tl2JgoyJDyI/AAAAAAAAFbg/Zw0ntThZm-I/s1600/IMG_9513.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="326" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zsJD6zXEDrg/Tl2JgoyJDyI/AAAAAAAAFbg/Zw0ntThZm-I/s640/IMG_9513.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Beginning the huge downhill</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Kne5DW0ip10/Tl2JoRTZaCI/AAAAAAAAFbk/jOMxzrsVAt8/s1600/IMG_9525.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Kne5DW0ip10/Tl2JoRTZaCI/AAAAAAAAFbk/jOMxzrsVAt8/s640/IMG_9525.jpg" width="620" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hhGSbpwIy9o/Tl2J1Dea_QI/AAAAAAAAFbs/Ux2gnfSKLYg/s1600/IMG_9521.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hhGSbpwIy9o/Tl2J1Dea_QI/AAAAAAAAFbs/Ux2gnfSKLYg/s640/IMG_9521.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The Arkansas House</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BAseYRhXYOI/Tl2KFFCwgcI/AAAAAAAAFbw/YmY8lvHKBd8/s1600/IMG_9533.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="253" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BAseYRhXYOI/Tl2KFFCwgcI/AAAAAAAAFbw/YmY8lvHKBd8/s400/IMG_9533.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Pretty fancy</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-85lGqGpwnhw/Tl2KcTOc3DI/AAAAAAAAFb0/Pvugr3K3Urc/s1600/IMG_9543.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="316" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-85lGqGpwnhw/Tl2KcTOc3DI/AAAAAAAAFb0/Pvugr3K3Urc/s400/IMG_9543.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ut7wWPC4Ubg/Tl2KvEbKwtI/AAAAAAAAFb8/mubFbjC6aro/s1600/IMG_9548.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ut7wWPC4Ubg/Tl2KvEbKwtI/AAAAAAAAFb8/mubFbjC6aro/s400/IMG_9548.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Dinner 2</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: auto;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KrqwoS3U5kk/Tl2LHGYoKAI/AAAAAAAAFcE/8tKKYR53Rfg/s1600/IMG_9552.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KrqwoS3U5kk/Tl2LHGYoKAI/AAAAAAAAFcE/8tKKYR53Rfg/s640/IMG_9552.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The Arkansas House</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><br />
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</span></span></u></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">August 28th</span></span></u></b><br />
Started the morning off with cinnamon rolls, scones, and coffee at the Arkansas House. I was on the road by 10:00 and it was very hot again. I had another huge hill to start the ride and found myself pushing my bike uphill again. When biking through the Rockies, the Sangre De Cristos, and the Sierras I never had to push my bike uphill but the Ozarks are much steeper and very challenging. I am told bicyclists come from all over the country to train on these gigantic hills. After reaching the top of the hill I had a really fun roller coaster type ride for a while. I then got to go down a huge hill taking me back to the Buffalo River where I took a nice lunch break. Always feels great to sit next to a river and have it all to yourself other than the wildlife. Anytime you drop down to the river in this part of the country you have to climb uphill when you leave. It was another huge climb and seemed as though every house I passed had an angry dog that wanted to get me! I have come to find that most dogs give up the chase at 20mph and I had to laugh at a dog who gave up at 15mph. I made a stop at the Hurricane River Cave and talked with the owner Robey. He had quite a bit to say and by the time I was ready to go on the tour a couple hours had passed so I decided to skip it and continue on. There was another huge hill to get back to the road, so many huge hills out here! I then got another long downhill to the town of St. Joe where I stopped for a great sandwich at a deli. I biked up one more big hill and then down another big one to Tyler Bend Campground. Feeling very hot and tired I asked the only other people I saw if they had a cold drink I could purchase and they gave me 3 ice cold Coors Lights. They went down great! I saw a lot of deer while hanging out at my campsite and listening to music. After hanging my food I stargazed for a while and had a couple of opossum visitors.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><br />
</span></span></u></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6LB4YDZE72I/Tl2L18MtowI/AAAAAAAAFcM/fdLQ2rOU9TQ/s1600/IMG_9562.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6LB4YDZE72I/Tl2L18MtowI/AAAAAAAAFcM/fdLQ2rOU9TQ/s640/IMG_9562.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-E1-H9xFvtds/Tl2MITnXJpI/AAAAAAAAFcQ/K26PEB3PjBQ/s1600/IMG_9590.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="322" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-E1-H9xFvtds/Tl2MITnXJpI/AAAAAAAAFcQ/K26PEB3PjBQ/s400/IMG_9590.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Buffalo River - lunch break</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: auto;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Eg0ygMHEt0Y/Tl2MnScKlwI/AAAAAAAAFcc/K8YtFtuKh14/s1600/IMG_9600.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="372" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Eg0ygMHEt0Y/Tl2MnScKlwI/AAAAAAAAFcc/K8YtFtuKh14/s640/IMG_9600.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1sIUKgLb8Go/Tl2M0NGgkmI/AAAAAAAAFcg/NTrzqTH31qQ/s1600/IMG_9607.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1sIUKgLb8Go/Tl2M0NGgkmI/AAAAAAAAFcg/NTrzqTH31qQ/s640/IMG_9607.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BM8sQjt-Bs4/Tl2NFFTQu9I/AAAAAAAAFck/Iq7Z62do2k0/s1600/IMG_9617.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="372" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BM8sQjt-Bs4/Tl2NFFTQu9I/AAAAAAAAFck/Iq7Z62do2k0/s640/IMG_9617.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sxJNwd5tQvQ/Tl2NRQUS9xI/AAAAAAAAFcs/Q2wK277G8C0/s1600/IMG_9631.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sxJNwd5tQvQ/Tl2NRQUS9xI/AAAAAAAAFcs/Q2wK277G8C0/s400/IMG_9631.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Roadside cave</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: auto;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NdEkkgS8yP0/Tl2OBIy_LII/AAAAAAAAFc0/04Ktd5APbKg/s1600/IMG_9652.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NdEkkgS8yP0/Tl2OBIy_LII/AAAAAAAAFc0/04Ktd5APbKg/s400/IMG_9652.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-B1Q0pHsRc54/Tl2OOHYkXNI/AAAAAAAAFc8/dVwnUdwNpHs/s1600/IMG_9655.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-B1Q0pHsRc54/Tl2OOHYkXNI/AAAAAAAAFc8/dVwnUdwNpHs/s640/IMG_9655.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q7KiIhkveQc/Tl2OfFuGLVI/AAAAAAAAFdA/kfxeWfiFGEE/s1600/IMG_9658.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q7KiIhkveQc/Tl2OfFuGLVI/AAAAAAAAFdA/kfxeWfiFGEE/s400/IMG_9658.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-34-HhMzefos/Tl2OszEuUhI/AAAAAAAAFdE/x5RByWs1wYs/s1600/IMG_9661.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-34-HhMzefos/Tl2OszEuUhI/AAAAAAAAFdE/x5RByWs1wYs/s400/IMG_9661.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Ice cold!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-W_sGXLiqHY4/Tl2O4KXNyaI/AAAAAAAAFdM/25Lfk9ubzMI/s1600/IMG_9663.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-W_sGXLiqHY4/Tl2O4KXNyaI/AAAAAAAAFdM/25Lfk9ubzMI/s640/IMG_9663.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DxRydwl50rs/Tl2PJZOdhsI/AAAAAAAAFdQ/F1xEnZMoWyc/s1600/IMG_9701.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="372" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DxRydwl50rs/Tl2PJZOdhsI/AAAAAAAAFdQ/F1xEnZMoWyc/s640/IMG_9701.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The campsite - only one in the park!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_k7xQ0IWS74/Tl2PSl_ze6I/AAAAAAAAFdU/H4oK9C1pDG8/s1600/IMG_9702.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_k7xQ0IWS74/Tl2PSl_ze6I/AAAAAAAAFdU/H4oK9C1pDG8/s400/IMG_9702.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My Planet Bike light, lighting up my tent - so bright!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"><br />
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</span></span></u></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">August 29th</span></span></u></b><br />
I woke up around 8 in a hot tent and got packed up. I had to put my rainfly on in the middle of the night due to a thunderstorm that rolled in. I made a stop at the Tyler Bend Visitor Center before beginning the days ride. Filled up my water bottles and started the climb out of the park and back to the highway. I stopped for a nice hike at the Collier Homestead just before leaving the park. On my way out I came across a couple of turtles on the road. Nice quiet park with a lot of wildlife. Today it was very hot and I had huge hills all day long. The roads were scenic and pretty quiet but very challenging. I made a stop in the town of Marshall for a really good burger at Daisy Queen, not to be confused with Dairy Queen. I biked through the town of Big Flat which was neither bog or flat and I wondered how it got it's name. They had a really nice city park with a bunch of stone structures and picnic areas. After a break at the park I finished the ride into the town of Fifty-Six, Arkansas. I got some supplies from the general store and then headed towards the campground. On my way I found a $20 bill on the side of the road! I couldn't believe I even saw it in the grass as I was biking down the highway. I had a 3 mile downhill to the campsite which was fun but I kept thinking I am going to have to climb up this tomorrow! When I got to the bottom of the hill I checked out Mirror Lake where there was a few fisherman and the headed over to the campground. My campsite was very nice under some really tall pine trees. I hiked down to the creek for the sunset and spent the rest of the night listening to music and stargazing.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><br />
</span></span></u></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2XpyhZ3uVQY/Tl2RPeg3hdI/AAAAAAAAFdg/2plnGFKaScM/s1600/IMG_9729.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2XpyhZ3uVQY/Tl2RPeg3hdI/AAAAAAAAFdg/2plnGFKaScM/s640/IMG_9729.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Turtle 1</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JaAXT5-Eq2U/Tl2Rc8RUFuI/AAAAAAAAFdk/3O_WyPg43NQ/s1600/IMG_9746.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JaAXT5-Eq2U/Tl2Rc8RUFuI/AAAAAAAAFdk/3O_WyPg43NQ/s640/IMG_9746.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Collier Homestead</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4EnlUSP6emM/Tl2Rt4Bcj5I/AAAAAAAAFdo/J_AlsnsFmqI/s1600/IMG_9750.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="276" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4EnlUSP6emM/Tl2Rt4Bcj5I/AAAAAAAAFdo/J_AlsnsFmqI/s640/IMG_9750.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5qvlWLhr7aM/Tl2SEjaHgHI/AAAAAAAAFdw/q4Q1ZkYFECM/s1600/IMG_9767.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5qvlWLhr7aM/Tl2SEjaHgHI/AAAAAAAAFdw/q4Q1ZkYFECM/s640/IMG_9767.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Turtle 2</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LQ6rqqk-TsA/Tl2SPgiy2eI/AAAAAAAAFd0/oHCNrLPWPOo/s1600/IMG_9772.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LQ6rqqk-TsA/Tl2SPgiy2eI/AAAAAAAAFd0/oHCNrLPWPOo/s400/IMG_9772.JPG" width="292" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yoqpdc-cdjo/Tl2Sgo6ggII/AAAAAAAAFd4/6O6OUxoOLcQ/s1600/IMG_9787.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="253" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yoqpdc-cdjo/Tl2Sgo6ggII/AAAAAAAAFd4/6O6OUxoOLcQ/s400/IMG_9787.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Big Flat City Park</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-270zWH4YpsU/Tl2SyUny4UI/AAAAAAAAFd8/yj20OvpcDAw/s1600/IMG_9791.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="222" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-270zWH4YpsU/Tl2SyUny4UI/AAAAAAAAFd8/yj20OvpcDAw/s400/IMG_9791.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YJeHP7DvT4A/Tl2TDSKhwfI/AAAAAAAAFeE/wC7T3Zd1CAM/s1600/IMG_9799.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YJeHP7DvT4A/Tl2TDSKhwfI/AAAAAAAAFeE/wC7T3Zd1CAM/s400/IMG_9799.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4kEtgt2Plio/Tl2TTTDZzQI/AAAAAAAAFeI/HFYRAxcVvy8/s1600/IMG_9807.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4kEtgt2Plio/Tl2TTTDZzQI/AAAAAAAAFeI/HFYRAxcVvy8/s640/IMG_9807.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Mirror Lake</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z_RM0fVw8gs/Tl2Th6MIasI/AAAAAAAAFeM/Gfq8Cjnmq7k/s1600/IMG_9819.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z_RM0fVw8gs/Tl2Th6MIasI/AAAAAAAAFeM/Gfq8Cjnmq7k/s640/IMG_9819.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RQiGPdAEBMk/Tl2TwSgfi0I/AAAAAAAAFeU/aAwQJI8Umo8/s1600/IMG_9826.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RQiGPdAEBMk/Tl2TwSgfi0I/AAAAAAAAFeU/aAwQJI8Umo8/s400/IMG_9826.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Good choices!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nvdgVoAWvBs/Tl2UG0m5NpI/AAAAAAAAFeY/gGGmIFzqoQY/s1600/IMG_9833.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="472" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nvdgVoAWvBs/Tl2UG0m5NpI/AAAAAAAAFeY/gGGmIFzqoQY/s640/IMG_9833.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GYSJeKO-geU/Tl2UadGO4iI/AAAAAAAAFec/XYNpBPXIHnM/s1600/IMG_9836.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GYSJeKO-geU/Tl2UadGO4iI/AAAAAAAAFec/XYNpBPXIHnM/s640/IMG_9836.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6e_KoUmTzRg/Tl2Uv-DDwnI/AAAAAAAAFek/YjyBwtBxBlE/s1600/IMG_9841.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6e_KoUmTzRg/Tl2Uv-DDwnI/AAAAAAAAFek/YjyBwtBxBlE/s640/IMG_9841.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-U3VISQpEhNc/Tl2U32aLgqI/AAAAAAAAFeo/MWSksNUEtRc/s1600/IMG_9853.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-U3VISQpEhNc/Tl2U32aLgqI/AAAAAAAAFeo/MWSksNUEtRc/s400/IMG_9853.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Oh boy!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RV4r-cshiek/Tl2VNQFfXMI/AAAAAAAAFes/yy7ancuO6cI/s1600/IMG_9857.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RV4r-cshiek/Tl2VNQFfXMI/AAAAAAAAFes/yy7ancuO6cI/s640/IMG_9857.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Looking up at the campsite</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gkHo7qhuXsY/Tl2VhVuGNKI/AAAAAAAAFe4/DOqlrBLw75Q/s1600/IMG_9862.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="458" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gkHo7qhuXsY/Tl2VhVuGNKI/AAAAAAAAFe4/DOqlrBLw75Q/s640/IMG_9862.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KER2G1ngGbk/Tl2VymQrkNI/AAAAAAAAFe8/hgWO_GLwNFQ/s1600/IMG_9865.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KER2G1ngGbk/Tl2VymQrkNI/AAAAAAAAFe8/hgWO_GLwNFQ/s640/IMG_9865.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pw6ZGZNNqh4/Tl2WEYAeoGI/AAAAAAAAFfA/cwwq66PkSP8/s1600/IMG_9872.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pw6ZGZNNqh4/Tl2WEYAeoGI/AAAAAAAAFfA/cwwq66PkSP8/s400/IMG_9872.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-B7Ucv1srqZQ/Tl2WVABPrrI/AAAAAAAAFfI/7prjKBp4uPA/s1600/IMG_9878.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-B7Ucv1srqZQ/Tl2WVABPrrI/AAAAAAAAFfI/7prjKBp4uPA/s640/IMG_9878.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Happy Camper</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R4KwwiLWYec/Tl2WnAaB4oI/AAAAAAAAFfM/q7b7WR9V_RI/s1600/IMG_9884.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R4KwwiLWYec/Tl2WnAaB4oI/AAAAAAAAFfM/q7b7WR9V_RI/s640/IMG_9884.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kD6wgzRMpdk/Tl2Wy2kkdNI/AAAAAAAAFfQ/767XMQIoGvg/s1600/IMG_9902.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kD6wgzRMpdk/Tl2Wy2kkdNI/AAAAAAAAFfQ/767XMQIoGvg/s640/IMG_9902.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tTSwgDVm2tQ/Tl2W9Q1lF3I/AAAAAAAAFfY/FyfupfKYYR4/s1600/IMG_9914.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tTSwgDVm2tQ/Tl2W9Q1lF3I/AAAAAAAAFfY/FyfupfKYYR4/s640/IMG_9914.JPG" width="500" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><u><br />
</u></b></span></span></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04701275786282234068noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6278989047715952807.post-9602176230024638772011-08-27T20:16:00.000-07:002011-08-27T20:16:17.107-07:00August 24th, 25th, 26th ( and another contest )<div style="text-align: center;"><b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><br />
</span></span></u></b><br />
<b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">CONTEST </span></span></u></b><br />
<b>The third person to email me at kevincitta@gmail with "DVD" in the subject line wins a copy of my <i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;">State of Jefferson DVD</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;">!</span> The DVD is a collection of my photography from Northern California and Southern Oregon as well as an awesome soundtrack by my brother Matt Citta and Twisted Arms Studios. The DVD will be mailed to you a.s.a.p.</b><br />
<b><br />
</b><br />
<b>With online donations of $1,941 and checks totaling $365, together we have raised <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">$2,306</span></i></span> for the Make-A-Wish Foundation! We are almost half way to my goal of $5,000! Please help spread the word and if you can, make a donation. Thank you all very much who have donated already!!! </b><b>To learn more about the Make-A-Wish Foundation please visit </b><br />
<b>http://www.wish.org/</b><br />
<b><br />
</b><br />
<b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">To make a donation click the link on the right or go here...</span></span></i></b><br />
<b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">https://secure.wish.org/ourfriends/029-000/kcitta.htm</span></span></i></b><br />
<b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><br />
</span></span></u></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3kKnet7PCoE/TllS1FANIbI/AAAAAAAAFWo/TXhYjiF4rDc/s1600/IMG_8966.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="205" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3kKnet7PCoE/TllS1FANIbI/AAAAAAAAFWo/TXhYjiF4rDc/s400/IMG_8966.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oOdNcaD5U2g/TllUfEZ7RAI/AAAAAAAAFWs/mAHGaRwk1bA/s1600/IMG_9001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="353" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oOdNcaD5U2g/TllUfEZ7RAI/AAAAAAAAFWs/mAHGaRwk1bA/s400/IMG_9001.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Z08O_Kyxvik/TlmfJOE2hTI/AAAAAAAAFaY/-hmkR4gP0dQ/s1600/thermometer.php.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Z08O_Kyxvik/TlmfJOE2hTI/AAAAAAAAFaY/-hmkR4gP0dQ/s400/thermometer.php.gif" width="156" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><u><br />
</u></b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">August 24th</span></span></u></b><br />
After a stop at McDonalds in Stilwell, Oklahoma for ice water and coffee and I started my bike ride into Arkansas. Oklahoma was very good to me but it was incredibly hot! The people were great, good drivers, and fun times overall! It was quite hot by the time I reached Arkansas shortly into the days ride. My bike seemed to be working ok but the chain was still skipping and I would be happy to get it to a bike shop. I biked down a couple of nice scenic country roads most of the day before reaching the highway into Fayetteville, Arkansas. There were a lot of nice rolling hills which were a lot of fun to bike down. I got a call from Stephanie at the Weed Chamber of Commerce shortly into my ride and was told that the Clarion Inn in Fayetteville had donated a room to me for the evening. Thanks Stephanie, and thanks Clarion Inn!!! I made another stop at another McDonalds part way through the ride to re-fill on ice water. Really happy to see the golden arches when biking in this intense heat. I arrived to the Clarion Inn mid afternoon and met Aron at the front desk who offered to give me a ride to the bike shop. Thanks Aron! The Clarion Inn was really nice with a big atrium and pool, nice comfortable room, and a very friendly staff. After a nice cold shower Aron gave me a ride to High Rollers Bike Shop. After taking a hammer to my sprocket and changing a couple of chain links my bike was back in decent shape. The clerk did inform me that I should replace some parts but it would be quite expensive and he thought I could probably make it to North Carolina without the repairs. Wish me luck! After leaving the bike shop I met up with Aron and his 2 roommates Gerrit and Jamin for some beers. We went to the Hog Haus Brewing Company and Aron bought my dinner and a couple of good beers, thanks again Aron! The brewery had a nice balcony overlooking Dickson Street in downtown Fayetteville and the wings were very tasty! After dinner we headed up the street to another bar for a couple more beers. I took a late night cab back to the hotel and got a little sleep. Fun night with good people!<br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;">http://www.fayettevilleclarion.com/</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><br />
</span></span></u></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Wd2ZNwcgY0I/TllVG9R6g2I/AAAAAAAAFW0/MLLEc262Cvs/s1600/IMG_9106.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Wd2ZNwcgY0I/TllVG9R6g2I/AAAAAAAAFW0/MLLEc262Cvs/s400/IMG_9106.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Hello Arkansas!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TaXMh95vfK4/TllVbZgckfI/AAAAAAAAFW4/MoL0ynFslvk/s1600/IMG_9100.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TaXMh95vfK4/TllVbZgckfI/AAAAAAAAFW4/MoL0ynFslvk/s640/IMG_9100.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Quiet country road</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CmAmSJs4emw/TllVvqCqnVI/AAAAAAAAFW8/rXJKZAvyrdE/s1600/IMG_9108.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CmAmSJs4emw/TllVvqCqnVI/AAAAAAAAFW8/rXJKZAvyrdE/s640/IMG_9108.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-26oCytz1tUw/TllWHD6z2XI/AAAAAAAAFXA/dn7JhsOXpzM/s1600/IMG_9110.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="322" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-26oCytz1tUw/TllWHD6z2XI/AAAAAAAAFXA/dn7JhsOXpzM/s400/IMG_9110.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZCrZcAfVEy4/TllWeU-bc4I/AAAAAAAAFXI/oe7w9RYgEEE/s1600/IMG_9111.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="432" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZCrZcAfVEy4/TllWeU-bc4I/AAAAAAAAFXI/oe7w9RYgEEE/s640/IMG_9111.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GU8ETdZQ50U/TllWrFWsniI/AAAAAAAAFXM/EvRB12g3NYI/s1600/IMG_9131.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GU8ETdZQ50U/TllWrFWsniI/AAAAAAAAFXM/EvRB12g3NYI/s400/IMG_9131.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Thanks Clarion Inn Fayetteville!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_-cJ9l6nD6Y/TllXDJ-ZxZI/AAAAAAAAFXQ/tCrZyO9JjAM/s1600/IMG_9122.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_-cJ9l6nD6Y/TllXDJ-ZxZI/AAAAAAAAFXQ/tCrZyO9JjAM/s400/IMG_9122.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Nice indoor pool area</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><br />
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</u></b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">August 25th</span></span></u></b><br />
Started the morning off at the breakfast buffet at the Clarion Inn. After filling up on food and coffee I got my stuff packed up and called Gerrit who I had made plans to go disc golfing the night before. Gerrit picked me up at the Clarion and we played a fun game of disc golf at the Fayetteville North Shore course. It was starting to get hot but there was a good amount of shade and a nice lake next to the disc golf course. We stopped at a sandwich and pizza place and Gerrit bought me lunch, thanks again Gerrit! He then dropped me off on the outskirts of Fayetteville so I could begin my ride without the heavy city traffic. It was a very hot and hilly ride and about halfway to my destination I was super tired and having stomach issues so I decided to get a room for the evening. I found a nice little motel in the town of Huntsville called the Faubus Motel. After a cold refreshing shower I walked next door to the grocery store and got a few things for dinner and rented a movie from a Redbox machine. Spent the rest of the evening relaxing at the motel and got to bed nice and early.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><br />
</span></span></u></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nZciAk1Axdk/TllX5dnBP8I/AAAAAAAAFXU/cWtzIuLFaF0/s1600/IMG_9129.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nZciAk1Axdk/TllX5dnBP8I/AAAAAAAAFXU/cWtzIuLFaF0/s400/IMG_9129.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The breakfast area at the Clarion</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-U-Vh_hXwrcY/TllbGz-0SxI/AAAAAAAAFX4/hm0fysAl37w/s1600/IMG_9137.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-U-Vh_hXwrcY/TllbGz-0SxI/AAAAAAAAFX4/hm0fysAl37w/s400/IMG_9137.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KUB49_RpKOY/TllYd569KaI/AAAAAAAAFXc/n-cfMpsxspk/s1600/IMG_9134.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="288" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KUB49_RpKOY/TllYd569KaI/AAAAAAAAFXc/n-cfMpsxspk/s640/IMG_9134.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JNERTWhO8po/TllY409xy-I/AAAAAAAAFXg/WOsDSnZkOn0/s1600/IMG_9136.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JNERTWhO8po/TllY409xy-I/AAAAAAAAFXg/WOsDSnZkOn0/s400/IMG_9136.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4Tij6435ABU/TllZiN795AI/AAAAAAAAFXo/JmayxZuSHn0/s1600/IMG_9138.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4Tij6435ABU/TllZiN795AI/AAAAAAAAFXo/JmayxZuSHn0/s640/IMG_9138.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-F71fGxoLjY8/TllZ8nQ-zBI/AAAAAAAAFXw/D19M_Gvm_qc/s1600/IMG_9140.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="412" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-F71fGxoLjY8/TllZ8nQ-zBI/AAAAAAAAFXw/D19M_Gvm_qc/s640/IMG_9140.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mgDT9oIFwwI/TllaXEz97oI/AAAAAAAAFX0/4zXx4wpWNb8/s1600/IMG_9141.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="250" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mgDT9oIFwwI/TllaXEz97oI/AAAAAAAAFX0/4zXx4wpWNb8/s400/IMG_9141.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Huntsville, Arkansas - Crossroads of the Ozarks</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><br />
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</span></span></u></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">August 26th</span></span></u></b><br />
Woke up at 8:00 and was feeling a whole lot better! I stopped at the Madison Coffee House and did my previous blog update while drinking some pretty tasty coffee. I then had to bike down a very dangerous highway for the first 20 miles of the ride. There was a lot of traffic, including trucks, and the shoulder had a large rumble strip making it very hard to ride safely. There was also a lot of hills and blind turns so I had to be on my best defense to not get hit by the fast moving traffic. One of the not so fun parts of bicycle touring. I met a nice fellow who had pulled over to ask me about my trip. He told me of his love for bicycling and about his home in the beautiful Ozark Mountains. After the hellish highway I turned onto a nice quiet country road and was relieved! I started out with a nice downhill stretch to the town of Kingston where I took a beverage break. From Kingston I had a very large steep climb which was so difficult I ended up pushing my bike part way up the hill. When I reached the top of the climb I came across several farms and a herd of 9 deer running back and forth across the road just in front of me. I also had a coyote cross my path which is always cool to see. The scenery started to get pretty incredible as I entered the Ozark Mountains! With just another 10 or so miles to go I came to a very steep downhill which would drop me into Buffalo River Lost Valley. The grade of the hill was 11 percent which is steeper than most mountain roads even in the Sierras and Rocky Mountains. I stopped at the brake check station and tightened up my brakes some more for the decent. When I reached the bottom I was greeted to several large bull elk in one of the most beautiful valleys I have ever seen! It felt wonderful to bike through the valley and take in the breathtaking scenery. It was so very green and I saw hawks, cranes, more deer, as well as old barns and homesteads. Awesome part of the country! I stopped at Lost Valley Park where I had planned to camp for the evening. I was disappointed to find out that the campground was closed due to a spring flood that wiped out some of the campsites. There was a hiking trail at the park that I was told was really nice so I decided to hike it and find somewhere else to camp afterwards. The hike may have been the best hike of the trip so far! Although the waterfalls were dried up being late in the summer I came across many amazing rock formations, caves, and just beautiful scenery. I also saw a colorful little snake and a really cool looking walking stick. After hiking out of the woods I biked down the road a little ways to the quaint town of Ponca. In Ponca I found Lost Valley Canoe and Campground whose hours are posted as 9ish-5ish. It was 5:30 and I was happy to see they were still open. They had a really nice little grocery store and showers so I was happy. After paying the $10 to camp I was told I was the only one there and was offered the Bunkhouse for the evening. I couldn't turn it down, a bed, AC, electricity, and a porch with a swing. All for $10! I spent the evening going through the days photographs, listening to music, eating, and hanging out on the porch with a new dog friend I made. The stars were incredible with the milky way very visible! Fantastic afternoon and evening after a stressful ride in the morning!<br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;">http://www.lostvalleycanoe.com/</span></b><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1RtwaW0jJrk/TlmD3E0Gh1I/AAAAAAAAFaU/98uGLS3oUiY/s1600/IMG_9148.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1RtwaW0jJrk/TlmD3E0Gh1I/AAAAAAAAFaU/98uGLS3oUiY/s640/IMG_9148.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Entering the Ozarks!</div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><u><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GI84k_PFfb8/Tll6YYX4HAI/AAAAAAAAFYE/CG_owoxKc7o/s1600/IMG_9153.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="280" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GI84k_PFfb8/Tll6YYX4HAI/AAAAAAAAFYE/CG_owoxKc7o/s640/IMG_9153.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-R62Ze7Q9wu8/Tll6pZIVYUI/AAAAAAAAFYI/xFvFXKkyfXQ/s1600/IMG_9171.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="330" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-R62Ze7Q9wu8/Tll6pZIVYUI/AAAAAAAAFYI/xFvFXKkyfXQ/s640/IMG_9171.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Oh deer!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VEoVNUk8ykc/Tll62tqgyjI/AAAAAAAAFYM/Q15Q0aEsL_8/s1600/IMG_9181.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VEoVNUk8ykc/Tll62tqgyjI/AAAAAAAAFYM/Q15Q0aEsL_8/s640/IMG_9181.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">11%!!!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6l4q9zYAEXA/Tll7J6AiwZI/AAAAAAAAFYQ/4pHOJwYGp54/s1600/IMG_9187.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="354" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6l4q9zYAEXA/Tll7J6AiwZI/AAAAAAAAFYQ/4pHOJwYGp54/s640/IMG_9187.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AcXBv-1vV5k/Tll7YLqxmJI/AAAAAAAAFYY/WgPtuRDQGFg/s1600/IMG_9196.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="340" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AcXBv-1vV5k/Tll7YLqxmJI/AAAAAAAAFYY/WgPtuRDQGFg/s640/IMG_9196.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Lost Valley - Beautiful!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wJ5guD0W36o/Tll7vIiOUXI/AAAAAAAAFYc/NQ2tiBweklA/s1600/IMG_9197.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="282" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wJ5guD0W36o/Tll7vIiOUXI/AAAAAAAAFYc/NQ2tiBweklA/s640/IMG_9197.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Vxwuo4mIjN0/Tll8DuvddGI/AAAAAAAAFYg/1YNk88zX5LI/s1600/IMG_9210.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="411" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Vxwuo4mIjN0/Tll8DuvddGI/AAAAAAAAFYg/1YNk88zX5LI/s640/IMG_9210.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CCiV9dBKCYM/Tll8iCDWu3I/AAAAAAAAFYk/CzcHCm5hRAY/s1600/IMG_9216.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="393" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CCiV9dBKCYM/Tll8iCDWu3I/AAAAAAAAFYk/CzcHCm5hRAY/s640/IMG_9216.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5S9NPGgHZxI/Tll9F5c22-I/AAAAAAAAFYs/l9NEmAKHYDs/s1600/IMG_9225.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5S9NPGgHZxI/Tll9F5c22-I/AAAAAAAAFYs/l9NEmAKHYDs/s640/IMG_9225.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_QOZu2FJhB4/Tll9XrsgJdI/AAAAAAAAFYw/1fsaJmDX-DY/s1600/IMG_9228.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_QOZu2FJhB4/Tll9XrsgJdI/AAAAAAAAFYw/1fsaJmDX-DY/s640/IMG_9228.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UUgebr_gfhw/Tll901A1wxI/AAAAAAAAFY0/a7ywRR4m-Ek/s1600/IMG_9251.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UUgebr_gfhw/Tll901A1wxI/AAAAAAAAFY0/a7ywRR4m-Ek/s640/IMG_9251.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yo6DfPj7IS8/Tll-Fo0kNMI/AAAAAAAAFY8/kkeDNqe45Uo/s1600/IMG_9258.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yo6DfPj7IS8/Tll-Fo0kNMI/AAAAAAAAFY8/kkeDNqe45Uo/s640/IMG_9258.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Cobb Cave</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0C4QujiBv_w/Tll-g4uSLAI/AAAAAAAAFZA/OzTz4cm5HtA/s1600/IMG_9293.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0C4QujiBv_w/Tll-g4uSLAI/AAAAAAAAFZA/OzTz4cm5HtA/s640/IMG_9293.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-L-l_mEr5OtQ/Tll-2Hec9UI/AAAAAAAAFZE/oexNyJRPwLI/s1600/IMG_9297.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="408" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-L-l_mEr5OtQ/Tll-2Hec9UI/AAAAAAAAFZE/oexNyJRPwLI/s640/IMG_9297.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uq-DL2lFI8U/Tll_KUc9u1I/AAAAAAAAFZM/DKVaS-rWnlM/s1600/IMG_9299.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="326" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uq-DL2lFI8U/Tll_KUc9u1I/AAAAAAAAFZM/DKVaS-rWnlM/s640/IMG_9299.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-m--MvhJT7OA/Tll_a_bB-4I/AAAAAAAAFZQ/CA2oXtrtzGI/s1600/IMG_9316.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-m--MvhJT7OA/Tll_a_bB-4I/AAAAAAAAFZQ/CA2oXtrtzGI/s640/IMG_9316.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x5HoAQnrecg/Tll_2rFgyXI/AAAAAAAAFZU/yieo3A9UkLI/s1600/IMG_9324.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x5HoAQnrecg/Tll_2rFgyXI/AAAAAAAAFZU/yieo3A9UkLI/s640/IMG_9324.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P4KVHs6lWuI/TlmALSKt3cI/AAAAAAAAFZc/9uo07dmGHkI/s1600/IMG_9355.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P4KVHs6lWuI/TlmALSKt3cI/AAAAAAAAFZc/9uo07dmGHkI/s640/IMG_9355.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Eden Falls Cave</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hdEtCxtI99I/TlmAhtxP_7I/AAAAAAAAFZg/iTKDS3DP2_k/s1600/IMG_9381.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hdEtCxtI99I/TlmAhtxP_7I/AAAAAAAAFZg/iTKDS3DP2_k/s640/IMG_9381.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Tasty mystery berries, just kidding!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-A8E5RcKmd7o/TlmA0yrYigI/AAAAAAAAFZk/r0VEj-1p00s/s1600/IMG_9387.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-A8E5RcKmd7o/TlmA0yrYigI/AAAAAAAAFZk/r0VEj-1p00s/s640/IMG_9387.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oUyPtVl_za8/TlmBH1_lwDI/AAAAAAAAFZs/P2r4tQLXNSE/s1600/IMG_9389.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oUyPtVl_za8/TlmBH1_lwDI/AAAAAAAAFZs/P2r4tQLXNSE/s640/IMG_9389.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ulK2Xr4OYjU/TlmBdTQVzCI/AAAAAAAAFZw/zWJ2fFsbeAs/s1600/IMG_9404.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="394" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ulK2Xr4OYjU/TlmBdTQVzCI/AAAAAAAAFZw/zWJ2fFsbeAs/s640/IMG_9404.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eqFGSPRZtuw/TlmByI96p2I/AAAAAAAAFZ0/blcGkLB4E4o/s1600/IMG_9412.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="376" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eqFGSPRZtuw/TlmByI96p2I/AAAAAAAAFZ0/blcGkLB4E4o/s640/IMG_9412.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sL6F0kPDTKw/TlmCJpmvcII/AAAAAAAAFZ8/Stbjn8qnH_o/s1600/IMG_9419.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sL6F0kPDTKw/TlmCJpmvcII/AAAAAAAAFZ8/Stbjn8qnH_o/s640/IMG_9419.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The Bunkhouse</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DSNhVnC-naI/TlmCdqW2btI/AAAAAAAAFaA/WNwGWZedjfE/s1600/IMG_9424.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DSNhVnC-naI/TlmCdqW2btI/AAAAAAAAFaA/WNwGWZedjfE/s640/IMG_9424.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XJf1F4HSZWE/TlmC6J2ZNTI/AAAAAAAAFaE/SEdjNalDJwA/s1600/IMG_9436.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XJf1F4HSZWE/TlmC6J2ZNTI/AAAAAAAAFaE/SEdjNalDJwA/s640/IMG_9436.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My new buddy</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-K4o7t78zmvo/TlmDKDe3kLI/AAAAAAAAFaM/sFzzEWJNpYU/s1600/IMG_9453.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="466" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-K4o7t78zmvo/TlmDKDe3kLI/AAAAAAAAFaM/sFzzEWJNpYU/s640/IMG_9453.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xqLfkGvKyTg/TlmDZ5InlAI/AAAAAAAAFaQ/jna_btl0N64/s1600/IMG_9465.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xqLfkGvKyTg/TlmDZ5InlAI/AAAAAAAAFaQ/jna_btl0N64/s640/IMG_9465.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Inside the bunhouse</div><b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><br />
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</span></span></u></b></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04701275786282234068noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6278989047715952807.post-69630736866297262642011-08-26T08:51:00.000-07:002011-08-26T08:51:10.243-07:00August 21st, 22nd, 23rd<div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">August 21st</span></u></span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;">I woke up at 6:00 planning to start my ride early but it was pouring rain so I decided to wait. After checking the weather it looked like the rain would stop around 8 so I was on the road shortly after 8. It was very humid starting out but got a little better throughout the day. It was nice to have some cloud cover at least. I made a stop for ice water and coffee at a McDonalds in Warner, Oklahoma. I met a nice man who offered to show me a shortcut out of town and to the highway I had planned to ride. I followed him in his car for a couple miles and then rolled on down the highway. It was a pleasant ride through the country with rolling farmland and increasing trees. I took a break on the Arkansas River at a nice quiet park just outside of Gore, OK. After tuning up my bike and relaxing a bit it started to rain a little bit so I headed down the road. After passing through the town of Gore I biked down a very narrow, curvy, dangerous road with a good amount of traffic. It was scary and I was very happy to arrive to the Fin and Feather Resort without and injuries! The owners of the resort Steve and Lezli donated to me a cabin for the evening as well as lunch and dinner. Thanks so much Steve and Lezli!!! My cabon was excellent! There was a nice big bed, a kitchen, great shower, big porch, good soaps, and a jacuzzi! I ate lunch at the 35 foot Sunday buffet which had all kinds of excellent food. After lunch I played a game of disc golf at the resort and then relaxed for a little while at the cabin. For dinner I went to Soda Steve's which is also part of the resort. Steve Pool the owner, came up with the idea while doing mission work in Costa Rica. We talked for a while and I learned of Steve's work and travels. Very inspirational! Steve and his wife Lezli also gave me a bunch of gifts including a hat, t-shirt, postcards, and more! Steve makes his own root beer which was excellent as well as a very tasty cream soda float. I had a delicious chicken sandwich and cheese fries and used the wifi at Soda Steve's before heading back to the cabin to soak in the jacuzzi. After getting back to the room I dropped my camera and it wasn't working anymore, shoot! Overall a really good day!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;">http://www.finandfeatherresort.com/</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;">http://www.sodasteves.com/</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Do6bZOMVWP0/TleubpP-wyI/AAAAAAAAFTU/IpC85QJD81E/s1600/webbers_falls_ok_bridge_collapse_5-26-2002_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Do6bZOMVWP0/TleubpP-wyI/AAAAAAAAFTU/IpC85QJD81E/s400/webbers_falls_ok_bridge_collapse_5-26-2002_2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Found this picture online while looking up Gore, Oklahoma. This is I-40 and the bridge collapsed in 2002 when a barge hit it. I didn't bike across this bridge but could see it from the bridge I crossed nearby.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OPgEHk294uw/TleulQMzUjI/AAAAAAAAFTY/tWoc__Gd9Xc/s1600/IMG_8865.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OPgEHk294uw/TleulQMzUjI/AAAAAAAAFTY/tWoc__Gd9Xc/s400/IMG_8865.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Very dry corn from the Oklahoma drought</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ECDOMqGjwbY/Tleus_V-kTI/AAAAAAAAFTc/hJncgNgsvUU/s1600/IMG_8877.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ECDOMqGjwbY/Tleus_V-kTI/AAAAAAAAFTc/hJncgNgsvUU/s400/IMG_8877.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Arkansas River</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-76H1dnQ4NJI/Tleu00-Mp4I/AAAAAAAAFTg/IbcIyS5_K-Y/s1600/IMG_8911.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-76H1dnQ4NJI/Tleu00-Mp4I/AAAAAAAAFTg/IbcIyS5_K-Y/s400/IMG_8911.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CNi8Qt2utuc/Tleu8Vo2_-I/AAAAAAAAFTs/DfqTpaYEFFA/s1600/IMG_8930.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="398" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CNi8Qt2utuc/Tleu8Vo2_-I/AAAAAAAAFTs/DfqTpaYEFFA/s640/IMG_8930.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KVlujJhK4Sg/TlevECJPdmI/AAAAAAAAFTw/2ChRdHPn3j0/s1600/IMG_8939.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="324" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KVlujJhK4Sg/TlevECJPdmI/AAAAAAAAFTw/2ChRdHPn3j0/s640/IMG_8939.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DBcnqhy3KAM/TlevLWGJzPI/AAAAAAAAFT0/wrLQmJmFyKQ/s1600/IMG_8940.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="336" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DBcnqhy3KAM/TlevLWGJzPI/AAAAAAAAFT0/wrLQmJmFyKQ/s640/IMG_8940.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Look at all of these trees!!!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ND0T-snvccM/TlevbPCnNbI/AAAAAAAAFT4/kk5z2X3BtmU/s1600/IMG_8950.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ND0T-snvccM/TlevbPCnNbI/AAAAAAAAFT4/kk5z2X3BtmU/s640/IMG_8950.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My very awesome cabin at the Fin and Feather Resort, thanks Fin and Feather!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_UN9t6ODYOE/Tlevmsc7yOI/AAAAAAAAFUA/QLMb9nWmNoA/s1600/IMG_8954.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_UN9t6ODYOE/Tlevmsc7yOI/AAAAAAAAFUA/QLMb9nWmNoA/s400/IMG_8954.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MY6h69JkiKY/TlevwMx3MAI/AAAAAAAAFUE/9dUjjmTLgqg/s1600/IMG_8955.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MY6h69JkiKY/TlevwMx3MAI/AAAAAAAAFUE/9dUjjmTLgqg/s400/IMG_8955.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-T5hBB2yRa9Q/Tlev8KOQWZI/AAAAAAAAFUI/l9BKBzycolw/s1600/IMG_8960.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="356" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-T5hBB2yRa9Q/Tlev8KOQWZI/AAAAAAAAFUI/l9BKBzycolw/s400/IMG_8960.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1H9v1MhusHE/TlewHuGe3vI/AAAAAAAAFUM/4ZmlEk7QZYE/s1600/IMG_8973.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1H9v1MhusHE/TlewHuGe3vI/AAAAAAAAFUM/4ZmlEk7QZYE/s400/IMG_8973.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Plate #1 at the Sunday buffet</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4E1k0mXY3ec/TlewSW-yHqI/AAAAAAAAFUU/2Okye1dtvQY/s1600/IMG_8977.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4E1k0mXY3ec/TlewSW-yHqI/AAAAAAAAFUU/2Okye1dtvQY/s400/IMG_8977.jpg" width="352" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_ZLJ9LMiPaQ/Tlewf7_nk0I/AAAAAAAAFUY/n4lsTDWr6JI/s1600/IMG_8979.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="358" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_ZLJ9LMiPaQ/Tlewf7_nk0I/AAAAAAAAFUY/n4lsTDWr6JI/s640/IMG_8979.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lUDjCGdJOhM/Tlewp-wCxnI/AAAAAAAAFUg/wTtcYyM4nl4/s1600/IMG_8990.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="281" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lUDjCGdJOhM/Tlewp-wCxnI/AAAAAAAAFUg/wTtcYyM4nl4/s400/IMG_8990.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Disc golf course at the resort</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M4SfUCgAXAI/TlexAqcqXaI/AAAAAAAAFUk/jVLuwfutWQ4/s1600/IMG_8995.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M4SfUCgAXAI/TlexAqcqXaI/AAAAAAAAFUk/jVLuwfutWQ4/s400/IMG_8995.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uX51nMEYg_M/TlexPgpfqYI/AAAAAAAAFUo/qjJbuHIQrkk/s1600/IMG_9011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uX51nMEYg_M/TlexPgpfqYI/AAAAAAAAFUo/qjJbuHIQrkk/s400/IMG_9011.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Dinner at Soda Steves</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fjQvDnatzho/TlexaRJK3gI/AAAAAAAAFUw/ydnHuWpm3vA/s1600/IMG_9013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="311" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fjQvDnatzho/TlexaRJK3gI/AAAAAAAAFUw/ydnHuWpm3vA/s400/IMG_9013.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HpFVWkWJ3PY/TlexhzUeXhI/AAAAAAAAFU0/q9kGol9qOe4/s1600/IMG_9016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="281" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HpFVWkWJ3PY/TlexhzUeXhI/AAAAAAAAFU0/q9kGol9qOe4/s400/IMG_9016.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-amwDfe6Q9uM/TlexqEE_2yI/AAAAAAAAFU4/aGNUQPCGQYg/s1600/IMG_9020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-amwDfe6Q9uM/TlexqEE_2yI/AAAAAAAAFU4/aGNUQPCGQYg/s400/IMG_9020.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LaGLY1k3cBM/Tlex1ZsDhYI/AAAAAAAAFU8/QRugMuU84Yk/s1600/IMG_9024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="277" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LaGLY1k3cBM/Tlex1ZsDhYI/AAAAAAAAFU8/QRugMuU84Yk/s400/IMG_9024.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vYSPdYwF6lw/Tlex-iOM90I/AAAAAAAAFVE/yBhmawC6ofI/s1600/IMG_9033.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vYSPdYwF6lw/Tlex-iOM90I/AAAAAAAAFVE/yBhmawC6ofI/s400/IMG_9033.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Gifts from Steve and Lezli, thanks!!!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qSADK5sYsro/TleyGXRwc3I/AAAAAAAAFVM/05LVZSfkZJU/s1600/IMG_9042.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="338" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qSADK5sYsro/TleyGXRwc3I/AAAAAAAAFVM/05LVZSfkZJU/s400/IMG_9042.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Happy Cow :)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">August 22nd</span></u></span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I started the morning off with some really good coffee and hash browns at Soda Steve's. I got online to check the weather when Steve stopped by and told me there were some storms moving in. He offered me another night at the resort and I happily accepted. I had not taken a day off since Albuquerque so it was nice to have a day to just relax and not have to get anywhere. I took a nice long nap, watched some TV, relaxed at the cabin, and then head dinner at the Italian buffet. The food once again was delicious and I ate more than I should have. After dinner I relaxed on the cabin porch for a while and soaked in the jacuzzi again. Had a really nice day of rest and relaxation at the Fin and Feather Resort. Thanks so much Steve and Lezli, love your resort!!!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LNOn8u8kTQY/TleyJEQeONI/AAAAAAAAFVQ/llVEc8wqzJw/s1600/0822111829.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="327" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LNOn8u8kTQY/TleyJEQeONI/AAAAAAAAFVQ/llVEc8wqzJw/s400/0822111829.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Took this picture of some very tasty chicken alfredo with my phone</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">( camera still not working )</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"><br />
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</span></u></span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">August 23rd</span></u></span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;">Woke up to a hot morning and stopped at Soda Steve's again for some more delicious coffee and breakfast. After getting packed up I met with Steve and did a quick interview about my bike trip. Steve donated $100 towards my Make-A-Wish fundraising from his mission jar which is donations from Steve's customers for all kinds of mission work around the world. When I was eating at Soda Steve's the first night Steve made an announcement to the customers about my bike trip and fund-raisinf efforts and the very friendly customers donated $24 towards my cause. Very good people at the Fin and Feather Resort! Once again, thank you so much for everything Steve and Lezli!!!! I had a wonderful time and can't thank you enough for all you have done! I said my goodbyes and headed down the road to Stilwell, Oklahoma. Although I heard some thunder it never did rain but was very hot all day. I tried turning my camera on again just for the heck of it and sure enough it worked, yay! Very happy about that! I biked up and down some really big hills and took a nice break at Lake Tenkiller State Park. Once again I was on a very dangerous stretch of road with no shoulders, lot's of sharp curves, and a good amount of traffic. About 3 miles from Stilwell I got ran off the road and broke my chain. I had only fixed a chain once before on my previous bike trip from Wisconsin to California. I eventually figured out how to fix it and slowly rolled into Stilwell. My chain was skipping and not sounding quite right so I got an air-conditioned room to work on it some more and try to figure out what was wrong. I did some laundry and spent quite a while working on my bike. I wasn't sure if my repair was going to hold up so I got online and found out there was a bike shop about 40 miles north east of me in Fayetteville, Arkansas. I decided I would change my route and make Fayetteville tomorrows destination.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><br />
</span></u></span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Qmln8DB0KoA/Tley07ACiII/AAAAAAAAFVU/Xf-k5iRxrUg/s1600/IMG_9057.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Qmln8DB0KoA/Tley07ACiII/AAAAAAAAFVU/Xf-k5iRxrUg/s400/IMG_9057.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Lake Tenkiller</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-P8LyllqMxqc/Tley-hrZXzI/AAAAAAAAFVY/xdtbJMxRXzE/s1600/IMG_9060.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-P8LyllqMxqc/Tley-hrZXzI/AAAAAAAAFVY/xdtbJMxRXzE/s400/IMG_9060.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qFzgDqDcGBo/TlezHDNg5EI/AAAAAAAAFVg/DudrikZPGBo/s1600/IMG_9066.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="390" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qFzgDqDcGBo/TlezHDNg5EI/AAAAAAAAFVg/DudrikZPGBo/s640/IMG_9066.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6uWHxJNpB1w/TlezOuRTOdI/AAAAAAAAFVk/NQzZ-2HlJ14/s1600/IMG_9069.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="474" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6uWHxJNpB1w/TlezOuRTOdI/AAAAAAAAFVk/NQzZ-2HlJ14/s640/IMG_9069.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XVuKGz1q6L0/TlezWMoWBlI/AAAAAAAAFVo/Mxv0Spr5xyY/s1600/IMG_9076.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="236" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XVuKGz1q6L0/TlezWMoWBlI/AAAAAAAAFVo/Mxv0Spr5xyY/s400/IMG_9076.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-v3W6fVvQtXI/Tlezdk_1a0I/AAAAAAAAFVs/oONSK5P85kc/s1600/IMG_9083.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="355" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-v3W6fVvQtXI/Tlezdk_1a0I/AAAAAAAAFVs/oONSK5P85kc/s640/IMG_9083.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Lake Tenkiller</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vIAlakSm-Oo/TleznGFc2CI/AAAAAAAAFV0/QZbNXCHp880/s1600/IMG_9097.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vIAlakSm-Oo/TleznGFc2CI/AAAAAAAAFV0/QZbNXCHp880/s400/IMG_9097.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Repair work</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04701275786282234068noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6278989047715952807.post-10442039170277993722011-08-21T17:30:00.000-07:002011-08-21T17:30:31.745-07:00August 18th, 19th, 20th<div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">August 18th</span></u></span></b><br />
After a nice continental breakfast at the Best Western Cimarron in Stillwater I packed up and realized my helmet was missing. I must have left it on the side of the road when Susan picked me up. Do'h! I headed back to Cooper Cycle Center and told Mary about my missing helmet and she donated a helmet and mirror to me! When I was about to leave she offered me some better tires called Armadillos so I wouldn't get as many flats. Thank you so much Mary Cash and Cooper Cycle Center!!! Next up I stopped at the Stillwater Chamber of Commerce and met Nicki and Justin who were both super friendly! We talked for a while and I got to thank Nicki for getting me rescued off the side of the road the day before. Thanks again Nicki!!! After putting on my new tires and saying goodbye I began my ride to Stroud, OK. It was getting very hot and there were many hills to climb, not an easy ride. I biked through the towns of Perkins and Cushing which is a major hub in oil supply. After a long hot day of biking I arrived to the Best Western in Stroud. The Stroud Chamber of Commerce had arranged a donated room from the Best Western. Thanks Stroud Chamber and Stroud Best Western!!! I called Rick from the Stroud Chamber after getting checked in and he came down and bought me dinner at the Ranch House Restaurant in the hotel. The fried chicken was excellent! Rick then gave me a tour of Stroud and told me about the frequent tornadoes that have hit the town as well as showed me Main Street which is also Route 66. I then went back to the room and fell asleep to a movie.<br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;">http://www.coopersbikes.com/</span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;">http://www.stillwaterchamber.org/</span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;">http://www.stroudchamber.com/</span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;">http://www.bestwesternoklahoma.com/hotels/best-western-stroud-motor-lodge/</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><br />
</span></u></span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Lvb7ZRXKiG4/Tk8gFrNPTYI/AAAAAAAAFQ0/hoMRuu-Vwk0/s1600/IMG_8744.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Lvb7ZRXKiG4/Tk8gFrNPTYI/AAAAAAAAFQ0/hoMRuu-Vwk0/s400/IMG_8744.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Thanks Mary and Cooper Cycle Center!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lQexvPx9ksg/Tk8gTcDyuAI/AAAAAAAAFQ4/wKnL0RK9WT0/s1600/IMG_8749.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lQexvPx9ksg/Tk8gTcDyuAI/AAAAAAAAFQ4/wKnL0RK9WT0/s400/IMG_8749.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Thanks Stillwater Chamber of Commerce!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eAcJL3IT_Dw/Tk8gf482bPI/AAAAAAAAFQ8/KWAI1zQ48Cw/s1600/IMG_8754.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="363" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eAcJL3IT_Dw/Tk8gf482bPI/AAAAAAAAFQ8/KWAI1zQ48Cw/s400/IMG_8754.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A friend I made at the gas station</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Mdybc-ab26Q/Tk8grk-TqEI/AAAAAAAAFRE/2rr5arwn_pE/s1600/IMG_8757.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="408" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Mdybc-ab26Q/Tk8grk-TqEI/AAAAAAAAFRE/2rr5arwn_pE/s640/IMG_8757.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Cimarron River</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--kPLf3onvtM/Tk8g4G0sMOI/AAAAAAAAFRI/urFHOwVWtGw/s1600/IMG_8769.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--kPLf3onvtM/Tk8g4G0sMOI/AAAAAAAAFRI/urFHOwVWtGw/s400/IMG_8769.jpg" width="367" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Hills!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-k3csPh8t93w/Tk8hCSHP28I/AAAAAAAAFRM/bySh_e-A37M/s1600/IMG_8771.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="401" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-k3csPh8t93w/Tk8hCSHP28I/AAAAAAAAFRM/bySh_e-A37M/s640/IMG_8771.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-enwCa2JGZRU/Tk8hZk6ugeI/AAAAAAAAFRQ/ogq3h2H51uw/s1600/IMG_8777.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-enwCa2JGZRU/Tk8hZk6ugeI/AAAAAAAAFRQ/ogq3h2H51uw/s400/IMG_8777.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Shade break</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jc6QJYJP1Lc/Tk8hkOEJqPI/AAAAAAAAFRY/ANrp7jhBT6s/s1600/IMG_8783.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jc6QJYJP1Lc/Tk8hkOEJqPI/AAAAAAAAFRY/ANrp7jhBT6s/s400/IMG_8783.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ng_95il5IJ8/Tk8hu3ODwhI/AAAAAAAAFRc/2MLNgl9xBlE/s1600/IMG_8788.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ng_95il5IJ8/Tk8hu3ODwhI/AAAAAAAAFRc/2MLNgl9xBlE/s400/IMG_8788.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Thanks Stroud Best Western!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Eyo94vU1Z14/Tk8h6VYmZuI/AAAAAAAAFRg/FlATZsj0lwA/s1600/IMG_8795.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Eyo94vU1Z14/Tk8h6VYmZuI/AAAAAAAAFRg/FlATZsj0lwA/s400/IMG_8795.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Thanks Stroud Chamber of Commerce!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><br />
</span></u></span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><br />
</span></u></span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">August 19th</span></u></span></b><br />
Woke up to a very hot morning! I biked into town and stopped for breakfast on Route 66 at the Rock Cafe. Met some old timers with all kinds of stories about Stroud and the surrounding area. After a tasty breakfast I began my ride to Okmulgee, OK. It was incredibly hot and pretty hilly. The first 20 miles were against a headwind making it very difficult. I was feeling overheated early in the day and had to take breaks often. I eventually reached the town of Prague where I was able to get some cold gatorade and shade. Also got stung by a bee for the first time in many years, forgot what that feels like! I slowly biked through the towns of Paden, Boley, and Castle where I took shade breaks. 60 miles into the 80 miles ride I was feeling pretty ill from heat exhaustion and decided it would be best to make a call that I wasn't going to make it to Okmulgee. My phone would not make calls due to the heat but I was able to get a text out to the Weed Chamber. They then called the Okmulgee Chamber who sent Brenda and Ed to come find me. At this time my phone shut off and would not turn back on so I just relaxed in the shade trying to cool off my body. I figured I would camp roadside if I could not make it to town but the Okmulgee had arranged a room for me at the Best Western and that air conditioning and cold shower sounded great! Just as I was about to head down the road some more Ed and Brenda pulled up next t o me in a truck and told me that they have been looking for me. I wasn't aware that a search party was out for me since my phone was not working. I happily put my bike and trailer in the truck and headed into Okmulgee with my new friends. Brenda and Ed were super friendly and kept me entertained the whole ride into town. Ed bought me some gatorades and Brenda who works at the Okmulgee had arranged a free dinner for my from Dairy Queen. She recommended the grilled chicken and salad which was the perfect dinner! After picking up the food they took me to the Okmulgee Best Western which Brenda had also arranged a donated room from! I would like to give a special thank you to both the Weed Chamber of Commerce as well as the Okmulgee Chamber of Commerce for saving me from the intense heat!!! I'd also like to specially thank Brenda Brewer for not only picking me up but also arranging dinner, breakfast, and a hotel room!! Also thanks to Dairy Queen as well as Okmulgee BestWestern!!! When I got to my room I ate dinner and then took a nap, I could barely keep my eyes open. The heat had really gotten to me today. Stephanie at the Weed Chamber had sent me a package of goodies to the Okmulgee Chamber, thanks Stephanie! After going through my awesome package I took a long cold shower, relaxed a bit, and then went back to bed. What a day!<br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;">http://www.okmulgeeonline.com/</span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;">http://bestwesternoklahoma.com/hotels/best-western-plus-okmulgee</span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><br />
</span></u></span></b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jOnnEJFudpA/TlA-34ddxvI/AAAAAAAAFRo/9VH5h3BK-oI/s1600/IMG_8794.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jOnnEJFudpA/TlA-34ddxvI/AAAAAAAAFRo/9VH5h3BK-oI/s400/IMG_8794.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-A6L4tXkuq0w/TlA_M9mXWOI/AAAAAAAAFRw/RV3xP9ssk00/s1600/IMG_8801.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-A6L4tXkuq0w/TlA_M9mXWOI/AAAAAAAAFRw/RV3xP9ssk00/s400/IMG_8801.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Rock Cafe</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tvIxlgkd_4w/TlA_siYtTEI/AAAAAAAAFR0/M8_j4eMU_ds/s1600/IMG_8797.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tvIxlgkd_4w/TlA_siYtTEI/AAAAAAAAFR0/M8_j4eMU_ds/s400/IMG_8797.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3wHHZIQyDfY/TlA_-PuBkOI/AAAAAAAAFR4/wQ9L3_FExjs/s1600/IMG_8802.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3wHHZIQyDfY/TlA_-PuBkOI/AAAAAAAAFR4/wQ9L3_FExjs/s400/IMG_8802.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Windmill blade, these things are huge!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PjLKAzBa3ro/TlBAUG-BMiI/AAAAAAAAFR8/3Mn1alGyOG0/s1600/IMG_8804.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PjLKAzBa3ro/TlBAUG-BMiI/AAAAAAAAFR8/3Mn1alGyOG0/s400/IMG_8804.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-J22zZsf4Olo/TlBA7Gev8ZI/AAAAAAAAFSE/PO6R9iGGlVY/s1600/IMG_8808.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-J22zZsf4Olo/TlBA7Gev8ZI/AAAAAAAAFSE/PO6R9iGGlVY/s640/IMG_8808.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Found this pretty interesting</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-s6rtpDWipwM/TlBBkqIaatI/AAAAAAAAFSI/CEjzPSnJit0/s1600/IMG_8811.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-s6rtpDWipwM/TlBBkqIaatI/AAAAAAAAFSI/CEjzPSnJit0/s400/IMG_8811.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Thought it was funny that they put up a sign rather than fix the bridge rail</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D8SykEPdv6E/TlBCAHGvRJI/AAAAAAAAFSM/a8yzkIiCAlo/s1600/IMG_8814.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="356" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D8SykEPdv6E/TlBCAHGvRJI/AAAAAAAAFSM/a8yzkIiCAlo/s640/IMG_8814.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Hill after hill after hill...</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MiH9WDUQd_Q/TlBCWnA681I/AAAAAAAAFSQ/EAwih-11NVg/s1600/IMG_8829.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MiH9WDUQd_Q/TlBCWnA681I/AAAAAAAAFSQ/EAwih-11NVg/s400/IMG_8829.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Thanks Best Western Okmulgee!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1tEGFPLHfJw/TlBCv_em1TI/AAAAAAAAFSc/TqnkRtWaX_o/s1600/IMG_8823.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="277" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1tEGFPLHfJw/TlBCv_em1TI/AAAAAAAAFSc/TqnkRtWaX_o/s400/IMG_8823.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><br />
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</span></u></span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">August 20th</span></u></span></b><br />
Started the morning off with some James Brown and coffee, great way to wake up! I snacked a little bit at the Best Western continental breakfast and met the very friendly owner Raj, thanks again! Next I headed to Okmulgee's main street to Kirby's Cafe who had donated me a gift certificate for a free breakfast. I had "The Heap" which was excellent! My ride today wasn't too long but once again it was very hot! I took shade breaks when possible and pushed on to the town of Checotah. Checotah is the hometown of American Idol winner Carrie Underwood. The Checotah Chamber got me a room donated from the Budget Inn. Thanks Checotah Chamber and Budget Inn!!! I called Lloyd from the Checotah Chamber and he came down to the hotel to talk about my trip and even paid for my dinner. Thanks Lloyd!!! After a shower, some dinner, and a beer, I was asleep by 9:00. Pretty good day overall, nice to have a relaxing evening in some air conditioning!<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;"><b>https://www.facebook.com/pages/Kirbys-Cafe/100890099956241</b></span><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;">http://www.checotah.com/</span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;">http://www.budgetinn.com/</span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iHuj5O6f7GE/TlBF8--zoaI/AAAAAAAAFSk/4BZY0lDcjHk/s1600/IMG_8830.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iHuj5O6f7GE/TlBF8--zoaI/AAAAAAAAFSk/4BZY0lDcjHk/s400/IMG_8830.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The Heap - hash browns stuffed with cheese, onions, peppers, and diced ham, yum!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AG0k4vMfUFQ/TlBGX132LsI/AAAAAAAAFSo/vAQA68vKPEk/s1600/IMG_8835.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AG0k4vMfUFQ/TlBGX132LsI/AAAAAAAAFSo/vAQA68vKPEk/s400/IMG_8835.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Thanks Kirby's Cafe!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ot6a5dzWqJY/TlBGtGDrT1I/AAAAAAAAFSs/9IoHZjxRJCU/s1600/IMG_8836.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ot6a5dzWqJY/TlBGtGDrT1I/AAAAAAAAFSs/9IoHZjxRJCU/s400/IMG_8836.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Creek Capital - 1878</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yV2OueReiNE/TlBHAovwnxI/AAAAAAAAFS0/j5Dm2gIQXQw/s1600/IMG_8846.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yV2OueReiNE/TlBHAovwnxI/AAAAAAAAFS0/j5Dm2gIQXQw/s400/IMG_8846.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Chocolate covered coffee beans don't do well in 110 degree heat!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8zpMAUhBCT0/TlBHXHLIJaI/AAAAAAAAFS4/roTfKokB3IA/s1600/IMG_8848.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="354" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8zpMAUhBCT0/TlBHXHLIJaI/AAAAAAAAFS4/roTfKokB3IA/s640/IMG_8848.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Lloyd from the Checotah Chamber and Me - Thanks Lloyd!</div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04701275786282234068noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6278989047715952807.post-9045466636333672352011-08-18T21:55:00.000-07:002011-08-18T21:55:41.878-07:00August 15th, 16th, 17th<div style="text-align: center;"><b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">August 15th</span></span></u></b><br />
I awoke in the middle of the night to the sound of a raccoon in my Burly trailer! Too tired to get out of my tent I threw a couple of rocks and scared it off. All of my food was hung in a tree so the raccoons didn't get anything from me this time around. I fell back asleep to the sound of an owl in a tree near my tent. Pretty wild place! When I awoke in the morning I was greeted to several deer in my campsite. I didn't throw rocks at them, they were friendly! I got all packed up and headed out somewhat early to beat the mid-day heat. The ride started off on a beautiful country road which took me to the small town of Mooreland where I stopped for a quick iced coffee and stocked up on water for the day. For a part of the ride I ran into some road construction and got my own lane again. It was getting very hot but the wind was either at my back or a crosswind so I was making pretty good time. Took a nice break in the shade at Gloss Mountains State Park. It was quiet and pretty and really made for an enjoyable stop. Nice change of scenery from the farms and oil fields. On a side note I have been getting nailed with very large bugs ever since I entered Oklahoma! Today especially! The grasshoppers are huge here, one of them hit my sunglasses, really glad I was wearing them. The last 6 miles of todays ride were heading south into a strong headwind but I eventually arrived at the Heritage Inn in Fairview, OK. Tim and Donna who currently run the Heritage Room donated a room to me for the evening, thanks Heritage Inn!!! I was feeling pretty worn out from the ride and the blazing sun so I took a short nap in the air conditioned room and then headed to the store for some groceries. Spent the evening doing the last blog update and watching a little TV.<br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;">http://www.heritageinnmotelatfairview.com/</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
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<b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span id="goog_2039670104"></span><span id="goog_2039670105"></span></span></span></u></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span id="goog_1015294496"></span><span id="goog_1015294497"></span></span></span></u></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e9DU1aj5yFI/TkvHLN7FAcI/AAAAAAAAFNs/wdSXnJ49jeI/s1600/IMG_8564.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="274" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e9DU1aj5yFI/TkvHLN7FAcI/AAAAAAAAFNs/wdSXnJ49jeI/s640/IMG_8564.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Waking up to deer in the campsite</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KKslFT0qckU/TkvHnZ8L89I/AAAAAAAAFNw/5m9NNDhZjqQ/s1600/IMG_8566.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="272" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KKslFT0qckU/TkvHnZ8L89I/AAAAAAAAFNw/5m9NNDhZjqQ/s400/IMG_8566.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dui420n3gVg/TkvH_lt4OtI/AAAAAAAAFN4/KsVvor3C_ec/s1600/IMG_8577.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="232" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dui420n3gVg/TkvH_lt4OtI/AAAAAAAAFN4/KsVvor3C_ec/s400/IMG_8577.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Approaching Gloss Mountains</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HtrFFCUBonI/TkvIctDiPbI/AAAAAAAAFN8/ERsY2dcZMu0/s1600/IMG_8585.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="261" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HtrFFCUBonI/TkvIctDiPbI/AAAAAAAAFN8/ERsY2dcZMu0/s400/IMG_8585.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MQR_MGlSdfo/TkvI-HhMKJI/AAAAAAAAFOA/EBtzUO-M7PI/s1600/IMG_8589.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="218" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MQR_MGlSdfo/TkvI-HhMKJI/AAAAAAAAFOA/EBtzUO-M7PI/s400/IMG_8589.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Very common site in Oklahoma</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4OV5EsjyYpg/TkvJb9hBSMI/AAAAAAAAFOE/UbGx6VxcPKI/s1600/IMG_8592.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="416" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4OV5EsjyYpg/TkvJb9hBSMI/AAAAAAAAFOE/UbGx6VxcPKI/s640/IMG_8592.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lcYcqa84xxQ/TkvJ8vK4byI/AAAAAAAAFOM/27DUPeVZAEs/s1600/IMG_8597.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="282" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lcYcqa84xxQ/TkvJ8vK4byI/AAAAAAAAFOM/27DUPeVZAEs/s400/IMG_8597.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Haven't seen any live rattlesnakes yet but plenty of dead ones</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wZz732Lgyqo/TkvKT6BVu6I/AAAAAAAAFOQ/9dYCvolQhuc/s1600/IMG_8599.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wZz732Lgyqo/TkvKT6BVu6I/AAAAAAAAFOQ/9dYCvolQhuc/s640/IMG_8599.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Nice roadside shade break!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2ZVidouR9zE/TkvKzAqPdpI/AAAAAAAAFOU/QZrOlfCId84/s1600/IMG_8603.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="235" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2ZVidouR9zE/TkvKzAqPdpI/AAAAAAAAFOU/QZrOlfCId84/s400/IMG_8603.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y1ELVWoHKnA/TkvLSH8Rg2I/AAAAAAAAFOY/Y4IFA6P_A50/s1600/IMG_8609.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y1ELVWoHKnA/TkvLSH8Rg2I/AAAAAAAAFOY/Y4IFA6P_A50/s640/IMG_8609.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7zAcQ35ESLQ/TkvLo62DI2I/AAAAAAAAFOk/4GiQptbhHvs/s1600/IMG_8612.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="401" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7zAcQ35ESLQ/TkvLo62DI2I/AAAAAAAAFOk/4GiQptbhHvs/s640/IMG_8612.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XUTvbk9qxms/TkvMCUfOEVI/AAAAAAAAFOo/roJ75gRc9Hs/s1600/IMG_8625.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="316" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XUTvbk9qxms/TkvMCUfOEVI/AAAAAAAAFOo/roJ75gRc9Hs/s640/IMG_8625.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Thanks Heritage Inn!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MSTjCUiNY9c/TkvMaFMr8FI/AAAAAAAAFOs/ax0yxqoplRc/s1600/IMG_8621.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MSTjCUiNY9c/TkvMaFMr8FI/AAAAAAAAFOs/ax0yxqoplRc/s400/IMG_8621.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Gr-T8NKI5ug/TkvMzP2qWyI/AAAAAAAAFOw/T01Cbomgieg/s1600/IMG_8618.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Gr-T8NKI5ug/TkvMzP2qWyI/AAAAAAAAFOw/T01Cbomgieg/s400/IMG_8618.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
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</span></span></u></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">August 16th</span></span></u></b><br />
Started the morning off talking with the friendly owners of the Heritage Inn, Tim and Donna. They gave me some fruit and nutri-grain bars and I hit the road. It was very hot out, 90's already at 9a.m. The first portion of the ride was on nice quiet country roads and I had the wind at my back so it was a pretty enjoyable ride. I biked over several dried up rivers that looked as though they were normally pretty large. It has been really dry and hot in Oklahoma for a long time! I took a break at one of the roadside tables to take in the shade and saw several colorful lizards. I reached the town of Enid early in the afternoon and saw many fighter jets from the air force base in town. After exploring the town, I got a call from Stephanie at the Weed Chamber of Commerce and she told me that the Enid Hampton Inn had donated me a room for the evening. Thanks Enid Hampton Inn!!! I was very grateful because it was now over 100 degrees and a storm was blowing in. I checked into the hotel and talked for a while with the very friendly staff. They were excited about my trip and had many questions. My room on the 4th floor was really nice and I had a great view of the storm and the fighter jets flying over. I had some pizza and took a swim in the pool and soaked for a little while in the hot tub which felt great! It was a nice day and a nice night in Oklahoma!<br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;">http://hamptoninn.hilton.com/en/hp/hotels/index.jhtml?ctyhocn=WDGOKHX</span></b><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M24GOsVpv0I/Tk0SpakxsuI/AAAAAAAAFO0/e7mnQO4yj6A/s1600/IMG_8630.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M24GOsVpv0I/Tk0SpakxsuI/AAAAAAAAFO0/e7mnQO4yj6A/s640/IMG_8630.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Taking a break in some shade off the road</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Rw9zgDFmgp8/Tk0Sy9A0gfI/AAAAAAAAFO8/ZrDaqF_h7rM/s1600/IMG_8627.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Rw9zgDFmgp8/Tk0Sy9A0gfI/AAAAAAAAFO8/ZrDaqF_h7rM/s400/IMG_8627.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Dried up river</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IyRuPaj-PlI/Tk0TLFentCI/AAAAAAAAFPA/a4EpavY2tHo/s1600/IMG_8642.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IyRuPaj-PlI/Tk0TLFentCI/AAAAAAAAFPA/a4EpavY2tHo/s640/IMG_8642.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">One of the lizards</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R8Bqv6T9tEc/Tk0TagXBypI/AAAAAAAAFPE/evOm8ET3v9A/s1600/IMG_8650.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="468" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R8Bqv6T9tEc/Tk0TagXBypI/AAAAAAAAFPE/evOm8ET3v9A/s640/IMG_8650.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Thanks Enid Hampton Inn!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qEzSKD-kkpU/Tk0TjiOf0QI/AAAAAAAAFPM/g2FKSOzjrtc/s1600/IMG_8647.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qEzSKD-kkpU/Tk0TjiOf0QI/AAAAAAAAFPM/g2FKSOzjrtc/s400/IMG_8647.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D_NXKJQ-nO0/Tk0Tsj2e8tI/AAAAAAAAFPQ/Ta_LZZm65Ls/s1600/IMG_8677.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D_NXKJQ-nO0/Tk0Tsj2e8tI/AAAAAAAAFPQ/Ta_LZZm65Ls/s400/IMG_8677.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">View of excellent sunset from the room</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zdtmRvP8kyg/Tk0T2YJwZ5I/AAAAAAAAFPU/l1RRj9T4OIo/s1600/IMG_8666.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zdtmRvP8kyg/Tk0T2YJwZ5I/AAAAAAAAFPU/l1RRj9T4OIo/s640/IMG_8666.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0nsHE_U71zk/Tk0UBYi3D0I/AAAAAAAAFPY/KtaFbvyxaNU/s1600/IMG_8681.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0nsHE_U71zk/Tk0UBYi3D0I/AAAAAAAAFPY/KtaFbvyxaNU/s400/IMG_8681.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Oh yeah! :)</div><b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
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</span></span></u></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">August 17th</span></span></u></b><br />
Woke up to a rainbow outside my hotel window and more fighter jets flying by. After doing some laundry at the hotel and enjoying the continental breakfast I headed on down the road. My first stop was at The Bike Shop in Enid. I bought more tubes and had some work done on my rear wheel. Thanks Micah! Today was very hot and humid and pretty tough. 40 miles into the ride I made a stop in the town of Covington for a strawberry shake and some waffle fries, yum! I couldn't believe the amount of dead armadillos on the road, I would say I saw somewhere close to 40 just today. As I got closer to Stillwater, my destination for the day, the temperatures got even hotter, over 100 and humid. My patch on my front tire actually melted and my tire blew out while heading downhill at 30mph. I managed to get off the road without crashing and replaced the tube. Within a mile the tube went flat due to the valve stem being sliced open, again. I was now out of tubes, again, and had to call for help. I talked to Stephanie at the Weed Chamber and she called Nicki at the Stillwater Chamber, who called Cooper's Bike Shop, who called Susan, who came and picked me up. Thanks to all of you so very much!!! Susan was very friendly and a bicycle tourist herself. She has biked across America 4 times as well as several other places. Susan took me to Cooper's Bicycle Center in Stillwater and they got my front rim fixed and got me some more tubes. Mary the owner was really friendly and had some good advise to avoid getting more flats. Susan then took me to the Best Western Cimarron Hotel & Suites who had donated me a room for the evening. Thanks Stillwater Best Western Cimarron!!! When I got up to my incredible suite I was surprised to see a bunch of awesome gifts on my bed from the Stillwater Chamber of Commerce! Not only did the chamber get me rescued off the side of the road, get me a room for the evening, they also got me a gift card for dinner at Eskimo Joe's and a bag full of gifts! Thanks so much Stillwater Chamber of Commerce!!! After taking an awesome shower with 5, yes 5 shower heads, I made a stop at the hotel bar for a quick beer. Next I walked over to Eskimo Joe's for a very tasty dinner of bacon cheese fries, marinated chicken, beans, bread, and cottage cheese. I was stuffed! I hung out for a while with the very friendly people of Stillwater and listened to the live music of Brandon Jackson who played acoustic guitar and sang very well. On my way back to the hotel I saw a ton of lightning but in never rained. Everyone in Stillwater was so very nice and I am really glad I decided to spend a night here!<br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;">http://www.bikeshopenid.com/</span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;">http://www.stillwaterchamber.org/</span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;">http://www.coopersbikes.com/</span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;">http://bestwesternoklahoma.com/stillwater-hotels</span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;">http://www.eskimojoes.com/</span></b><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oFqbG4ze3Ig/Tk3MKj45h5I/AAAAAAAAFPc/m-1PRROy_zU/s1600/IMG_8691.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="253" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oFqbG4ze3Ig/Tk3MKj45h5I/AAAAAAAAFPc/m-1PRROy_zU/s400/IMG_8691.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">More oil fields</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-al6uuFZ8pVg/Tk3Mtyak7DI/AAAAAAAAFPk/35Sub4Ew824/s1600/IMG_8693.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="406" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-al6uuFZ8pVg/Tk3Mtyak7DI/AAAAAAAAFPk/35Sub4Ew824/s640/IMG_8693.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AvkAb9Txy2k/Tk3NOqgG_iI/AAAAAAAAFPo/JukosL4KXpY/s1600/IMG_8694.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AvkAb9Txy2k/Tk3NOqgG_iI/AAAAAAAAFPo/JukosL4KXpY/s400/IMG_8694.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The spot where my bike broke down</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JSYwcHgyXl4/Tk3NwK-pRAI/AAAAAAAAFPs/eFKzzTokMeE/s1600/IMG_8741.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="281" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JSYwcHgyXl4/Tk3NwK-pRAI/AAAAAAAAFPs/eFKzzTokMeE/s400/IMG_8741.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Thanks Best Western Cimarron Hotel and Suites!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mRDmp_3g70k/Tk3OQVoDGfI/AAAAAAAAFPw/Nsnv5Gg5QzM/s1600/IMG_8700.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mRDmp_3g70k/Tk3OQVoDGfI/AAAAAAAAFPw/Nsnv5Gg5QzM/s400/IMG_8700.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Thanks for the gifts Stillwater, OK Chamber of Commerce!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XO9YR1paj48/Tk3OuKeqHTI/AAAAAAAAFP4/ff_ZIoWFM0k/s1600/IMG_8711.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XO9YR1paj48/Tk3OuKeqHTI/AAAAAAAAFP4/ff_ZIoWFM0k/s400/IMG_8711.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Thought this was pretty funny</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-60ZhyLUi1Oc/Tk3PU_2QMII/AAAAAAAAFP8/-362C2dTmak/s1600/IMG_8713.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-60ZhyLUi1Oc/Tk3PU_2QMII/AAAAAAAAFP8/-362C2dTmak/s400/IMG_8713.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Room 2 of my awesome suite</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CQzQ_uforH0/Tk3P8fd0e6I/AAAAAAAAFQA/EBDLGZIYXi0/s1600/IMG_8721.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CQzQ_uforH0/Tk3P8fd0e6I/AAAAAAAAFQA/EBDLGZIYXi0/s400/IMG_8721.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Best shower ever!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UgD0SRyjLkI/Tk3Qf6o2Y3I/AAAAAAAAFQM/jJuSnhVydlU/s1600/IMG_8723.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UgD0SRyjLkI/Tk3Qf6o2Y3I/AAAAAAAAFQM/jJuSnhVydlU/s400/IMG_8723.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Whole buncha dump trucks!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ufb9cLC6vtk/Tk3RBKtnZNI/AAAAAAAAFQQ/RH9u2b7KDts/s1600/IMG_8724.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="390" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ufb9cLC6vtk/Tk3RBKtnZNI/AAAAAAAAFQQ/RH9u2b7KDts/s640/IMG_8724.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Thanks for dinner Eskimo Joe's!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rnymZKwy0qk/Tk3RtAvznVI/AAAAAAAAFQU/qUWB-DtQNjQ/s1600/IMG_8729.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rnymZKwy0qk/Tk3RtAvznVI/AAAAAAAAFQU/qUWB-DtQNjQ/s400/IMG_8729.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Bacon jalapeno cheese fries, yum!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-t--TAiV3L3I/Tk3SGiBUt2I/AAAAAAAAFQg/l0rrbIuBtKo/s1600/IMG_8734.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-t--TAiV3L3I/Tk3SGiBUt2I/AAAAAAAAFQg/l0rrbIuBtKo/s400/IMG_8734.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">World Famous Eskimo Joe's</div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04701275786282234068noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6278989047715952807.post-9714224281716188992011-08-15T21:05:00.000-07:002011-08-15T21:05:50.154-07:00August 11th, 12th, 13th, 14th<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">August 11th</span></u></b></span><br />
Woke up in Boise City, Ok after a good nights sleep and at the Townsman Motel and walked next door to Dollar General to get a few things for my ride. I actually found some really tasty trail mix and bought some cheap headphones which ended up being pretty nice. I usually use a speaker for music but the connection isn't working well anymore and since there is very little traffic in this area I am ok with using headphones for now. It was a cloudy day and possible thunderstorms in the forecast so I packed up quick and headed down the road. There was a strong headwind most of the day and it was really hot but overall a pretty nice day on mostly flat road. Very few cars and a nice wide shoulder as I jammed out to everything from Paul Simon to Pantera. Music really seems to make the miles fly by somedays! I biked past many corn fields and even more oil fields. I was surprised to see so many oil wells, reminded me of bicycling through western North Dakota and eastern Montana. After a pretty long ride I arrived in Guymon, OK and the Weed Chamber of Commerce had got me a room donated by the Holiday Inn. Thanks Weed Chamber and Guymon Holiday Inn!!! After a long cold shower I took a walk into town and made a stop to check out Centennial Park. It was small but a really nice park nearby the hotel. From there I walked over to Scotty's Bar and Grill and got a tasty dinner and a cold beer, hit the spot! Headed back to the room and relaxed, so nice to have two days in a roll without and flat tires!<br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;">http://www.express.ihg.com/guyok</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></u></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mb9l_12xBVI/TkSs2tlRd4I/AAAAAAAAFH8/lMLwt6GVQzA/s1600/IMG_8108.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="210" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mb9l_12xBVI/TkSs2tlRd4I/AAAAAAAAFH8/lMLwt6GVQzA/s400/IMG_8108.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cfHjlaaT7PI/TkSs9Gp7n3I/AAAAAAAAFIA/7WoMYTrLWKk/s1600/IMG_8109.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="185" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cfHjlaaT7PI/TkSs9Gp7n3I/AAAAAAAAFIA/7WoMYTrLWKk/s400/IMG_8109.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DuXZKUqds84/TkStNSioQpI/AAAAAAAAFIE/tPXOAksgi3c/s1600/IMG_8117.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="352" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DuXZKUqds84/TkStNSioQpI/AAAAAAAAFIE/tPXOAksgi3c/s400/IMG_8117.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QZmn0qEMQGU/TkStXXrRyJI/AAAAAAAAFIM/0dhtTCZDCkM/s1600/IMG_8141.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QZmn0qEMQGU/TkStXXrRyJI/AAAAAAAAFIM/0dhtTCZDCkM/s400/IMG_8141.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zze870Ycf-E/TkStez6PzQI/AAAAAAAAFIQ/blYbVFQ69nI/s1600/IMG_8173.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zze870Ycf-E/TkStez6PzQI/AAAAAAAAFIQ/blYbVFQ69nI/s400/IMG_8173.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Thanks Guymon Holiday Inn!!!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Qvj2B5gxt30/TkStogVxe5I/AAAAAAAAFIU/I4Qutn72f4c/s1600/IMG_8151.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="348" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Qvj2B5gxt30/TkStogVxe5I/AAAAAAAAFIU/I4Qutn72f4c/s640/IMG_8151.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Very nice hotel!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p97jI2saplE/TkSt77Se4VI/AAAAAAAAFIY/CrsX41bTOPc/s1600/IMG_8171.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p97jI2saplE/TkSt77Se4VI/AAAAAAAAFIY/CrsX41bTOPc/s400/IMG_8171.jpg" width="340" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Cool waterfall in the lobby</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pz70tNyKRWg/TkSuGdhAW4I/AAAAAAAAFIg/gTrTpZs0amw/s1600/IMG_8159.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pz70tNyKRWg/TkSuGdhAW4I/AAAAAAAAFIg/gTrTpZs0amw/s400/IMG_8159.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Love these Holiday Inn beds!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HesyiIOzuDU/TkSuSZMTUFI/AAAAAAAAFIk/dsKUYdhu6Ec/s1600/IMG_8176.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HesyiIOzuDU/TkSuSZMTUFI/AAAAAAAAFIk/dsKUYdhu6Ec/s400/IMG_8176.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Centennial Park</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VwdJFxfJzMk/TkSudmZJSkI/AAAAAAAAFIo/_ZCWgfWUDIo/s1600/IMG_8177.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VwdJFxfJzMk/TkSudmZJSkI/AAAAAAAAFIo/_ZCWgfWUDIo/s640/IMG_8177.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">4 Million Hogs a Year!!!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wrMVfZ-GjIo/TkSum33W2hI/AAAAAAAAFIw/ZxnkY3t3n2M/s1600/IMG_8184.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wrMVfZ-GjIo/TkSum33W2hI/AAAAAAAAFIw/ZxnkY3t3n2M/s400/IMG_8184.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y8lk30gdJoE/TkSuu11tQ0I/AAAAAAAAFI0/hDR7U4ILM8g/s1600/IMG_8183.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y8lk30gdJoE/TkSuu11tQ0I/AAAAAAAAFI0/hDR7U4ILM8g/s400/IMG_8183.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
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</span></u></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">August 12th</span></u></b></span><br />
Started the morning off with an awesome Holiday Inn continental breakfast. Today was very hot, as usual, but this time I had the wind at my back, woohoo! I covered the first 20 miles in an hour and made a stop in the town of Hooker. After a quick visit to the t-shirt shop and Chamber of Commerce I headed over to the malt shop for a shake and some ice water. So refreshing on such a hot day! The next 20 miles were very enjoyable and I spent most of them singing and biking down the road with the wind pushing me, felt great! I would make an occasional stop whenever there was a tree to get in the shade for a few minutes and cool off a little bit. The last 20 miles were down a nice quiet country road but it was now extremely hot, over 100 and there was very little shade. It became hilly and slowed me down quite a bit and just a half a mile before I got to the campground I got a flat tire from another thorn. After patching it up I headed over to the quiet campground and took a shower under the spigot. It was nice to relax in the shade for a bit. After setting up camp I decided to head into the nearby town of Beaver and get something to eat. On my way I noticed some dark clouds rolling in quickly and it looked like a big storm. I got another flat tire, another thorn, on the way into town. As I was patching it up the rain started coming down and it felt great! I had 2 cars stop to offer help which I thought was really nice of them. When I got into Beaver it was raining really hard so I went into Pizza Hut and waited it out. After filling up on ice water and pasta I headed back over to the campground. My tire was losing air but I just pumped it up every so often not wanting to remove it and patch it again, figured it could wait until morning. The evening was really nice after the storm. I relaxed near the lake and watched the hawks, a crane, and thousands of dragonflies. Met the guy running the park, forget his name, but he gave me the campsite for free and was a really nice guy. Enjoyed a really nice sunset / moonrise and did a little reading before falling asleep under the star filled sky.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Jarq8aqyvhQ/TkmdAbaDpYI/AAAAAAAAFJQ/rFTd4CKnWxg/s1600/IMG_8194.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Jarq8aqyvhQ/TkmdAbaDpYI/AAAAAAAAFJQ/rFTd4CKnWxg/s400/IMG_8194.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The Hooker Chamber of Commerce / T-Shirt Shop</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Uy6Hy7cUmcs/TkmdPJ8idBI/AAAAAAAAFJU/3WNMjdX8VNI/s1600/IMG_8195.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Uy6Hy7cUmcs/TkmdPJ8idBI/AAAAAAAAFJU/3WNMjdX8VNI/s400/IMG_8195.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A Tree! Shade!!!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5IqrhQXUSrc/TkmdYS9_wHI/AAAAAAAAFJc/rxVEEIVqUiQ/s1600/IMG_8207.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="340" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5IqrhQXUSrc/TkmdYS9_wHI/AAAAAAAAFJc/rxVEEIVqUiQ/s640/IMG_8207.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eknN1a0a2Sk/TkmdiAz8VFI/AAAAAAAAFJg/1g7IGNTVYzU/s1600/IMG_8214.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eknN1a0a2Sk/TkmdiAz8VFI/AAAAAAAAFJg/1g7IGNTVYzU/s400/IMG_8214.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Baking in the Oklahoma Sun!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CreRCeMIhVk/Tkmds9Dv-xI/AAAAAAAAFJk/3bT9JXDVEo4/s1600/IMG_8217.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="236" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CreRCeMIhVk/Tkmds9Dv-xI/AAAAAAAAFJk/3bT9JXDVEo4/s400/IMG_8217.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Love the town motto!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">( No Man's Land - Everyone's Town )</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-npDUreH45kk/Tkmd9VfWLwI/AAAAAAAAFJo/QY6hAacPAWo/s1600/IMG_8219.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-npDUreH45kk/Tkmd9VfWLwI/AAAAAAAAFJo/QY6hAacPAWo/s400/IMG_8219.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Nice Quiet Park</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">( state had to sell the park to the county - $ issues )</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VLGapFPiUuQ/TkmeXARfZrI/AAAAAAAAFJw/J0w0-TKc5d4/s1600/IMG_8227.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VLGapFPiUuQ/TkmeXARfZrI/AAAAAAAAFJw/J0w0-TKc5d4/s400/IMG_8227.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Lake at the park</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HJWyedr385U/Tkmeh3uxoQI/AAAAAAAAFJ0/-SsxzPQ0YYM/s1600/IMG_8228.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="308" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HJWyedr385U/Tkmeh3uxoQI/AAAAAAAAFJ0/-SsxzPQ0YYM/s400/IMG_8228.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bn6rna_5ddk/TkmeuvN_SqI/AAAAAAAAFJ4/BAGdJfR1RxE/s1600/IMG_8238.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="508" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bn6rna_5ddk/TkmeuvN_SqI/AAAAAAAAFJ4/BAGdJfR1RxE/s640/IMG_8238.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l1ihiO9UBdQ/TkmfA_84bWI/AAAAAAAAFJ8/03_S5s6JPpo/s1600/IMG_8250.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="270" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l1ihiO9UBdQ/TkmfA_84bWI/AAAAAAAAFJ8/03_S5s6JPpo/s400/IMG_8250.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Storm coming in!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1HmemoP9u34/TkmfMobqPaI/AAAAAAAAFKE/8IJHAEFucPg/s1600/IMG_8253.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1HmemoP9u34/TkmfMobqPaI/AAAAAAAAFKE/8IJHAEFucPg/s400/IMG_8253.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Shelter and dinner</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IipB7SEcPjU/Tkmfbl_onLI/AAAAAAAAFKI/qKkj69DQsbs/s1600/IMG_8256.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IipB7SEcPjU/Tkmfbl_onLI/AAAAAAAAFKI/qKkj69DQsbs/s400/IMG_8256.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Just outside of Beaver, OK</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-M1Cucqb2NMc/TkmfoxtIYvI/AAAAAAAAFKM/_ciQompxt9Y/s1600/IMG_8266.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="483" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-M1Cucqb2NMc/TkmfoxtIYvI/AAAAAAAAFKM/_ciQompxt9Y/s640/IMG_8266.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Back at the park</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ILLHEO_VY5U/TkmfzQqhspI/AAAAAAAAFKQ/0wK5tDAO4P8/s1600/IMG_8268.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ILLHEO_VY5U/TkmfzQqhspI/AAAAAAAAFKQ/0wK5tDAO4P8/s400/IMG_8268.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MYHtX4Mw19Y/Tkmf6UprBYI/AAAAAAAAFKU/cYPQjS6xtSU/s1600/IMG_8272.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="336" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MYHtX4Mw19Y/Tkmf6UprBYI/AAAAAAAAFKU/cYPQjS6xtSU/s640/IMG_8272.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Almost full moon</div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
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</span></u></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">August 13th</span></u></b></span><br />
I kept my rain fly off the tent and the fresh air blowing through felt great and made for a nice nights sleep. After packing up my stuff I noticed both my tires were now flat. I spent quite a while pacthing them but they would not hold air and I found several holes and thorns. I must have gone through an area heavy with thorns because there was a bunch in the soles of my sandals as well. I headed back into Beaver and had to keep pumping up my tires just to get there. I was hoping I would find some tubes at the hardware store but they didn't have my size. It was already very hot out and I decided I would at least bike 10 miles up to the highway and maybe try and catch ride from there. It took me a while to get to the highway because my tubes would not hold air no matter what I did. When I got to the highway I found some shade under a tree and threw out a thumb whenever a truck passed. After several hours of no luck getting a ride my good friend Stephanie got in touch with someone in the town of Buffalo where I was headed. She gave me the phone number for Pastor Phil Davis and he offered to come pick me up and bring me to town. Thanks Phil!!! Phil showed up with a friend about an hour later and we drove the one hour to Buffalo. It was a nice drive and the guys gave me all kinds of information about the area and were very nice! When we got to Buffalo I checked into the Buffalo Creek Motel who donated a room to me for the evening, thanks Buffalo Creek Motel!!! I dropped off my stuff and Phil offered to take me to a friend of his who ran an auto shop. Phil's friend was very crafty and said he would get me back on the road in no time and he did just that. After taking closer looks at the tubes there were multiple tiny leaks and he covered them in rubber cement and put car tire patches on them and even gave me some to take with me. I was very grateful and happy to have met Phil and for him to know the perfect person to help out. Thanks again guys!!! After a shower I walked across the street to Shorty's Cafe and found out that the owners were also the owners of the Buffalo Creek Motel. They were a very nice married couple and also really good cooks! After getting a couple supplies from the grocery store I headed back to the room. I was actually more sore from sitting on the side of the road all day then I would be from riding. I looked over my maps and made a new route to get myself to a bike shop in 3 days so I could pick up spare tubes.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wi9JsVpNBts/Tkmxc7j6-eI/AAAAAAAAFKc/Txr84HpXRak/s1600/IMG_8289.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="550" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wi9JsVpNBts/Tkmxc7j6-eI/AAAAAAAAFKc/Txr84HpXRak/s640/IMG_8289.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">On the way into Beaver</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">( altered this picture to make it look more like a painting )</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-duN7dEopz6A/TkmxmJQ0pRI/AAAAAAAAFKg/tRma0u8Q800/s1600/IMG_8290.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-duN7dEopz6A/TkmxmJQ0pRI/AAAAAAAAFKg/tRma0u8Q800/s400/IMG_8290.jpg" width="321" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Beaver, OK - home of the World Cow Chip Throwing Contest</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">http://www.beaverchamber.com/history.html</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RqvKAjO689g/Tkmx0iSOjlI/AAAAAAAAFKk/rLxaoxvq5eE/s1600/IMG_8291.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RqvKAjO689g/Tkmx0iSOjlI/AAAAAAAAFKk/rLxaoxvq5eE/s640/IMG_8291.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Would help if it was a busier road!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xPwORu2KFBE/TkmyBETVR9I/AAAAAAAAFKs/TYQJD2JACZ0/s1600/IMG_8293.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="233" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xPwORu2KFBE/TkmyBETVR9I/AAAAAAAAFKs/TYQJD2JACZ0/s400/IMG_8293.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The spot where I sat for 4 hours</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WbSlWacxkT8/TkmyLjVEQfI/AAAAAAAAFKw/O9nLX1aRKUc/s1600/IMG_8305.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WbSlWacxkT8/TkmyLjVEQfI/AAAAAAAAFKw/O9nLX1aRKUc/s400/IMG_8305.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">At least there was shade!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5-Ax8V03Ytc/TkmyUD6lRUI/AAAAAAAAFK0/jufzxf1OVs8/s1600/IMG_8314.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="376" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5-Ax8V03Ytc/TkmyUD6lRUI/AAAAAAAAFK0/jufzxf1OVs8/s400/IMG_8314.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Pretty nice room inside!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0Rzgkp0Hm-8/TkmyeifglJI/AAAAAAAAFK4/-4Fkb9XO50Q/s1600/IMG_8334.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0Rzgkp0Hm-8/TkmyeifglJI/AAAAAAAAFK4/-4Fkb9XO50Q/s400/IMG_8334.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Just a few items I found or brought with me for the journey</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0DxJn6JjkyU/TkmyhFomcNI/AAAAAAAAFK8/PDoTfZrMRqo/s1600/0813111914.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0DxJn6JjkyU/TkmyhFomcNI/AAAAAAAAFK8/PDoTfZrMRqo/s400/0813111914.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Dinner at Shorty's Cafe</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">August 14th</span></u></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">First thing I did when I woke up was check to see if my tires were still holding air and they were! Very happy about that. I quickly packed up and planned to head out early to beat the mid-day heat. As I put my back tire on the quick release broke and would not tighten, not good. I spent the next two hours working on it and finally found a nut that would fit in my bag of spare parts and was able to at least temporarily fix my bike. So much for my early start but at least I was back on the road again! I headed down a hilly road to Boiling Springs State Park where I planned to camp for the night. It was very hot and there was a headwind but other than that a pretty nice ride. I passed a field of over 100 giant windmills and a ton of oil fields as well. About halfway I came to the town of Fort Supply and made a gatorade and water stop. The next town was Woodward where I stopped to get some groceries for dinner and used the free wifi to check emails at McDonalds. Boiling Springs was just another 6 miles down a quiet country road. I saw herds of 20 or more whitetail deer several times and each group had many fawns and even some 6 point bucks. I picked out a nice campsite in the shade and took a cold shower which felt great! Well worth the $12. It was still hot and humid after my shower but I biked around the park and explored anyhow. First stop I checked out the lake and then biked down to the river on a fun off road biking/hiking trail. I came just feet from running over an armadillo, that was exciting! There was a swimming pool at the park that was closed for a family reunion but I managed to purchase some nachos and a soda and was then offered a beer by 2 guys carrying a cooler. When I went to open the cooler I was surprised by a giant Boa Constrictor in the cooler!! Scared the s!*t out of me!!! The guy thanked me for not punching him and we all had a good laugh, definitely woke me up! I went back to the campsite and watched the very playful deer chase each other around and listened to the sound of the very loud cicadas. Fell asleep to the sound of trains and coyotes, slept great!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></u></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-blqMpWzP-gk/TknFc2zj7LI/AAAAAAAAFLI/FVAz5Vbz7JQ/s1600/IMG_8362.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-blqMpWzP-gk/TknFc2zj7LI/AAAAAAAAFLI/FVAz5Vbz7JQ/s400/IMG_8362.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Buffalo, Oklahoma</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UBZnpUAvlfE/TknF5f6lFSI/AAAAAAAAFLM/oUPQEy8_LH8/s1600/IMG_8367.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UBZnpUAvlfE/TknF5f6lFSI/AAAAAAAAFLM/oUPQEy8_LH8/s400/IMG_8367.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This dog followed me around Buffalo and kept trying to take my stuff!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NJ3o1zuj_dU/TknGCipcDoI/AAAAAAAAFLQ/0PBagu5AF4M/s1600/IMG_8378.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NJ3o1zuj_dU/TknGCipcDoI/AAAAAAAAFLQ/0PBagu5AF4M/s640/IMG_8378.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Leaving Buffalo</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YfyHwdpyUA0/TknG6_3OKSI/AAAAAAAAFLY/PnDaYNzMaVQ/s1600/IMG_8379.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YfyHwdpyUA0/TknG6_3OKSI/AAAAAAAAFLY/PnDaYNzMaVQ/s400/IMG_8379.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Shade!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-y_vgQdoVowY/TknHE3oSvRI/AAAAAAAAFLc/foLZPwOX7s8/s1600/IMG_8392.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-y_vgQdoVowY/TknHE3oSvRI/AAAAAAAAFLc/foLZPwOX7s8/s640/IMG_8392.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Oklahoma is not as flat as I thought</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ug1P3z8icmk/TknHS7w-0mI/AAAAAAAAFLg/9uoiGLJrFRs/s1600/IMG_8393.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="372" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ug1P3z8icmk/TknHS7w-0mI/AAAAAAAAFLg/9uoiGLJrFRs/s640/IMG_8393.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Windmills</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xH5cJhpKA6U/TknHeryBRAI/AAAAAAAAFLo/xbqAiFiTp9s/s1600/IMG_8412.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="277" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xH5cJhpKA6U/TknHeryBRAI/AAAAAAAAFLo/xbqAiFiTp9s/s400/IMG_8412.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zzYOPxgnnbw/TknHqh5A0NI/AAAAAAAAFLs/ov69ozs7o0o/s1600/IMG_8433.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zzYOPxgnnbw/TknHqh5A0NI/AAAAAAAAFLs/ov69ozs7o0o/s400/IMG_8433.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HTIaX1BxW9o/TknH3d3VhdI/AAAAAAAAFLw/BH5ban_SuaI/s1600/IMG_8453.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HTIaX1BxW9o/TknH3d3VhdI/AAAAAAAAFLw/BH5ban_SuaI/s400/IMG_8453.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tQzdCUiRo7A/TknILgRaqdI/AAAAAAAAFL0/B4-SEnSbKys/s1600/IMG_8468.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tQzdCUiRo7A/TknILgRaqdI/AAAAAAAAFL0/B4-SEnSbKys/s640/IMG_8468.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Very nice campsite!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zk9sOAeDyxs/TknIaAKIc6I/AAAAAAAAFMA/J3Les8JWb14/s1600/IMG_8472.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zk9sOAeDyxs/TknIaAKIc6I/AAAAAAAAFMA/J3Les8JWb14/s400/IMG_8472.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-f9glUBVo3Qg/TknInqGpoHI/AAAAAAAAFME/umzFYi_ziJI/s1600/IMG_8520.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-f9glUBVo3Qg/TknInqGpoHI/AAAAAAAAFME/umzFYi_ziJI/s640/IMG_8520.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6NRJzhx_JdE/TknIzhbiXmI/AAAAAAAAFMI/1f4fWnjDyGw/s1600/IMG_8545.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="356" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6NRJzhx_JdE/TknIzhbiXmI/AAAAAAAAFMI/1f4fWnjDyGw/s640/IMG_8545.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><u><br />
</u></b></span></span></div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04701275786282234068noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6278989047715952807.post-88690328584140560512011-08-10T21:45:00.000-07:002011-08-10T21:45:41.162-07:00August 8th, 9th, 10th<div style="text-align: center;"><b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">August 8th</span></span></u></b></div><div style="text-align: center;">After a large breakfast at the Holiday Inn I patched up my bike tire once again. As I pulled into the hotel the day before I got a flat, just after thinking I had gone a whole day without getting one. I have had at least one flat tire every day for what seems like forever. Pretty frustrating! Got all packed up and headed on down the road. Made a quick stop at K-Mart but they didn't have my tube size so I stopped at the visitor center to see if there was a bike shop nearby but no such luck. It was getting hot out and I headed on down the road for Capulin, NM. The ride was only 30 miles but I was fighting a headwind and many small hills. There once again was no shade as I had left the woods but the scenery was still nice with many mesas and hills and the distant Rocky Mountains in my rear view mirror. As I pulled into the tiny town of Capulin I got another flat tire. I thought I had fixed my rim so it would stop cutting my valve stems but once again it did just that. After working on it some more and putting in a patch covered tube I biked over to the Capulin RV Park and set up my tent. The ride had me pretty exhausted so I decided to lay down for a minute and woke up 2 hours later. I guess I needed the sleep. There was a store across the street which seemed to be the only other business in town so I got a microwave burrito and some tea for dinner. Nothing special but it did the trick. Next up I did some laundry at the RV Park and used the free wifi to take care of a few things. Not a whole lot to do here but I figured I would just enjoy the relaxation. The Capulin Volcano National Monument is just a few miles down the street but I can see it from my campsite and that is good enough for me. Spent the evening watching the movie Interstate 60 on hulu.com and got a good nights sleep.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2ivQZZj_ppk/TkG1A-P2t3I/AAAAAAAAFEo/MfN3LnNBY4U/s1600/IMG_7978.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2ivQZZj_ppk/TkG1A-P2t3I/AAAAAAAAFEo/MfN3LnNBY4U/s400/IMG_7978.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Bear?</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IQdmkllo_Cc/TkG1LXmulQI/AAAAAAAAFEs/Ag___9enw9c/s1600/IMG_7979.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IQdmkllo_Cc/TkG1LXmulQI/AAAAAAAAFEs/Ag___9enw9c/s400/IMG_7979.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Another "interesting" sign</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8R7DnPhkVMg/TkG1XCKgilI/AAAAAAAAFE0/OtPfp2dcxlI/s1600/IMG_7984.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8R7DnPhkVMg/TkG1XCKgilI/AAAAAAAAFE0/OtPfp2dcxlI/s400/IMG_7984.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1B0HuF9cJtg/TkG1hXo7wRI/AAAAAAAAFE4/jsAwrFsPNMA/s1600/IMG_7987.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1B0HuF9cJtg/TkG1hXo7wRI/AAAAAAAAFE4/jsAwrFsPNMA/s400/IMG_7987.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iWEFkA028qA/TkG10sPXGyI/AAAAAAAAFE8/xb6xci68RlI/s1600/IMG_7988.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iWEFkA028qA/TkG10sPXGyI/AAAAAAAAFE8/xb6xci68RlI/s400/IMG_7988.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Nice soft grass - great for sleeping!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8ptoalLrIrM/TkG1_eeFseI/AAAAAAAAFFA/0-qa5IYPjFU/s1600/IMG_7990.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8ptoalLrIrM/TkG1_eeFseI/AAAAAAAAFFA/0-qa5IYPjFU/s400/IMG_7990.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Capulin Volcano</div><br />
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</span></span></u></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">August 9th</span></span></u></b><br />
I woke up in the middle of the night laughing really hard! I had some very strange dreams and was laughing so hard that it kept me from falling back asleep for a while. Strange! I started my ride pretty early today and got my tire down to a slow leak so I had to stop every few miles to pump it up. It was kind of a pain but it worked. Less than a mile into the road I came upon some road construction. After talking with one of the workers I was told I could bike on the closed brand new road that the cars were not yet allowed on. It was nice having the whole road to myself and it was very smooth being brand new! It was very hot and I was fighting a headwind all day. 10 miles into the ride I stopped at a cafe and had a tasty breakfast before heading on down the road another 45 miles. I got a phone call from Victoria Baker who works at the museum in Clayton and she had arranged a room for me at the Holiday Motel. Thank you so much Victoria!!! She also invited me to a barbecue at her mom's ranch and we arranged to meet up later in the afternoon. I checked into my room and took a much needed shower and relaxed until Victoria and her husband Rick and daughter Michaela picked me up. We drove out to the ranch and had some good conversation along the way. Victoria and her family were very nice and a lot of fun! When we got to the ranch down a long dirt road I got to meet many more of Victoria's family and everyone was so nice. They cooked an incredible feast for dinner and I had one of the best meals I have had in a while. I even go to try "rocky mountain oysters". For those of you who don't know what that is, rocky mountain oysters are deep fried bull testicles! I have to say that was a first for me! They were actually pretty tasty as long as I didn't think about it. After dinner we had a couple beers and some marshmallows on the ranch and talked and joked around. It was really nice hanging out with Victoria's very friendly and fun family! They dropped me back off at the hotel around 10 and I went to bed shortly after. It was a pretty exhausting ride and a really nice night! Thanks Victoria!!!<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;">http://www.herzsteinmuseum.com/</span></b></span></span></span></u></b></span></span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k-WtC3lESbE/TkM-LIpbLcI/AAAAAAAAFFI/Rt6Kkd8Xgeo/s1600/IMG_7995.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k-WtC3lESbE/TkM-LIpbLcI/AAAAAAAAFFI/Rt6Kkd8Xgeo/s400/IMG_7995.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Riding into the sunrise</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hN_Uob03GGc/TkM-TWYk6NI/AAAAAAAAFFM/WVnAEvuYv9s/s1600/IMG_7998.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="340" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hN_Uob03GGc/TkM-TWYk6NI/AAAAAAAAFFM/WVnAEvuYv9s/s640/IMG_7998.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My personal road!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OfEkS91csJ0/TkM-gs4ldZI/AAAAAAAAFFQ/GWNEN9hel8I/s1600/IMG_8010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OfEkS91csJ0/TkM-gs4ldZI/AAAAAAAAFFQ/GWNEN9hel8I/s400/IMG_8010.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Yqma85hdOSQ/TkM-oxbOkUI/AAAAAAAAFFU/7j_XomEtMtU/s1600/IMG_8013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Yqma85hdOSQ/TkM-oxbOkUI/AAAAAAAAFFU/7j_XomEtMtU/s400/IMG_8013.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">On my bed at the Holiday Motel!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CSqMgpqHKKY/TkM-0xxLnNI/AAAAAAAAFFc/m1gVs9TjLpY/s1600/IMG_8020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CSqMgpqHKKY/TkM-0xxLnNI/AAAAAAAAFFc/m1gVs9TjLpY/s400/IMG_8020.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Victoria's Mom and Me</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">( she makes incredible tortillas! )</div><b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
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</span></span></u></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">August 10th</span></span></u></b><br />
Woke up to dark clouds and 35mph winds! After getting some good coffee and a bagel from the motel lobby I turned on the weather channel to find out there was a chance of severe thunderstorms in the afternoon. I quickly re-patched my flat tire and hit the road hoping to beat the possible storm. The headwind was very strong and my ride started out pretty slow moving. I made a stop at the Crossroads Coffee Shop in Clayton and had a gigantic cookie and another cup of coffee. The nice woman working gave me a free donut for the ride. My lucky day! Next up I stopped at the Herzstein Memorial Museum where Victoria works. I spent some time looking around the exhibits at the museum and then continued on my ride into Oklahoma. The temperature was cool and comfortable in the 50's and eventually warmed up to the upper 70's. As I crossed the border into Oklahoma I entered the central time zone and took a break at a roadside picnic table. It is always exciting crossing into a new state! New Mexico was great and I have made my own motto for the state, "Friendly Folks and Fantastic Food". I am excited to see what Oklahoma has to offer. The road I was riding on was nice and flat, smooth, and had very little traffic. Good bicycle riding conditions. As the day went on the winds died down quite a bit and the sun came out making it a really nice day. I biked past grass and corn as far as the eye can see while listening to Old Crow Medicine Show and Old And In The Way, great music for the scenery! By late afternoon I reached the town of Boise City, Oklahoma. I explored the town and made a stop at No Mans Land Beef Jerky and picked up a delicious bag of beef jerky! The Weed Chamber of Commerce got me a room donated by the Townsman Motel. The owners were really friendly and set me up with a nice room. Thanks Townsman Motel!!! Took a shower, had some dinner, and relaxed and made my plans for the rest of Oklahoma.<br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;">http://www.herzsteinmuseum.com/</span></b><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lu_4nz56s5Y/TkNA4GGIvQI/AAAAAAAAFFg/TQfOgdfNtqo/s1600/IMG_8022.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lu_4nz56s5Y/TkNA4GGIvQI/AAAAAAAAFFg/TQfOgdfNtqo/s400/IMG_8022.jpg" width="325" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Leaving the Holiday Motel hoping to dodge any storms</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--4GzXpk9xGI/TkNBAWnmKhI/AAAAAAAAFFk/W3b9eD9awjE/s1600/IMG_8028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--4GzXpk9xGI/TkNBAWnmKhI/AAAAAAAAFFk/W3b9eD9awjE/s400/IMG_8028.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This caught my eye while biking through Clayton</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qejBPM30JiA/TkNBNYsVZTI/AAAAAAAAFFo/vd1FCpSkkp4/s1600/IMG_8031.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qejBPM30JiA/TkNBNYsVZTI/AAAAAAAAFFo/vd1FCpSkkp4/s400/IMG_8031.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Crossroads Coffee Shop in Clayton</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4ynAJ8z_EHs/TkNBYA5fBMI/AAAAAAAAFFw/T6tir13T70U/s1600/IMG_8037.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4ynAJ8z_EHs/TkNBYA5fBMI/AAAAAAAAFFw/T6tir13T70U/s400/IMG_8037.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Herzstein Memorial Museum</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-poZdC5qeK8w/TkNBiJi8ltI/AAAAAAAAFF4/ZINBG237nd8/s1600/IMG_8040.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-poZdC5qeK8w/TkNBiJi8ltI/AAAAAAAAFF4/ZINBG237nd8/s400/IMG_8040.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">One of the many museum exhibits</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-l_gzXjSl7dY/TkNBu5hCOlI/AAAAAAAAFF8/a6T9J225iP8/s1600/IMG_8043.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="357" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-l_gzXjSl7dY/TkNBu5hCOlI/AAAAAAAAFF8/a6T9J225iP8/s400/IMG_8043.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Dinosaur footprints and fossils</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MK8ja30yXOo/TkNCBL7yk2I/AAAAAAAAFGc/xse9lVN8LyU/s1600/IMG_8048.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MK8ja30yXOo/TkNCBL7yk2I/AAAAAAAAFGc/xse9lVN8LyU/s400/IMG_8048.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Map of the Santa Fe Trail</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-060UNWFP6QY/TkNCNhBsRLI/AAAAAAAAFGg/K-gwkL9k8sw/s1600/IMG_8056.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-060UNWFP6QY/TkNCNhBsRLI/AAAAAAAAFGg/K-gwkL9k8sw/s400/IMG_8056.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Oklahoma!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9pQY4aKBTo8/TkNCUv4JUaI/AAAAAAAAFGk/El7d1hegG-w/s1600/IMG_8059.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9pQY4aKBTo8/TkNCUv4JUaI/AAAAAAAAFGk/El7d1hegG-w/s400/IMG_8059.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The Open Road</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E6o8rAIjGBk/TkNCbzZUgHI/AAAAAAAAFGo/b1tnrTcjWw4/s1600/IMG_8063.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E6o8rAIjGBk/TkNCbzZUgHI/AAAAAAAAFGo/b1tnrTcjWw4/s400/IMG_8063.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Mooooo!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xhD36vIHtDA/TkNClvUccVI/AAAAAAAAFHE/9gU-Q43McW4/s1600/IMG_8078.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xhD36vIHtDA/TkNClvUccVI/AAAAAAAAFHE/9gU-Q43McW4/s640/IMG_8078.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Thought now would be a good time to bring out the cow!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XKOHnanz9ec/TkNCtDMY-AI/AAAAAAAAFHI/3Ik_og9LKZQ/s1600/IMG_8090.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XKOHnanz9ec/TkNCtDMY-AI/AAAAAAAAFHI/3Ik_og9LKZQ/s400/IMG_8090.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Boise City, Oklahoma</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VMexT1Ew2eo/TkNC6bmw4NI/AAAAAAAAFHM/1xRGCt_E0sI/s1600/IMG_8092.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VMexT1Ew2eo/TkNC6bmw4NI/AAAAAAAAFHM/1xRGCt_E0sI/s400/IMG_8092.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-raXtvysngNU/TkNDC-6SX8I/AAAAAAAAFHU/MFuK6F1Xcic/s1600/IMG_8094.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="302" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-raXtvysngNU/TkNDC-6SX8I/AAAAAAAAFHU/MFuK6F1Xcic/s400/IMG_8094.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fYfFwCDCm8U/TkNDK6DLJnI/AAAAAAAAFHg/xXYADI7jZoM/s1600/IMG_8101.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fYfFwCDCm8U/TkNDK6DLJnI/AAAAAAAAFHg/xXYADI7jZoM/s400/IMG_8101.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Good stuff!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dyufywvZvMQ/TkNcY_NsuWI/AAAAAAAAFHo/_yGnYUtLM9I/s1600/IMG_8106.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dyufywvZvMQ/TkNcY_NsuWI/AAAAAAAAFHo/_yGnYUtLM9I/s400/IMG_8106.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Thanks Townsman Motel!!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span id="goog_2089576523"></span><span id="goog_2089576524"></span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xFIz1-EY7ZA/TkNDUwL0WpI/AAAAAAAAFHk/R3eeNlbXvGE/s1600/IMG_8098.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="331" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xFIz1-EY7ZA/TkNDUwL0WpI/AAAAAAAAFHk/R3eeNlbXvGE/s400/IMG_8098.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My room at the Townsman Motel</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04701275786282234068noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6278989047715952807.post-12486658941194505452011-08-08T08:03:00.000-07:002011-08-08T08:03:52.048-07:00August 6th and 7th<div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Want to let everyone know that blog comments are encouraged and the first person to leave a comment on this blog post wins a 2012 calendar of my bike trip!</span></span></i></b><br />
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<b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">August 6th</span></span></u></b></div><div style="text-align: center;">Started the day off with a very tasty blackberry waffle and a cup of coffee in the Econo Lodge lobby. After breakfast I headed 1 mile uphill while overlooking Eagle Nest Lake. From the top of the hill it was 24 miles downhill to Cimarron. The ride was awesome, great weather and incredible mountain scenery! I biked through Cimarron Canyon State Park and stopped many times to take in the views and stopped to take a dip in the clear refreshing creek alongside the road. It was wonderful and is what really makes bike trips like this so enjoyable! After exiting the park I biked through part of the 214 square mile Philmont Boy Scout Ranch. It was a beautiful area but full of no trespassing signs. 10 miles from Cimarron I had another valve stem on my inner tube break and had to do some McGyver tricks to get it up and running. I had to stop every 1/2 a mile or so and pump up my tire but I eventually reached Cimarron and was happy about that. Cimarron is Spanish for "wild" or "unruly" and has a rich history of outlaws. It is also where my dad used to live so it was interesting to visit after hearing his stories of his time spent there. I headed over to the Canyon Inn who offered me a room the night before. I met Buhl who was very nice and she set me up with a nice room. Thanks Buhl and Canyon Inn!!! After a shower I headed over to the visitor center and saw several elk and deer walking around town. I then stopped at a little all purpose store and was very pleased to find bike tubes, electrical tape, and a round file. I think this will end my valve stem problem, I am pretty sure my bike rim has been cutting my tubes due to a sharp edge. Next I headed over to the historic St. James Hotel and Restaurant for dinner. Dinner was good and the hotel was full of cowboys and cowgirls from the rodeo and boy scouts from the ranch. It was an interesting mix of people. After dinner I headed back to my room at the Canyon Inn and did a blog update, fixed my bike, and then watched the sunset. It was a beautiful ride and a relaxing evening!<br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;">http://www.cimarroncanyoninn.com/</span></b><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T0Mk510xXhY/Tj79W7Gj1hI/AAAAAAAAFBg/JEVSxjax3Fc/s1600/IMG_7726.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T0Mk510xXhY/Tj79W7Gj1hI/AAAAAAAAFBg/JEVSxjax3Fc/s400/IMG_7726.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Eagle Nest Lake</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-z9VVt_eclA0/Tj79bDytVdI/AAAAAAAAFBk/Uaeus9Ai5L0/s1600/IMG_7735.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-z9VVt_eclA0/Tj79bDytVdI/AAAAAAAAFBk/Uaeus9Ai5L0/s400/IMG_7735.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3nZJFZhL60A/Tj79hFQTz5I/AAAAAAAAFBo/4KjzTusP194/s1600/IMG_7740.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3nZJFZhL60A/Tj79hFQTz5I/AAAAAAAAFBo/4KjzTusP194/s400/IMG_7740.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-v3QEZ4xoGAk/Tj79oVDzvEI/AAAAAAAAFBw/CQ7AaweLsQU/s1600/IMG_7744.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="382" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-v3QEZ4xoGAk/Tj79oVDzvEI/AAAAAAAAFBw/CQ7AaweLsQU/s640/IMG_7744.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Beginning the 24 mile downhill ride!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-abodMuqnYEk/Tj79wG0hB8I/AAAAAAAAFB0/WtDXs04pJv4/s1600/IMG_7855.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-abodMuqnYEk/Tj79wG0hB8I/AAAAAAAAFB0/WtDXs04pJv4/s400/IMG_7855.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Beautiful place!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-B8oepRbVm4w/Tj79-JCEozI/AAAAAAAAFB8/K5TquUeJpxY/s1600/IMG_7757.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-B8oepRbVm4w/Tj79-JCEozI/AAAAAAAAFB8/K5TquUeJpxY/s400/IMG_7757.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So nice to be in the forest!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZWUClz3C2Ow/Tj7-EUNTRkI/AAAAAAAAFCA/HdxUXDsd-UQ/s1600/IMG_7759.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZWUClz3C2Ow/Tj7-EUNTRkI/AAAAAAAAFCA/HdxUXDsd-UQ/s400/IMG_7759.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Couldn't pass up a dip in this crisp clean mountain water!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JslFQVxmNqs/Tj7-Jc1sroI/AAAAAAAAFCE/osBzoJLoU0k/s1600/IMG_7776.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JslFQVxmNqs/Tj7-Jc1sroI/AAAAAAAAFCE/osBzoJLoU0k/s400/IMG_7776.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pqNYE7aYIsE/Tj7-gZqL4vI/AAAAAAAAFCk/KSBTMnrQDuM/s1600/IMG_7841.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pqNYE7aYIsE/Tj7-gZqL4vI/AAAAAAAAFCk/KSBTMnrQDuM/s400/IMG_7841.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Z1vqSXgCIGA/Tj7-m_qqRyI/AAAAAAAAFCw/KTtZ2sjKyFI/s1600/IMG_7860.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="370" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Z1vqSXgCIGA/Tj7-m_qqRyI/AAAAAAAAFCw/KTtZ2sjKyFI/s640/IMG_7860.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8wWS0c4M7ks/Tj7-qi71BFI/AAAAAAAAFC0/bXZPM_5O8QU/s1600/IMG_7874.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="292" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8wWS0c4M7ks/Tj7-qi71BFI/AAAAAAAAFC0/bXZPM_5O8QU/s400/IMG_7874.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a9ahAW0_-p0/Tj7-tyzgTAI/AAAAAAAAFC4/GCZtgKt8csM/s1600/IMG_7882.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a9ahAW0_-p0/Tj7-tyzgTAI/AAAAAAAAFC4/GCZtgKt8csM/s400/IMG_7882.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Su1aFBkmqIk/Tj7-yFRWffI/AAAAAAAAFDA/BUz2oQpUqIY/s1600/IMG_7883.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Su1aFBkmqIk/Tj7-yFRWffI/AAAAAAAAFDA/BUz2oQpUqIY/s400/IMG_7883.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fVioiIZhlFI/Tj7-0w04OmI/AAAAAAAAFDE/Z-6tXjL7f00/s1600/IMG_7884.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fVioiIZhlFI/Tj7-0w04OmI/AAAAAAAAFDE/Z-6tXjL7f00/s400/IMG_7884.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Dinner at the St. Janes Hotel</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-A6ecfmZdEck/Tj7-3CHQI6I/AAAAAAAAFDI/FKzvB4Aitpc/s1600/IMG_7890.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-A6ecfmZdEck/Tj7-3CHQI6I/AAAAAAAAFDI/FKzvB4Aitpc/s400/IMG_7890.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Thanks Canyon Inn!!!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YJ02x2H-yRo/Tj7-5jLt8fI/AAAAAAAAFDM/59qrUSRPFWk/s1600/IMG_7899.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YJ02x2H-yRo/Tj7-5jLt8fI/AAAAAAAAFDM/59qrUSRPFWk/s400/IMG_7899.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Beautiful sunset in Cimarron</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><u><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">August 7th</span></b></u></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I awoke to a knock on the door from Buhl who had arranged for me to have a free breakfast at the St. James Hotel, thanks Buhl!!! I biked over to the St. James and filled up on the breakfast buffet and coffee. After getting packed up I headed out of Cimarron down a very quiet highway. Today I hit the 2,011 mile mark for 2011! About halfway through my peaceful ride I pulled over to take a break. A car pulled over and I met a friendly guy named Kip who gave me a cold soda and we talked about travels for a while. Thanks again Kip! I saw several antelope as well as elk and buffalo. This section of the trip is where the southern Rocky Mountains meet the plains. I was also biking on the historic Santa Fe Trail which is now a paved road mostly following the original path. I reached the city of Raton, NM by early afternoon and checked into the Holiday Inn who donated a room to me for the evening. Thanks Raton Holiday Inn!!! It was great to get out of the afternoon heat and in my air conditioned room. The bed in the room was the most comfortable yet! I spend the afternoon relaxing in the plush bed and enjoying the big screen tv. I received a phone call from the front desk letting me know that they had opened the snack bar downstairs so I headed down to check it out. I was pleasantly surprised to what was more than just a snack bar! They had minestrone soup, ham and cheese sandwiches, mixed nuts and cheeses, cookies, chips and salsa, pudding, coffee, juices, and more! I made a dinner out of it and everything was really tasty! Relaxed in the room for a bit and then went down to the pool and soaked in the hot tub for a while. I would have to say this is the best Holiday Inn I have ever stayed at! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;">http://www.exstjames.com/</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;">http://www.ratonsfinest.com/</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><u><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></b></u></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1izHFsYPQ6A/Tj9S2egoWpI/AAAAAAAAFDU/qGQCqytnImk/s1600/IMG_7900.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1izHFsYPQ6A/Tj9S2egoWpI/AAAAAAAAFDU/qGQCqytnImk/s640/IMG_7900.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The St. James Hotel and Restaurant</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4LpG0QqBydg/Tj9S_q11OoI/AAAAAAAAFDc/tu728QRbFeI/s1600/IMG_7907.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4LpG0QqBydg/Tj9S_q11OoI/AAAAAAAAFDc/tu728QRbFeI/s400/IMG_7907.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Saloon inside the St. James</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">( bullet holes in ceiling! )</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jUvGTOucU-0/Tj9TCwx5l_I/AAAAAAAAFDg/g_XQq42I57U/s1600/IMG_7917.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="276" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jUvGTOucU-0/Tj9TCwx5l_I/AAAAAAAAFDg/g_XQq42I57U/s640/IMG_7917.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Leaving Cimarron ( looking back )</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ynMv2NRa01k/Tj9TIK69BJI/AAAAAAAAFDk/MaOQyIx8zjI/s1600/IMG_7927.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ynMv2NRa01k/Tj9TIK69BJI/AAAAAAAAFDk/MaOQyIx8zjI/s400/IMG_7927.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">2,011 in 2011!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jatrzGgTs2s/Tj9TMOTlRRI/AAAAAAAAFDo/37VnVTc11Nk/s1600/IMG_7932.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="379" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jatrzGgTs2s/Tj9TMOTlRRI/AAAAAAAAFDo/37VnVTc11Nk/s640/IMG_7932.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Biking down the Santa Fe Trail</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eUCzMAUEjB0/Tj9TSMfWFwI/AAAAAAAAFDw/aJu1nX2Zagc/s1600/IMG_7933.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="246" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eUCzMAUEjB0/Tj9TSMfWFwI/AAAAAAAAFDw/aJu1nX2Zagc/s400/IMG_7933.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Sounds good!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X4kXL_qyEtY/Tj9TVzLU8eI/AAAAAAAAFD0/nMuYgwUzGsk/s1600/IMG_7938.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="354" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X4kXL_qyEtY/Tj9TVzLU8eI/AAAAAAAAFD0/nMuYgwUzGsk/s640/IMG_7938.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-o2_Xv2kPvu8/Tj9TZiDxPTI/AAAAAAAAFD4/KfoTt-wz-IE/s1600/IMG_7946.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-o2_Xv2kPvu8/Tj9TZiDxPTI/AAAAAAAAFD4/KfoTt-wz-IE/s400/IMG_7946.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E255kuMKMoc/Tj9TeCKxn7I/AAAAAAAAFD8/za_3qwNCdak/s1600/IMG_7962.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E255kuMKMoc/Tj9TeCKxn7I/AAAAAAAAFD8/za_3qwNCdak/s400/IMG_7962.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Thanks Holiday Inn Raton!!!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oUZen1S--RE/Tj9TiXt-ucI/AAAAAAAAFEE/IGl7TLchXjU/s1600/IMG_7967.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oUZen1S--RE/Tj9TiXt-ucI/AAAAAAAAFEE/IGl7TLchXjU/s400/IMG_7967.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-N2cqUeX_q04/Tj9Tnxhr92I/AAAAAAAAFEI/72nnRO_3HQ0/s1600/IMG_7960.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="290" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-N2cqUeX_q04/Tj9Tnxhr92I/AAAAAAAAFEI/72nnRO_3HQ0/s400/IMG_7960.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Hotel lobby</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Rq9yM_P_-yo/Tj9Tr5SkTLI/AAAAAAAAFEM/lu5J9iQSsiw/s1600/IMG_7949.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="350" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Rq9yM_P_-yo/Tj9Tr5SkTLI/AAAAAAAAFEM/lu5J9iQSsiw/s400/IMG_7949.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Best bed of the trip!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Kdk08SV9eJY/Tj9TuqD3r2I/AAAAAAAAFEQ/7Mn-LvdP83w/s1600/IMG_7956.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Kdk08SV9eJY/Tj9TuqD3r2I/AAAAAAAAFEQ/7Mn-LvdP83w/s400/IMG_7956.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Just some of the "Snack Bar"</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Hay59kGPooQ/Tj9x6e6Q1wI/AAAAAAAAFEY/_thMLi7bmH4/s1600/IMG_7972.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="311" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Hay59kGPooQ/Tj9x6e6Q1wI/AAAAAAAAFEY/_thMLi7bmH4/s400/IMG_7972.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Pool at the Holiday Inn</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><u><br />
</u></b></span></span></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04701275786282234068noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6278989047715952807.post-33420438262719363022011-08-06T18:07:00.000-07:002011-08-06T18:07:26.894-07:00August 1st - 5th<div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">August 1st</span></u></span></b><br />
Spent the morning having coffee and breakfast with friends and then a quick stop at the brewery for one last pint before leaving Weed. My awesome friend Stephanie gave me a ride to the Sacramento airport. Thanks Stephanie!!! We made a stop on the Sacramento river about an hour into the trip to jump in and cool off and it felt great! I was sad to leave the awesome weather, my wonderful friends, delicious water, clean crisp air, and beautiful mountain scenery but was also excited about part two of my bike trip. I had a layover in Phoenix and during landing we passed through a thunderstorm that produced some pretty crazy turbulence. It was actually quite scary and when we landed there was an applause. From there I flew back to Albuquerque and got in around midnight. Got a room at Motel 6 and went straight to bed.<br />
( No photos for today )</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><br />
</span></u></span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">August 2nd</span></u></span></b><br />
My friend Caleb picked me up from the Motel 6 in the morning and we headed back to his house for the day. I got to meet Lauren, Caleb's girlfriend who was in Louisiana when I was last in Albuquerque. Caleb and Lauren were both incredibly nice and hospitable! They let me store my bike and trailer during my trip to Weed as well as fed me many times! Today we had a delicious salmon lunch and steak dinner, both so good! Watched some movies and slept on the air mattress, nice to have a day of relaxation and friends to hang out with before heading back out on the road! Thank you both so much Caleb and Lauren!!! <br />
( No photos for today )</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><br />
</span></u></span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">August 3rd</span></u></span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;">On the road again! After having coffee and breakfast at Caleb and Lauren's Caleb gave me a ride into Santa Fe where he works. I said goodbye and after 16 days off the bike began pedaling. Thanks again for the homemade bread Lauren, it was delicious! I had mixed feelings about getting back to the ride but overall felt pretty good. There was heavy traffic and the shoulder would often drop off or disappear completely. I started the ride out with a big uphill and then most of the day was downhill with a nice tailwind, happy about that! After biking a ways down the interstate I could see a storm approaching and decided to take shelter and have some lunch in Pojoaque Pueblo. I had some of the best tacos I have ever tasted in my life! Sorry, no picture this time but they were amazing, trust me! After the storm passed I biked on to the town of Espanola which had an old west feel to it. I found what I though was an abandoned RV park and set up camp. Saw a sign that said fishing lakes and decided to go check it out. When I got to the lake I met the man running the RV park and paid the $10 fee. I was the only one there and it was very run down with no showers or bathrooms. Not sure what the $10 was for but it was a place to sleep. The two lakes were really nice, I took a rest in the shade and enjoyed the scenery. I eventually headed back to the campsite and met some "interesting" neighbors and then went to sleep with all of my belongings in my tent and my knife nearby. Fell asleep to the sound of screaming junkies and barking dogs, oh so peaceful! haha<br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><br />
</span></u></span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CvJRJrtdBsU/TjybiyBZyeI/AAAAAAAAE8w/OhmW5KarqtA/s1600/IMG_7494.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="262" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CvJRJrtdBsU/TjybiyBZyeI/AAAAAAAAE8w/OhmW5KarqtA/s400/IMG_7494.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Riding down the interstate</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--lyY-Pd2B8g/Tjyc_NxDzeI/AAAAAAAAE80/2WoaUr8-AnY/s1600/IMG_7496.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--lyY-Pd2B8g/Tjyc_NxDzeI/AAAAAAAAE80/2WoaUr8-AnY/s640/IMG_7496.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Very cool artwork on all of the bridges</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bHK1K1NBmEQ/Tjye0PbNimI/AAAAAAAAE88/Eedvwes11TA/s1600/IMG_7500.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bHK1K1NBmEQ/Tjye0PbNimI/AAAAAAAAE88/Eedvwes11TA/s400/IMG_7500.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Storm approaching</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dontRXCPg68/TjygkixDasI/AAAAAAAAE9A/u0xyWVUK6AY/s1600/IMG_7501.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dontRXCPg68/TjygkixDasI/AAAAAAAAE9A/u0xyWVUK6AY/s400/IMG_7501.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Very cool architecture in this part of New Mexico</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MBUAPrgyiJs/TjykKNKcNlI/AAAAAAAAE9E/-iYuyWnOZOc/s1600/IMG_7504.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MBUAPrgyiJs/TjykKNKcNlI/AAAAAAAAE9E/-iYuyWnOZOc/s400/IMG_7504.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The RV Park in Espanola</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-b24KObVdWWc/TjymuoHD4fI/AAAAAAAAE9I/evoCJqPi8RY/s1600/IMG_7505.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-b24KObVdWWc/TjymuoHD4fI/AAAAAAAAE9I/evoCJqPi8RY/s640/IMG_7505.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-r53JhyhaDlg/TjyoXGclpUI/AAAAAAAAE9Q/hL_haNgr7HE/s1600/IMG_7513.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-r53JhyhaDlg/TjyoXGclpUI/AAAAAAAAE9Q/hL_haNgr7HE/s400/IMG_7513.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NIU6YxYWSLo/TjyqnMngQRI/AAAAAAAAE9U/vY18Laq-Mz8/s1600/IMG_7518.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NIU6YxYWSLo/TjyqnMngQRI/AAAAAAAAE9U/vY18Laq-Mz8/s400/IMG_7518.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Nice spot to relax</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><br />
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After patching up another flat tire and a quick coffee I left Espanola and started my ride towards Taos. About halfway through the ride I entered the Sangre De Cristo mountain range which was incredibly beautiful! I stopped off at the Rio Grande River several times to take in the amazing scenery. It was very hot out and I had a huge climb before getting into Taos but the scenery made up for it. It was so nice to be back in the woods again instead of the arid desert landscape. When I arrived in Taos I stopped at a Mexican restaurant and had some more delicious tacos. I have been eating really good in New Mexico, loving the food here! After eating a explored town on my bike and then got a phone call from the Weed Chamber of Commerce that they had found me a room donation at the Best Western Kachina Lodge. Thanks for the help Weed Chamber! I biked up the street to the very awesome Kachina Lodge and checked into my room which was super nice! Thanks Best Western Kachina Lodge!!! After a shower I took a look around the Lodge lobby at all of the amazing artwork. Really nice to stay at a place that has an art gallery in the lobby. Next up I headed down to the Taos Plaza for the free Thursday concert, "Taos Plaza Live". I was treated to two really good bands, Bone Orchard and Last To Know. They both were really good but I highly recommend checking out Last To Know if you ever get the opportunity. They were super funky and had everybody dancing having a good time! After the show was over I stopped for a beer and talked with some locals and then headed back to my room for some rest and relaxation.<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><a href="http://kachinalodge.com/" target="_blank"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;">http://kachinalodge.com/</span></b></a></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><a href="http://weedchamber.com/" target="_blank"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;">http://weedchamber.com/</span></b></a></span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-waL0VIexHAg/TjyyQASV5vI/AAAAAAAAE9Y/tpkoXMJwMwE/s1600/IMG_7549.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="376" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-waL0VIexHAg/TjyyQASV5vI/AAAAAAAAE9Y/tpkoXMJwMwE/s640/IMG_7549.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Heading into the Sangre De Cristo's</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eRA8CcFozLg/Tjy10tjK_cI/AAAAAAAAE9c/Sts_R8m26Hg/s1600/IMG_7555.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eRA8CcFozLg/Tjy10tjK_cI/AAAAAAAAE9c/Sts_R8m26Hg/s400/IMG_7555.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VPMHAc5Jfic/Tjy6Xv_uyNI/AAAAAAAAE9o/WB8WHb7WFzA/s1600/IMG_7574.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="303" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VPMHAc5Jfic/Tjy6Xv_uyNI/AAAAAAAAE9o/WB8WHb7WFzA/s400/IMG_7574.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4cugV3bZ6pk/Tjy8JDDy0TI/AAAAAAAAE9s/_Ii9Zv3ig_8/s1600/IMG_7585.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4cugV3bZ6pk/Tjy8JDDy0TI/AAAAAAAAE9s/_Ii9Zv3ig_8/s400/IMG_7585.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-E0Nj1QDKFos/Tjy-P0f5DRI/AAAAAAAAE90/3ejOTnRen5c/s1600/IMG_7587.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-E0Nj1QDKFos/Tjy-P0f5DRI/AAAAAAAAE90/3ejOTnRen5c/s400/IMG_7587.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-noZgU-8Z3IA/TjzA3f6meFI/AAAAAAAAE94/ziOS19pAg-E/s1600/IMG_7588.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-noZgU-8Z3IA/TjzA3f6meFI/AAAAAAAAE94/ziOS19pAg-E/s400/IMG_7588.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UT52Db0qgDA/TjzDTpfZ6LI/AAAAAAAAE98/RQU-COx49SU/s1600/IMG_7590.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UT52Db0qgDA/TjzDTpfZ6LI/AAAAAAAAE98/RQU-COx49SU/s400/IMG_7590.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Rio De Grande</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Dlk1zd8B620/TjzFv-vVnyI/AAAAAAAAE-E/TLybrTeFHzA/s1600/IMG_7595.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Dlk1zd8B620/TjzFv-vVnyI/AAAAAAAAE-E/TLybrTeFHzA/s640/IMG_7595.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MMwgYLV95uk/TjzHY3rd_vI/AAAAAAAAE-I/_sJQpjw0Kys/s1600/IMG_7612.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MMwgYLV95uk/TjzHY3rd_vI/AAAAAAAAE-I/_sJQpjw0Kys/s400/IMG_7612.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Friendly Rio Grande Gorge Visitor Center</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oqSScerXmvk/TjzI8VhKz-I/AAAAAAAAE-M/S8187KcP6Iw/s1600/IMG_7613.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oqSScerXmvk/TjzI8VhKz-I/AAAAAAAAE-M/S8187KcP6Iw/s640/IMG_7613.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7OARevY4x0o/TjzKczFNMPI/AAAAAAAAE-Q/dh3qCI6yx5k/s1600/IMG_7614.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="308" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7OARevY4x0o/TjzKczFNMPI/AAAAAAAAE-Q/dh3qCI6yx5k/s640/IMG_7614.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UfHMO_iR7t4/TjzMNIcTr9I/AAAAAAAAE-Y/hLKrI4f4UJw/s1600/IMG_7617.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UfHMO_iR7t4/TjzMNIcTr9I/AAAAAAAAE-Y/hLKrI4f4UJw/s400/IMG_7617.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L6P5tsbIqf8/TjzNtlxoxrI/AAAAAAAAE-c/A2-PHpaFZ0I/s1600/IMG_7622.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L6P5tsbIqf8/TjzNtlxoxrI/AAAAAAAAE-c/A2-PHpaFZ0I/s400/IMG_7622.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-X9EDq0ozRGI/TjzPVstKebI/AAAAAAAAE-g/8zNKKSrpDFU/s1600/IMG_7627.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="390" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-X9EDq0ozRGI/TjzPVstKebI/AAAAAAAAE-g/8zNKKSrpDFU/s640/IMG_7627.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Just south of Taos</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uD5rIo9tSmw/TjzgA1iK2jI/AAAAAAAAE_M/8achhZZkIg8/s1600/IMG_7650.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="display: inline !important; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uD5rIo9tSmw/TjzgA1iK2jI/AAAAAAAAE_M/8achhZZkIg8/s400/IMG_7650.jpg" width="300" /></a><br />
Awesome Lodging in Taos!<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6aQ3JNfiyHY/TjzQ7obmbpI/AAAAAAAAE-k/iGX3IDha2UI/s1600/IMG_7629.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="271" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6aQ3JNfiyHY/TjzQ7obmbpI/AAAAAAAAE-k/iGX3IDha2UI/s400/IMG_7629.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The Coffee Bar at the Lodge</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rsel-AWLgLQ/TjzTTJL0_xI/AAAAAAAAE-s/_RTqiPKZIRg/s1600/IMG_7634.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rsel-AWLgLQ/TjzTTJL0_xI/AAAAAAAAE-s/_RTqiPKZIRg/s400/IMG_7634.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My very spacious room</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AUNB4q2p7EU/TjzXczt1hEI/AAAAAAAAE-0/4o1eeXrDiaw/s1600/IMG_7640.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AUNB4q2p7EU/TjzXczt1hEI/AAAAAAAAE-0/4o1eeXrDiaw/s400/IMG_7640.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Outside of the room</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FTCTfVjKF8E/Tjzb35GZ_EI/AAAAAAAAE_A/28Nq8Spn2-4/s1600/IMG_7645.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="290" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FTCTfVjKF8E/Tjzb35GZ_EI/AAAAAAAAE_A/28Nq8Spn2-4/s400/IMG_7645.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Pool Area</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NYNvImwyXNk/Tjzddh2J43I/AAAAAAAAE_E/rRzCaoIj9Zk/s1600/IMG_7648.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NYNvImwyXNk/Tjzddh2J43I/AAAAAAAAE_E/rRzCaoIj9Zk/s400/IMG_7648.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Lounge Area</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7pliU2M4FIo/Tjzii1AxIxI/AAAAAAAAE_Q/zz0SiefYEA8/s1600/IMG_7649.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="271" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7pliU2M4FIo/Tjzii1AxIxI/AAAAAAAAE_Q/zz0SiefYEA8/s400/IMG_7649.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Art Gallery in Lobby</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3EX0j89Gxbc/TjzaLh-CC2I/AAAAAAAAE-8/emn991OqaGU/s1600/IMG_7642.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3EX0j89Gxbc/TjzaLh-CC2I/AAAAAAAAE-8/emn991OqaGU/s640/IMG_7642.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">People getting down to Last To Know</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">August 5th</span></span></u></b></div>Woke up early and headed to the coffee bar at the Kachina Lodge for a complimentary hot breakfast. Everything was very good and they had much more than what you usually get for a continental breakfast. I got packed up and headed over to a bike shop near the town plaza for some more tubes. On my way into Taos I had gotten another flat and was down to my last tube. Due to the flats often being on the valve stem I can't patch them and I am working on trying to fix this issue. I left Taos and biked down a narrow highway with a pretty good amount of traffic. Less than 5 miles into the ride another valve stem broke, aggravating. I biked through Carson National Forest and was very happy to be in the trees! The first 20 miles were an uphill battle climbing to an elevation of 9,101 feet! I believe this may have been the highest spot for my entire journey. The weather was pleasant today in the 80's with the wind mostly at my back. When I reached the summit I biked down the steep windy road and eventually to the town of Eagle Nest. Just before town another valve stem broke and I was now once again down to my last tube. When I arrived in Eagle Nest I made a stop at the Chamber of Commerce who I had spoken with the day before. They had gotten me a donated room at the Econo Lodge and a donated meal at Calamity Janes. I go to meet Laura from the Chamber who I had spoken with and she was very helpful and nice! Thank you so much Laura and the Eagle Nest Chamber of Commerce!!! After a stop for an ice cream cone I headed up the street to the Econo Lodge and checked into my room. I got to meet the owner Robert Curry who was also very nice. Thank so much for the room Econo Lodge!!! After a shower and some relaxation I headed down to Calamity Janes for dinner. The restaurant was connected to an old saloon and was a really fun place to eat and have a beer! The broccoli cheese soup was incredible and I also enjoyed the chicken fried steak and potatoes, yum! Thanks so much Calamity Janes, dinner was great!!! I biked back to the Econo Lodge and relaxed on the porch and watched the sunset and then went back to my room and fell asleep to a movie.<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><a href="http://eaglenestchamber.org/" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;"><b>http://eaglenestchamber.org/</b></span></a></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;"><b>http://www.econolodge.com/hotel-eagle_nest-new_mexico-NM135</b></span></span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-35YWcautiZ8/Tj2hqACB3oI/AAAAAAAAE_w/Em2KLaSsmEY/s1600/IMG_7653.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="260" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-35YWcautiZ8/Tj2hqACB3oI/AAAAAAAAE_w/Em2KLaSsmEY/s400/IMG_7653.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Taos Plaza - adobe style architecture all over Taos</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4Wb3lwV_5Sk/Tj2h4ttsFsI/AAAAAAAAE_0/IDs49u8bpfM/s1600/IMG_7656.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4Wb3lwV_5Sk/Tj2h4ttsFsI/AAAAAAAAE_0/IDs49u8bpfM/s400/IMG_7656.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Love being in the National Forests!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dloVWRckbLM/Tj2iAMW01mI/AAAAAAAAE_4/KTHCLPc8DGM/s1600/IMG_7657.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dloVWRckbLM/Tj2iAMW01mI/AAAAAAAAE_4/KTHCLPc8DGM/s640/IMG_7657.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zcumIs2L8Z4/Tj2iI3MCJDI/AAAAAAAAFAA/2rbwnMITfZs/s1600/IMG_7661.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zcumIs2L8Z4/Tj2iI3MCJDI/AAAAAAAAFAA/2rbwnMITfZs/s400/IMG_7661.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2D9Txqsco2s/Tj2iScGcw3I/AAAAAAAAFAE/XSlG4xKDP9k/s1600/IMG_7665.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2D9Txqsco2s/Tj2iScGcw3I/AAAAAAAAFAE/XSlG4xKDP9k/s400/IMG_7665.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Felt a few raindrops but most of it missed me</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-53dqcvCy1xk/Tj2idYV4PCI/AAAAAAAAFAI/xmvQT4yWwd0/s1600/IMG_7669.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-53dqcvCy1xk/Tj2idYV4PCI/AAAAAAAAFAI/xmvQT4yWwd0/s400/IMG_7669.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">9,101 feet - highest point of trip</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SBgJsbUJBjM/Tj2ilQnQk_I/AAAAAAAAFAQ/NAT_T0yvl9A/s1600/IMG_7671.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SBgJsbUJBjM/Tj2ilQnQk_I/AAAAAAAAFAQ/NAT_T0yvl9A/s400/IMG_7671.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Biking towards Eagle Nest</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x87HJ9EDQAM/Tj2irduLgYI/AAAAAAAAFAU/uPPLEU2nA0A/s1600/IMG_7676.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="312" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x87HJ9EDQAM/Tj2irduLgYI/AAAAAAAAFAU/uPPLEU2nA0A/s640/IMG_7676.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Eagle Nest Lake</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-97xq513o3GU/Tj2ixB9oxoI/AAAAAAAAFAY/5wMKeCJCtfg/s1600/IMG_7677.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-97xq513o3GU/Tj2ixB9oxoI/AAAAAAAAFAY/5wMKeCJCtfg/s640/IMG_7677.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Sangre De Cristo's</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U6TK-v023ZI/Tj2i6ALpfBI/AAAAAAAAFAc/eL7_H-6qwBs/s1600/IMG_7680.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U6TK-v023ZI/Tj2i6ALpfBI/AAAAAAAAFAc/eL7_H-6qwBs/s400/IMG_7680.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6HzlmL9j2d0/Tj2jD0NGM0I/AAAAAAAAFAg/TKA9U-hnx04/s1600/IMG_7685.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6HzlmL9j2d0/Tj2jD0NGM0I/AAAAAAAAFAg/TKA9U-hnx04/s640/IMG_7685.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Eagle Nest</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wtsqLj864yI/Tj2jWtEWS_I/AAAAAAAAFAs/klNN1IFqkiQ/s1600/IMG_7690.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wtsqLj864yI/Tj2jWtEWS_I/AAAAAAAAFAs/klNN1IFqkiQ/s400/IMG_7690.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Thanks Econo Lodge!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-F_OOFPQ8tEM/Tj2jfdbHZ0I/AAAAAAAAFAw/JKS78u1AwB4/s1600/IMG_7694.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-F_OOFPQ8tEM/Tj2jfdbHZ0I/AAAAAAAAFAw/JKS78u1AwB4/s400/IMG_7694.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-d2Gaup2mIqo/Tj2jm3BgcII/AAAAAAAAFA0/38InWRKuVjM/s1600/IMG_7697.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="252" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-d2Gaup2mIqo/Tj2jm3BgcII/AAAAAAAAFA0/38InWRKuVjM/s400/IMG_7697.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--e_yXBavL20/Tj2jxfBfsvI/AAAAAAAAFA8/vQAzEpcMcDw/s1600/IMG_7699.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--e_yXBavL20/Tj2jxfBfsvI/AAAAAAAAFA8/vQAzEpcMcDw/s400/IMG_7699.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Thanks Calamity Janes! Excellent Soup!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-P6P33yFlVYA/Tj2j8oRDsXI/AAAAAAAAFBA/ylzSvDn4LZU/s1600/IMG_7701.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-P6P33yFlVYA/Tj2j8oRDsXI/AAAAAAAAFBA/ylzSvDn4LZU/s400/IMG_7701.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jv9eypw3Kio/Tj2kFjc1ZRI/AAAAAAAAFBE/tdnbPtQMkIY/s1600/IMG_7703.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jv9eypw3Kio/Tj2kFjc1ZRI/AAAAAAAAFBE/tdnbPtQMkIY/s400/IMG_7703.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">View from my room at the Econo Lodge</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XIYEWk7CDcQ/Tj2kOb9kqnI/AAAAAAAAFBM/0wmawF6S1SQ/s1600/IMG_7707.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XIYEWk7CDcQ/Tj2kOb9kqnI/AAAAAAAAFBM/0wmawF6S1SQ/s400/IMG_7707.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">View from the lounge area</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4ILSfWxY5JU/Tj2kVHwk7kI/AAAAAAAAFBQ/xB0dVo0j6BA/s1600/IMG_7719.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4ILSfWxY5JU/Tj2kVHwk7kI/AAAAAAAAFBQ/xB0dVo0j6BA/s320/IMG_7719.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Nice sunporch upstairs at the Econo Lodge</div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><u><br />
</u></b></span></span></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04701275786282234068noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6278989047715952807.post-82107055381268796882011-08-02T13:00:00.000-07:002011-08-02T13:00:43.338-07:00July 18th - 31st<div style="text-align: center;"><b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">July 18th, 19th, 20th</span></span></u></b></div><div style="text-align: center;">I spent July 18th - 20th in Albuquerque relaxing and getting caught up on stuff. My plan was to get a plane ticket to fly back to Weed and be at my friend Amber's memorial. After looking at all of my options I was able to purchase a round trip ticket leaving on the 21st from Albuquerque and returning on August 1st. I really didn't want to miss Amber's memorial and was excited to take a break and go visit friends. Albuquerque was nice and relaxing these 3 days and I ate some incredible food at Caleb's and watched several movies. It was nice to take a break from the hot desert biking!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nXVZVSwh658/TjhR7OJ_i8I/AAAAAAAAE7k/N_0mKzNndT0/s1600/IMG_7447.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nXVZVSwh658/TjhR7OJ_i8I/AAAAAAAAE7k/N_0mKzNndT0/s400/IMG_7447.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QTuFE-HQ3O8/TjhSGDSNLOI/AAAAAAAAE7o/VEjW-aREI_M/s1600/IMG_7453.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QTuFE-HQ3O8/TjhSGDSNLOI/AAAAAAAAE7o/VEjW-aREI_M/s400/IMG_7453.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">July 21st - 31st</span></span></u></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">After getting a ride to the airport from Caleb I flew to Denver, back down to Phoenix, and then over to Sacramento. My friend Jeff picked me up in Sacramento, CA and gave me a ride to Redding, CA where my friends Zach and Manya picked me up and gave me a ride up to Weed, CA. Quite a day of traveling! Felt strange to travel all that distance in one day when it took me 6 weeks on bicycle. When I arrived in Weed my friends had all gathered and had a cookout. It was a very warm welcome and wonderful to see everyone! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I spent the next 10 days hanging out with my friends and enjoying the beautiful Northern California scenery. The air is so fresh and water so crisp! I got to do some swimming and boating as well as attend my friend Amber's memorial and the 4and20 Blackbird Festival in downtown Weed. Amber's memorial was beautiful with so many awesome people, it was really nice to meet so many of her friends and family that I have never met before. She will be missed and will love on in our hearts forever.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My stay in Weed was really nice and I am very happy I went back. Once again it was a hard place to leave and I know I will return again in the future. Thanks to everyone for helping me out with places to stay, food, rides, etc.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Love you all! See you again soon!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JeRQ77skpD8/TjhVRXzF2fI/AAAAAAAAE7w/4paTOSosmvk/s1600/IMG_7476.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JeRQ77skpD8/TjhVRXzF2fI/AAAAAAAAE7w/4paTOSosmvk/s400/IMG_7476.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-g1Ko3qFzFxs/TjhVak_R9bI/AAAAAAAAE70/yEAGXyKHDQ8/s1600/IMG_7480.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-g1Ko3qFzFxs/TjhVak_R9bI/AAAAAAAAE70/yEAGXyKHDQ8/s400/IMG_7480.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Weed Brewery</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PPWeqwZQAcE/TjhVlfSq8zI/AAAAAAAAE74/ur4dicLFcWY/s1600/IMG_7481.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PPWeqwZQAcE/TjhVlfSq8zI/AAAAAAAAE74/ur4dicLFcWY/s400/IMG_7481.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Mt. Shasta</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oyPRI3AacXw/TjhVs97dckI/AAAAAAAAE78/i8qFPbkTRMs/s1600/IMG_7489.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oyPRI3AacXw/TjhVs97dckI/AAAAAAAAE78/i8qFPbkTRMs/s400/IMG_7489.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Black Butte Sunset</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y7lxIitfDaE/TjhV1wlSM_I/AAAAAAAAE8E/waeRv_-O8LM/s1600/IMG_7491.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y7lxIitfDaE/TjhV1wlSM_I/AAAAAAAAE8E/waeRv_-O8LM/s400/IMG_7491.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Thanks for the coffee Black Butte Coffee Company!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-c9mtLbkg-gk/TjhWIbZLhHI/AAAAAAAAE8I/G7ap19XCYzo/s1600/IMG_7471.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-c9mtLbkg-gk/TjhWIbZLhHI/AAAAAAAAE8I/G7ap19XCYzo/s400/IMG_7471.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Camp Sandy Beach</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04701275786282234068noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6278989047715952807.post-75317366201960627862011-07-21T09:18:00.000-07:002011-07-21T09:18:56.878-07:00July 16th, 17th<div style="text-align: center;"><b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">July 16th</span></span></u></b></div><div style="text-align: center;">Today I awoke to a beautiful sunrise looking out my mesh see through tent roof. The colors were incredible and I looked up at the sky for a while before falling back asleep. Minutes later I was awoken by a strange loud sound coming from behind my tent. To my surprise it was the burner flame for a hot air balloon! In the open dirt area next to the campground two hot air balloons were being prepared for flight. I spent the next 45 minutes watching as they filled the balloons and lifted off, it was really fun to watch as I have never seen this before. After the balloons disappeared over the rock cliff I packed up camp and fixed another flat tire. Another thorn got me! My first 10 miles of the day were spent biking down historic route 66. It was really nice with almost no traffic and enjoyable desert scenery. The next 15 miles I biked down interstate 40 which was noisy and heavy traffic but a nice wide shoulder. I exited the freeway at the Continental Divide at an elevation of 7,245 feet. The rest of the days ride was back on route 66 and most of the traffic was motorcycles. The headwinds became very strong and it took me all day to reach my destination of Grants, New Mexico. When I arrived in Grants I realized why I had been seeing so many motorcycles as there was a big motorcycle rally called Fire and Ice. I biked around town looking for somewhere to camp when I eventually found a KOA and got a campsite. Took a shower and relaxed in the shade until sundown and then got some sleep. I was exhausted from the strong headwinds and blazing sun all day.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></u></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-C0mxxdaAgm8/TiSNabncKoI/AAAAAAAAE3M/SKWjQXUDukA/s1600/IMG_7247.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-C0mxxdaAgm8/TiSNabncKoI/AAAAAAAAE3M/SKWjQXUDukA/s400/IMG_7247.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Unique thing to wake up too</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T6uyzjpuAoE/TiSNkGX0o4I/AAAAAAAAE3Q/tpOT27iMAU0/s1600/IMG_7257.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T6uyzjpuAoE/TiSNkGX0o4I/AAAAAAAAE3Q/tpOT27iMAU0/s400/IMG_7257.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FRy9IZj3Z-I/TiSNtNF0zCI/AAAAAAAAE3Y/FfLlvqU4sPM/s1600/IMG_7282.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FRy9IZj3Z-I/TiSNtNF0zCI/AAAAAAAAE3Y/FfLlvqU4sPM/s400/IMG_7282.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Lift off!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VN_Uq07V8JA/TiSN3hlO-5I/AAAAAAAAE3g/YUnrgVU4Es8/s1600/IMG_7290.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="310" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VN_Uq07V8JA/TiSN3hlO-5I/AAAAAAAAE3g/YUnrgVU4Es8/s400/IMG_7290.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5e7_ku9pi-c/TiSOBSQasqI/AAAAAAAAE3k/LEcFAl3C_s8/s1600/IMG_7301.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5e7_ku9pi-c/TiSOBSQasqI/AAAAAAAAE3k/LEcFAl3C_s8/s640/IMG_7301.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1MJvt-X3xf4/TiSOIL03vlI/AAAAAAAAE3o/ACJOvzKX39Q/s1600/IMG_7306.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="233" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1MJvt-X3xf4/TiSOIL03vlI/AAAAAAAAE3o/ACJOvzKX39Q/s400/IMG_7306.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ThKLTOpcH-I/TiSOYGOEDdI/AAAAAAAAE30/syer4MV_QZk/s1600/IMG_7308.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ThKLTOpcH-I/TiSOYGOEDdI/AAAAAAAAE30/syer4MV_QZk/s400/IMG_7308.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_T4kU9kjj50/TiSOhNEl6PI/AAAAAAAAE34/b9MytYpAxqA/s1600/IMG_7312.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_T4kU9kjj50/TiSOhNEl6PI/AAAAAAAAE34/b9MytYpAxqA/s400/IMG_7312.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TbFiuEQkers/TiSO3DOlZvI/AAAAAAAAE4E/cjTaaD3qNOk/s1600/IMG_7316.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TbFiuEQkers/TiSO3DOlZvI/AAAAAAAAE4E/cjTaaD3qNOk/s400/IMG_7316.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-k2zssG7NPSY/TiSPACWfN5I/AAAAAAAAE4I/U5lgc8rrBqk/s1600/IMG_7325.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="376" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-k2zssG7NPSY/TiSPACWfN5I/AAAAAAAAE4I/U5lgc8rrBqk/s640/IMG_7325.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Many trains along route 66</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5XhyKVZqD-4/TiSPJRagXsI/AAAAAAAAE4M/jLrparIoQLA/s1600/IMG_7330.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5XhyKVZqD-4/TiSPJRagXsI/AAAAAAAAE4M/jLrparIoQLA/s400/IMG_7330.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Route 66 - very little traffic</div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ki5qbI5WNtc/TiSPmfk-xII/AAAAAAAAE4c/1V6_qTC3NQQ/s1600/IMG_7344.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="233" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ki5qbI5WNtc/TiSPmfk-xII/AAAAAAAAE4c/1V6_qTC3NQQ/s400/IMG_7344.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jFwVRawEIC8/TiSP0ZlsP5I/AAAAAAAAE4g/jhT5pHAju4k/s1600/IMG_7349.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jFwVRawEIC8/TiSP0ZlsP5I/AAAAAAAAE4g/jhT5pHAju4k/s400/IMG_7349.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">KOA cats</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aLSgECGkt9s/TiSP_ZfBprI/AAAAAAAAE4o/G_sjJ70M0Dw/s1600/IMG_7352.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aLSgECGkt9s/TiSP_ZfBprI/AAAAAAAAE4o/G_sjJ70M0Dw/s400/IMG_7352.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">July 17th</span></u></span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Woke up around 7:00 and ate as much as I could at the KOA continental breakfast. Wanted to get my $35 worth, pretty expensive campsite. It was already windy and coming from the east so I was struggling right off the start. My first 20 miles were still on route 66 and other than the wind and heat pretty enjoyable. Shortly into the ride my valve stem on my inner tube broke and I had to replace it with my last tube. I biked past a huge lava flow and stopped to explore the lava and checked out a lava tube that was filled with water. Further down the road I came across my first tarantula! I had been looking for these since I entered the desert and was excited to finally see one. To my disappointment it was dead but I took a picture anyhow. I met quite a few really nice people when I took breaks at the random gas stations to get shade and water. Most were from New Mexico but I also met some folks from my home state of Wisconsin. 20 miles into the ride I had to get back on interstate 40. I rode another very challenging 35 miles as the headwinds grew stronger and stronger almost keeping me from moving at all. I had 30 more miles to go to get to my destination of Albuquerque when all of a sudden my front tire went flat in seconds. Another broken valve stem! This was my last tube and I had no way of repairing it and it was another 15 miles to the next freeway exit. Night was coming and I did not want to be on the side of the freeway with all of the tired Sunday night drivers so I decided I would have to hitchhike. After about 30 minutes a really nice couple pulled over and offered me a ride. Jude and Camille gave me an ice cold soda and a ride into Albuquerque sharing stories with me of the area and the history of New Mexico's Pueblos. Thank you so much Jude and Camille, I really enjoyed meeting you both and can't thank you enough for the ride!!! I hope I got your names right as I never wrote them down and I am going on memory. I spent several hours hanging out in Albuquerque until my friend Caleb got off of work in Santa Fe and picked me up. Caleb offered me a place to stay during my visit to Albuquerque. We got back to Caleb's house shortly after midnight and had a drink and some very tasty homemade garlic bread before calling it a night and getting some sleep. Thanks Caleb!!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><br />
</span></u></span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LsOLgx3o9E4/TiSTLPtHHYI/AAAAAAAAE4s/K84v0fVKFz8/s1600/IMG_7360.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LsOLgx3o9E4/TiSTLPtHHYI/AAAAAAAAE4s/K84v0fVKFz8/s400/IMG_7360.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">water filled lava tube</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4pHip0RkBbs/TiSTV57j_MI/AAAAAAAAE4w/nlTdBmQbdjU/s1600/IMG_7365.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="255" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4pHip0RkBbs/TiSTV57j_MI/AAAAAAAAE4w/nlTdBmQbdjU/s400/IMG_7365.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nHRv_vGKcus/TiSUwIaajNI/AAAAAAAAE5c/E-GqUmYmD2Y/s1600/IMG_7406.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="293" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nHRv_vGKcus/TiSUwIaajNI/AAAAAAAAE5c/E-GqUmYmD2Y/s400/IMG_7406.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jAMJgYgZRFY/TiSVCiHYIKI/AAAAAAAAE5g/A1pTXff5e8U/s1600/IMG_7410.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jAMJgYgZRFY/TiSVCiHYIKI/AAAAAAAAE5g/A1pTXff5e8U/s400/IMG_7410.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">tarantula</div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tUaPYp4613Q/TiSV-zlQmrI/AAAAAAAAE58/UDaJmElB15A/s1600/IMG_7434.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tUaPYp4613Q/TiSV-zlQmrI/AAAAAAAAE58/UDaJmElB15A/s640/IMG_7434.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eoOHmtd2Nuk/TiSWHg4taYI/AAAAAAAAE6A/wdynJ6qarSQ/s1600/IMG_7439.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eoOHmtd2Nuk/TiSWHg4taYI/AAAAAAAAE6A/wdynJ6qarSQ/s400/IMG_7439.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"><br />
</span></span></u></b></span></span></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04701275786282234068noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6278989047715952807.post-57439426679985498652011-07-18T10:44:00.000-07:002011-07-18T10:44:15.310-07:00July 12th, 13th, 14th, 15th<div style="text-align: center;"><b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">July 12th</span></span></u></b></div><div style="text-align: center;">Slept in until 8:30 which felt great! On my way to the shower I ran into my neighbors who informed me they had to get a hotel due to the previous nights storm taking out there tent. It was a doozy! I headed over to the post office and got the package of tubes, patches and a tires from my mom, thanks mom!!! Headed back to the campsite and replaced my tube and minutes later the tube exploded! It was so loud my ears were ringing and it set off a car alarm about a half a mile away. My hand was inches away from the tire when it happened so I was just relieved to not get injured. The 2nd tube was the wrong size but it managed to work. I was nervous about not having a back up and having the wrong size tube in my tire. My good friend Sara from Weed made some calls and got in touch with Wendi at Chile Pepper Bike Shop in Moab, Utah. The bike shop offered to donate some tubes and even arranged to have them delivered to Bluff the next morning! Thanks so much Chile Pepper Bike Shop!!! I now had another day off in Bluff and went to the gas station and had an excellent homemade enchilada. Yum! Stopped back at the campground and did my previous blog update and then relaxed for a while in the shade. I went back to the very awesome San Juan River Kitchen for dinner and then went back to my favorite spot in Bluff which is Twin Rocks. This was my third night in a roll watching the sunset in this very beautiful and sacred spot. After sunset I went back to the campsite and met my new friendly neighbors and got some good sleep.<br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;">http://www.chilebikes.com/</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span></span></u></b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_AS3AgdFink/TiMsQ39ePFI/AAAAAAAAEz0/eJ0Ux0St7DM/s1600/IMG_6951.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_AS3AgdFink/TiMsQ39ePFI/AAAAAAAAEz0/eJ0Ux0St7DM/s400/IMG_6951.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Thanks for the tubes and patched Chile Pepper Bike Shop!</div><b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><br />
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</span></span></u></b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-S10EflJM0Uo/TiModx2N8qI/AAAAAAAAEzE/Tu_WfFgyFv0/s1600/IMG_6839.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-S10EflJM0Uo/TiModx2N8qI/AAAAAAAAEzE/Tu_WfFgyFv0/s400/IMG_6839.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Repairs</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VR7stGF9YK4/TiMox2vsTDI/AAAAAAAAEzI/rkV38RDJGXQ/s1600/IMG_6840.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VR7stGF9YK4/TiMox2vsTDI/AAAAAAAAEzI/rkV38RDJGXQ/s400/IMG_6840.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The tube blowout!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6TVKcaE5-IQ/TiMpMRViAAI/AAAAAAAAEzM/lFE0mEtp56Y/s1600/IMG_6841.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6TVKcaE5-IQ/TiMpMRViAAI/AAAAAAAAEzM/lFE0mEtp56Y/s400/IMG_6841.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">View from the campsite</div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JP-64gtTkcw/TiMq_gSJz4I/AAAAAAAAEzs/HEShwUEEi6U/s1600/IMG_6881.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JP-64gtTkcw/TiMq_gSJz4I/AAAAAAAAEzs/HEShwUEEi6U/s400/IMG_6881.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-S7YxtgCZVJ4/TiMrpTQaMXI/AAAAAAAAEzw/_HIgtjNu66U/s1600/IMG_6837.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-S7YxtgCZVJ4/TiMrpTQaMXI/AAAAAAAAEzw/_HIgtjNu66U/s400/IMG_6837.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><br />
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</span></span></u></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; font-family: arial;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">July 13th</span></span></b></span></u></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">After a shower and getting packed up I stopped at the office and my tubes had arrived! After a stop at the coffee shop I was on the road again. I would like to thank the awesome town of Bluff, Utah for a really nice and relaxing and unexpected 5 nights. I had a great time visiting the local businesses, meeting people, hiking, relaxing, and learning about the history of Bluff. Shortly after starting the days ride it started to get really hot and once again there was no shade. There were many hills but the first 20 miles were not too bad. After a stop at a gas station I turned onto another highway and had some very strong headwinds. It was still another 80 miles to my destination and I was concerned I would not make it. The scenery was very pretty but the ride was incredibly challenging as the headwind became stronger and stronger. 70 miles into the ride I was completely exhausted and decided to attempt to hitchhike. Within 10 minutes a really nice woman that lived on the reservation picked me up and took me 15 miles down the road to the town of Many Farms, named for the many farms, go figure. I made another gas station stop and within a few minutes was approached by a couple of people who were curious about my trip. They told me they were headed to Canyon De Chelly which is where I had planned to camp for the evening. I was offered a ride and hopped in the back of the pick-up truck with my bike and trailer. Relieved to not have to ride the last 15 miles on dangerous highway with no shoulder! I arrived at the campground shortly before sunset and got set up quick. There was a hill just behind my campsite so I hiked up it to get a better view of the sunset as well as the almost full moon. When I got to the top I met Melissa and Kalena from SanFrancisco. They were on a cross country trip to New York and back to California by car. We hung out for the rest of the evening sharing stories and they shared there beer with me, thanks you two! We stayed up pretty late and I really enjoyed there company, always nice making new friends on the road.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;">http://www.bluffutah.org/</span></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><b><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ak00NtyfYZg/TiRnWw3yBXI/AAAAAAAAE0E/_ajJHVPJQA0/s1600/IMG_6909.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ak00NtyfYZg/TiRnWw3yBXI/AAAAAAAAE0E/_ajJHVPJQA0/s400/IMG_6909.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So many stray dogs on the reservation!</div><br />
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</b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">June 14th</span></span></u></b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Woke up just after sunrise and was invited to Kalena and Melissa's campsite for coffee. They also made some very tasty oatmeal with peanut butter and vanilla yogurt. Thanks again you two!! We hung out for a while getting a slow start on the day and listening to Led Zeppelin. Great way to start off the day! After a stop at the visitor center and saying goodbye to my new friends I headed off on my bike to see the canyon. It was an uphill climb with incredible views throughout! Canyon De Chelly ( pronounced Canyon De Shay ) has inhabited people for 5,000 years and still does to this date. The original people to live in the Canyon were the Anasazi, a Navajo word meaning ancient ones. The ruins of these anicent ones can be viewed on the canyon walls throughout the park. I met a guy named Jeff who worked for the park service and we hiked into the canyon to view the White House Ruins. It was an amazing site and really made me wonder what it would have been like to live back then in such an amazing place. After the hike I biked down the hill back to the campground and took a nice nap in the shade. There was a cafeteria nearby where I stopped for some strawberries, yogurt, and wifi. Made it back to the campsite in time for the sunset / moon rise and heard the sound of ceremonial drums and singing off in the distance. It was very meditative and relaxing, perfect experience just before going to sleep.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eaNtsrG-fiA/TiRo7HxYr2I/AAAAAAAAE0w/8yBkcGKj9_g/s1600/IMG_6948.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eaNtsrG-fiA/TiRo7HxYr2I/AAAAAAAAE0w/8yBkcGKj9_g/s400/IMG_6948.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mB6KiujzGSA/TiRpPnB-yII/AAAAAAAAE00/kPype0Sp4mQ/s1600/IMG_6943.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mB6KiujzGSA/TiRpPnB-yII/AAAAAAAAE00/kPype0Sp4mQ/s400/IMG_6943.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Kalena and Melissa making breakfast</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QXWIHLxglEk/TiRpWSjtHMI/AAAAAAAAE04/1cwgsTT9V70/s1600/IMG_6947.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QXWIHLxglEk/TiRpWSjtHMI/AAAAAAAAE04/1cwgsTT9V70/s400/IMG_6947.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Cottonwood and Kalena</div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JNczEdKsG6I/TiRqHLmgvXI/AAAAAAAAE1U/6u5vZTLk21A/s1600/IMG_7000.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JNczEdKsG6I/TiRqHLmgvXI/AAAAAAAAE1U/6u5vZTLk21A/s400/IMG_7000.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zXlbAHeVaWc/TiRqRApYV3I/AAAAAAAAE1Y/Td2M6RO7VNc/s1600/IMG_7001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zXlbAHeVaWc/TiRqRApYV3I/AAAAAAAAE1Y/Td2M6RO7VNc/s640/IMG_7001.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">White House Relics ( in hole on canyon wall )</div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-s-Wya3n5p64/TiRq4gxlupI/AAAAAAAAE1o/M8oCoUSP7Wo/s1600/IMG_7029.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-s-Wya3n5p64/TiRq4gxlupI/AAAAAAAAE1o/M8oCoUSP7Wo/s400/IMG_7029.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
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</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">June 15th</span></span></u></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Woke up early and headed over to the cafeteria for some coffee and a bagel before heading out. It was a chilly morning, only about 45 degrees. I headed downhill to the town of Chinle and then swithced highways. Right away I noticed it was quite dangerous. There was no shoulder at all and a lot of fast moving traffic. I was in fear of my life and decided it would be best to try and get a ride. Within minutes of hitchhiking a really nice Navajo family picked me up and was headed to Gallup, New Mexico. I hopped in and we talked about the Navajo as well as many other things during the ride. Martin and his family dropped me off just outside of Gallup and I rode the short distance into town. From Gallup it was just another 10 miles to Red Rock Park which had a campground. On my way there I came across a SnoCone stand, perfect treat on such a hot day! Got to Red Rock Park early afternoon and took a much needed shower, felt great. I did some hiking around the park and then headed back for another SnoCone and some Navajo frybread. If you have never head it you should try it sometime. Got back to the campsite and some clouds started to roll in making it really comfortable. I met some other friendly campers from Illinois and talked for a while and then relaxed at the campsite.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VAK3CdVUOdQ/TiRstX1r0HI/AAAAAAAAE1s/8mloBf5RT7M/s1600/IMG_7148.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VAK3CdVUOdQ/TiRstX1r0HI/AAAAAAAAE1s/8mloBf5RT7M/s400/IMG_7148.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tM9JeAV5e2g/TiRszeYiGpI/AAAAAAAAE1w/081VJpapdaM/s1600/IMG_7149.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="236" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tM9JeAV5e2g/TiRszeYiGpI/AAAAAAAAE1w/081VJpapdaM/s640/IMG_7149.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Park Office</div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-huEg4l7LLzw/TiRtx1-7wSI/AAAAAAAAE2Y/u7KMrhJXpno/s1600/IMG_7175.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-huEg4l7LLzw/TiRtx1-7wSI/AAAAAAAAE2Y/u7KMrhJXpno/s640/IMG_7175.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Church Rock</div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YuLxBKON0vA/TiRuj_PqV3I/AAAAAAAAE2w/6A5WmGNP7NQ/s1600/IMG_7219.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YuLxBKON0vA/TiRuj_PqV3I/AAAAAAAAE2w/6A5WmGNP7NQ/s400/IMG_7219.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Land of Ants</div><br />
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</span></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04701275786282234068noreply@blogger.com0