6/28-The Popsicle Ride and Amazing Kindness

I apologize upfront for the lack of many photos today. But, before I get into today, I have to tell you about the weirdness of last night. 

At about 10:45, a vehicle pulled in to the campground. It seemed to drive around for some time (mind you, this is not a big campground…more like a micro campground). I know this because the headlights kept repeatedly panning over my tent. Finally they stopped the engine. I could see flashlights shining. There was a lot of noise of dumping something on the ground. Of course, by now I had to pee. It sounded like they were at the other campsite. It was also raining. I got out of my tent, peed fast, and dove back in. Before I got back in, I noticed they had a big fire going. I went back to sleep. Just before 2:00, I heard the vehicle start up, and they left. It was still raining. 

I woke up at 6:00. It seemed like it wasn’t raining as hard. I even thought, maybe it was just dripping from the trees. It was pretty cold though. I got out to pee again. It wasn’t raining…it was snowing! Wanda had a good dusting of wet snow covering her. 

Okay! Time to make a plan to get lower as fast as possible. I had brought my rain gear in under the vestibule so it was dry. I got dressed, put my rain shorts on, and put my rain jacket on over my puffy jacket (thankfully it fits). I even put my helmet on. Then I set about packing everything up. No breakfast for me until I was lower down. It was about 7:20 when I headed downhill. 

At first, it was fine. I was warm in my puffy jacket. I had also put my arm warmers on over my hoody. Basically, I had four layers on top. On the bottom I had my wool leg warmers and my rain shorts. I had my Showers Pass waterproof gloves.  

I was soon out of the snow, but it was still raining, and 37 degrees. I had a long gravel/dirt downhill. Along the way I saw some elk and a deer. There was a section of pavement, but then it went back to gravel. 

By now, I was not so toasty warm. My hands and feet were frozen. My legs were really starting to feel the cold. Even with the four layers on top, the cold was seeping in. 

The road flattened out, so at least I was pedaling instead of coasting. But, I was not getting any warmer. I saw a sign for Rock Creek Ranch. Turns out the route went right by it. I came to it, and could see a woman up the driveway. I rode up and asked her if there was an office someplace. She was a guest, but told me “across the street and left”. I headed over. When I went inside, a young g woman named Emma was at the front desk. I told her I was riding my bike from up near Skalkaho Pass, and I was frozen. I asked if there was a place to stay. She said it is a guest ranch, and is very expensive. She said there were hotels in Phillipsburg. But, I was welcome to warm up as long as I needed. She brought me a big cozy coat, a towel, a blanket, and some handwarmers. Another guy said the kettle was hot and I could help myself. I had to have Emma unbuckle my helmet. Emma said it was 20 miles to Phillipsburg. I confirmed that on my route. 

Wet, cold, but slowly warming up in the nice big coat!

I had some hot cider, and told Emma I was just going to get some food off my bike since I hadn’t had anything to eat. She offered whatever snacks I wanted, but then she said, “We have some extra vehicles today because of cancellations. I could get someone to drive you to town.” I most immediately said, “Yes please!”

Brooke came in, and a vehicle was decided upon. I met her outside, and we loaded a very dirty Wanda in the back of the Suburban. 

There was dirt in places Wanda has never had dirt!

We had a nice drive to Phillipsburg. When we got there, we first went to the Inn at Phillipsburg Motel and RV Park. Brooke said she wanted to make sure I could stay there before she left me. Thank goodness, because there was no vacancy. It was kinda interesting as there were no cars except one in the parking lot. Brooke called The Broadway Hotel next. Yes! They had a room! We drove over there. Again, Brooke came in to make sure they did have something for me. Scott, the owner, recognized Brooke as one of the “Ranchies”, the collective name for the young people who work at Rock Creek. 

Scott booked me in to the Granite room, but as it was early, the room wasn’t clean yet. Brooke and I unloaded Wanda. I said a million thanks to Brooke, gave her a hug, and took a selfie.

My hero!!!

Scott heated me up one of his homemade muffins, and gave me a glass of milk. He said his wife is a world class paddle board racer, and he specializes in homemade muffins! It was delicious!

Scott had them clean the Granite room pronto. I asked if there was a hose I could use to get the dirt off Wanda before bringing going her into the room. He found a watering can, and showed me where the hose bib was. I got her all rinsed off. 

The room was ready. I’ve cleaned everything, and set up things to dry. I still have to wash the mud ball that is my tent, and the rainfly. 

I’m here for two nights because this “winter storm warning” continues through tomorrow. Up at the ski hill near town, they got 6” of snow!!! It’s Juneuary for sure!