Day 51--Day 3 of the Long Drive Home...Home

We left Pendleton at about 8:00 this morning. It was easy to get up early because our bodies were still on Mountain Time Zone. We wanted to get to Stevenson before my brother and sister-in-law's coffee shop, The Cabin, closed at noon. We made it before 11:00. Scott made me me a pumpkin pie frozen custard. It was delicious! Connor had a monstrous caramel turtle frozen custard. Derik had a lavender London Fog. We got the 20 second tour. They had quite a few customers, so we didn't get to chat much. We left around 11:30. 

Derik drove the rest of the way home. We stopped for a late lunch in Kalama at the Lucky Dragon. Derik said it was the best Chinese food. It was pretty good. I couldn't eat all of it because I was still digesting the frozen custard. 

We pulled into town around 3:30. First we went to Derik's and dropped off him and his stuff. From there I drove home where Connor and I unloaded the rest, and swept out the truck. Derik met me at the U-Haul place, and gave me a ride home. We opened up the three boxes we had sent from Whitefish, Helena, and Steamboat Springs, and Derik took his stuff, and headed home. 

It's going to be strange for a bit as the three of us have, as Kirsten said at Brush Mountain Lodge, "moved as a unit" for the last 50 days. Now comes the fun part of every tour...unpacking, cleaning, and putting stuff away. Later, I'll tally up the miles, and a few various other stats, and maybe post them.

For now, we're home...

Day 50--Day 2 of the Long Drive Home...Some Music to End the Day

This will be a very short post. We drove from Salt Lake to Pendleton. Funny, the amount of hours spent driving was similar to a long day in the saddle, but we came so much farther! Go figure. We hit rain coming over the Blue Mountains. Here was the view coming down.

We were joking that as we came into the clouds below, it was like coming into SeaTac. "Okay ladies and gentlemen, we've begun our descent, and the Captain has turned on the fasten seat belt sign. We may experience a little turbulence as we pass through the cloud cover. We'll have you on the ground in no time." And, later..."Please remain seated until the Captain has turned off the fasten seat belt sign. Welcome to the bottom of the hill, and thank you for choosing U-Haul."

We rolled into Pendleton in the rain. We had planned to camp, but decided to hotel it instead. We are at the Howard Johnson. It's pretty cheap compared to the other hotels we've stayed in.

For dinner we went to a place called Great Pacific. It's the hoppin' place to be on a Friday night in Pendleton. There was live music tonight. Ezza Rose Band opened for Yaquina Bay. Connor and I like Yaquina Bay better, but Derik liked Ezza Rose (to dark and depressing for my tastes). 

This is Yaquina Bay. Notice two gals on violins! They needed to be louder. 

Tomorrow we should be home.

Day 49--Day 1 of the Long Drive Home...Might as Well Have a Little Fun

We packed up the bikes one more time this morning to ride to the U-Haul place. Once we had the truck, we secured the bikes and panniers in the back, and left Steamboat for good this time.

Google maps wanted to take us a way that would bypass Salt Lake City. Derik wanted to eat at the Red Iguana, a very good Mexican restaurant in Salt Lake. So, we went via Salt Lake. I drove until lunch, then Derik took over the driving.

When you are not driving, you can take pictures out the dirty windshield.

We rolled into Salt Lake around 4:00ish. We made our way to the Red Iguana where we had a delicious meal.

We were all stuffed.

We got back on the freeway for another hour or so to get to Willard Bay State Park. But, as we were driving along, in rush hour traffic, we saw a place where there was camping and an amusement park! We drove past the exit, but by the time we got to the next exit, Connor had looked up the camping and how much it cost to get into the amusement park. We decided to go back, and stay there. I told Connor he would have to pay for his own ticket to get into the amusement park. 

We pulled up to The Lagoon Campground and Amusement Park. The had a tent site that would accommodate our U-Haul truck. Because we were staying at the campground, we got discounted tickets for the park. We arrived about 6:00, but the park stays open until 11:00. We set up our tents, and headed over to the park.

It's all decorated for Halloween.

First we went on the bumper cars.

By the way, notice Connor got a haircut!

Then they decided they wanted to go on this monster of a ride called The Cannibal. Great, I thought, I'm gonna die!

That tower was an elevator that took the car to the top. The door opens at the top and you get a lovely view of the sunset. Then...well...I didn't see anything else, as my eyes were squeezed shut! I thought the headrest could have used a bit more padding.

Then we went on to a ride called The Bat. Another rollercoaster type ride but with your feet hanging down. This one was much more tame...more my style. After that, it was over to the old classic wooden rollercoaster. Connor and I were in the very back. Oh my God, it was the worst ride ever! Connor says it was so rough because we were in the back. Of course, the guys were ready to go on to the next torture, something called The Colossal. As I still felt like my innards had been shaken and stirred, I told them I would sit that one out. Instead, I went on the mild swings, then got a bottle of water. They went on a couple of rides. Once back together, we went over to The Spider. It's like the Mad Mouse, except the cars also turn around, so sometimes you are going backwards or sideways. After that one, even though it was just 8:45, I told the guys I was done. This body had been jolted and jerked enough for one night (maybe even more than one night...like maybe a month...or even a lifetime). They took off with glee to the next bit of horror. I walked back to the campground and am now in my tent writing this. 

Tomorrow we'll have another long day of driving. Hoping to get to Pendleton. There is, apparently, a good band playing at some place Derik knows about in Pendleton. Could be interesting...

Day 48--I'm Fond of My Fingers and Toes

After yesterday's awesome weather, we woke up to this.

As we were fixing breakfast, trying to keep hands and feet from freezing, no one was saying much. Finally, I asked if anyone was thinking that one option would be to go back to Steamboat and call it done. I had actually asked Connor last night if he had the option of going home right now, would he? He said maybe he would. I asked why. He said he was tired and burnt out. Easy to understand since he's been out since April 26th. Our options were to continue, realizing we had another 3000 feet of elevation to tackle, and 2 or 3 more days before our next possible bailout point of Silverthorn or Frisco, or go back the 38 miles to Steamboat. It was and wasn't a difficult decision. It's tough to bail on the trip when we've come so far. If we could have just made it through Colorado. However, it was an easy decision when we realize none of us are really prepared (especially in the footwear area) for, essentially, winter riding. So, by unanimous decision, we turned around and rode back to Steamboat. It was easier in that it was more downhill. 

It was harder because there was a lot more mud today. In fact, when we got back to Stagecoach Reservoir, Derik had figured out how we could go without going through the part that was already muddy yesterday when it hadn't snowed! I, for one, was very thankful.

We took the highway back for the last 20 miles. It was snowing (that freezing little ice balls kind) the last 10 or so miles. We arrived at the Rabbit Ears Motel around 1:00. We told the gal we tried, but we were calling it. I had her take a photo of us in front of the famous sign to end our ride.

Tomorrow, we pick up a U-Haul truck, and head for home...

I'm disappointed that we didn't finish, but I'm also fond of my fingers and toes. My motto has always been, regarding cycling and touring, if it's not fun, don't do it. This was rapidly becoming not fun!

Day 47--Finally Said Goodbye to Steamboat Springs...or, We've Gone Soft!

Although it wasn't all sunshine and blue skies in Steamboat this morning (in fact, it was spitting a bit of snow), we still managed to actually get back on the road, and leave Steamboat behind! At one point, on the road, it was snowing/ice pelleting enough to don rain gear. If nothing else, we would stay warmer. Off in the distance, however, I could see bits of blue sky.

We got to the end of the pavement, and as the map said, "dirt resumes". Only, it was more like mud. For the most part, it was somewhat easily navigable. We were still following the Yampa River.

Eventually, we climbed away from most of the mud. The guys were ahead of me when I popped up over a little hill. I could see them, but the map said to go right over the cattle guard. I thought to myself, maybe this curves around and goes down to where they are. There was another road than went left, but that went to a trailhead that I knew we weren't supposed to go to. So, I proceeded according to the directions. No, the road did not go down to where the guys were. They took the left. When they saw me, they figured it out, and we're coming back. I just kept going, thankful that I had not gone down the other road (and then would have had to come back up). They caught up, and we continued. By this time the sun was shining, and there were blues skies.

Nice Fall colors up on the hillside.

Before too long, we came to Stagecoach Reservoir. We rode across the dam. 

Looking waaaaayyyy down. I think the creek is Sarvice Creek.

After the dam, we got on the Elk Run Trail.

This went to the other end of the reservoir.

We popped out into a parking lot where we got back on the dirt road. There were a surprising number of houses in this area. Even though we were on dirt roads, there were houses almost the entire way.

About halfway into a four mile climb, we stopped for lunch in a meadow of sorts. After lunch, we finished the climb, and then the route was more rolling. At one point, when I looked ahead, I could see the road going up along the mountain side. I wasn't surprised, since I knew we had to go up to Lynx Pass. The climbing wasn't too bad. I would stop and rest every half mile. When I got to the part that I had seen from below, I took this picture.

Yep, was down there.

Both the guys had gone on ahead to the campground. Derik wanted to do a little hike (it was a relatively short day of just under 39 miles). I rolled in at 3:30 having crested Lynx Pass, then ridden the less than half mile to the campground. This is our first Colorado campground. Wouldn't you know it, they're still open, and charging, even though there's no water (they took the handle off the pump). It cost $10. If there's not going to be water, they may as well be closed. However, there is a dumpster, so we can pitch our trash. To get water, we had to walk down to a pond. We filtered a bunch of water for tonight and tomorrow. 

We are at 8900 feet. As you would expect, it's rather chilly. We are all cold. I guess we got a little too accustom to warm hotel rooms. We are no longer acclimated to the cold. We've gone soft!!! We've all retreated to our sleeping bags. Hopefully, the weather will continue to be nice tomorrow. 

Day 46--Karma Can Be Kind of Strange

We got our stuff packed up this morning. I walked down to the post office to mail a couple of boxes (one to My Sweet Baboo, and another box home of things we are done with, or don't seem to need). It was about 50 degrees and cloudy. We knew the forecast was for rain around noon. Connor had taken his tent to Big Agnes at 8:00 or so. They said it would be ready in a couple of hours. Our plan was to leave the hotel around 9:45, ride back to where we had gotten off the route (near Big Agnes), stop at the grocery store so Connor could get his snacks, then be at Big Agnes to pick up his tent.

Once Connor got his snacks, Derik and I decided to head on along the Yampa River Core Trail (the route) while Connor waited for BA to call about his tent. We would wait for him at the end where we would get on the road. 

The Yampa River.

The Yampa River Core Trail

It had started to sprinkle a little. We rode along about 3 miles or so, and came upon the Steamboat Botanical Gardens. Of course, there's not much happening at this time of year, but since we were close to the end of the trail for us, we decided to wait for Connor there. It had started raining more, so we put our rain gear on. Then it started raining more. The temp dropped about 15 degrees. The rain was turning to hail. Derik looked at the weather and saw it would be raining until around 4:00 where we were heading. As much as the temp dropped, we were concerned it would be snowing at Lynx Pass where we were going, and would be camping tonight. Derik suggested maybe we should hang out another night in Steamboat. Since I was already freezing cold, I agreed wholeheartedly! Derik called the Rabbit Ear Motel and reserved a room. It was just a mile back on the trail. I called Connor and told him to meet us there (he was on his way). By the time we got to the motel it was rain/snowing. 

So, we made it about 6 miles today. The weather is supposed to be better tomorrow with just a 15% chance of rain, but with warmer temps. 

Funny thing, this is a much nicer hotel for not much more money. And, since breakfast is included, that makes it closer to the same price as the Western Lodge.

Karma is strange. If Connor had gotten his tent fixed yesterday, we would have been about another couple of hours up the road. Instead, we are cozy warm in a hotel room.

Day 45--Have You Heard of Flat Stanley? Well, This is Flat Will!

This is our final day in Steamboat Springs. We'll be heading back out on the road tomorrow. This morning we went to the Creekside Cafe for breakfast. It won first place for breakfast in the Best of the Boat. Yesterday, we seemed to hit mostly the third place winners. It was crowded, and we waited about 20 minutes for a table. It was pretty good though. I had a stuffed French toast. Delish!

Afterward, we came back and I had to change my rear tire again. Yesterday, after I changed the new/old front spare tire to the rear, the tire was flat. I took it off, but couldn't find a leak. Derik thought it my be the valve core was loose. He tightened it, and I reinflated it. This morning it was flat again. This time we had to fill the sink with water to finally find the hole. I patched it, and it seems to be holding.

At 11:00, Connor had an appointment to take his tent to Big Agnes (located here in Steamboat Springs) to see if they could fix his failing zipper. Derik and I were going to go to the Old Town Hot Springs, so we took our suits with us, and walked Connor over to Big Agnes.

This is one of three places in Steamboat where BA does business. 

Then Derik and I headed to the hot springs. Now would be a good time to tell you about the title of this post. For those who don't know about "Flat Stanley", he is a character in a children's book who gets flattened and can therefore have all these adventures because he can be mailed to anywhere. When my boys were in 1st or 2nd grade, they read "Flat Stanley". They created a their own Flat Stanleys, and sent them to a friend or relative who took Stanley on various activities, and recorded them before sending Flat Stanley back. Well, we don't have Flat Stanley, we have Flat Will. While we were in Rexsburg, Idaho, Derik had had Koder, from the bike shop, send a few things we needed. Included in the box were a few "extras". This photo of Will was one of the "extras". Today we decided to take "Flat Will" with us on our adventures in Steamboat Springs. On the way to Big Agnes Flat Will met this colorful Fall pig.

They look happy together!

At the hot springs, Flat Will enjoyed the mineral hot pool with Derik.

Don't worry Flat Will, you're protected in a ziplock bag!

He also checked out the not as hot pool.

Flat Will thought the bridge was cool.

This hot spring has been a fixture in Steamboat since the 1800s. Here's some info.

It is the swankiest hot spring we've been to so far. It's actually almost more of a water park/fitness club.

Unfortunately, the slides are closed for Fall. Strangely, they will open up again in Winter. There is a waterfall climbing rock wall in the pool to the left of the other bridge. There was also a waterfall into this other pool.

That one was not for climbing. 

After an hour or so of soaking, we called it good. We stopped on the way back to the hotel for groceries for the next two days. 

Turns out, they were not able to fix the zipper on Connor's tent. However, tomorrow Connor will call them at 8:00 to see if the guy who can replace the sliders on his tent zipper can come to the red house. Apparently, it only takes about 10 minutes to do the job. Then, we'll be back on the road, headed for the high passes...YIKES!!!

Day 44--A Little Bike Maintanence, and Some John Denver Music

Derik and I went to a place called Winona's for breakfast. They are well known for their cinnamon rolls, so of course, I had to have one. It was pretty good! After breakfast we went to the natural foods market to get some stuff for lunch. We're trying not to spend so much money eating out while we are here in Steamboat Springs. 

On the way back, as we were walking by the Chief Theater, I noticed on the marquee it said 10/15--John Denver Tribute. I looked at my watch. What do you know, today is Oct. 15th! Even better, it turns out Derik likes John Denver music too (that's something I would never have guessed)! We decided to investigate, and get tickets if we could. Derik was able to order them online, and have them at Will Call. The concert was at 7:00.

In the meantime, we did a second load of laundry, and gave our bikes some attention. My rear tire was looking more worn than my spare (which was the original front tire that I changed in Helena because I couldn't get a folding tire for a spare), so I swapped them. I cleaned MC's drivetrain, and lubed the chain. Derik even asked the cleaning lady for a couple of rags. Our bikes are ready to go...well, Connor hasn't done anything to his yet. Maybe he will, maybe he won't. 

Once the chores were done, Derik and I set of to explore Steamboat a bit more. We went to Orange Peel Cycles first. It's in a weirdly shaped building.

Strange architecture! 

I bought an Orange Peel Cycles cap for when I can't wear my Da Brim (I'd still prefer to wear the Da Brim). Derik got some more chamois cream. We checked out some more shops. Derik wanted a coffee from Ristretto's Coffee Shop, so we went there. Turns out the artisan coffee they were serving is from Olympia Coffee Roasters! Pretty funny! I also did a little shopping for My Sweet Baboo (I'll send the box on Monday). 

We came back to the room to find Connor in the same place we left him, reading the Jack Reacher book Derik already finished (Derik got a couple more books). 

We finally got Connor out of the room by going to dinner. We just had pizza, then it was time for Derik and I to go to the concert. Connor went back to the room (he is not a fan of John Denver music).

The Chief Theater is an old theater where they have plays, concerts, and whatnot. It is relatively small, and it was full. The guy who was singing was Cowboy Brad Fitch. He is a John Denver Tribute singer (among other things). It's been 19 years since John Denver died. This was Cowboy Brad's fourth year coming to Steamboat. He looks a lot like John, and does a good job singing his songs. His backup singer was his sister, Melinda, and the guy playing cello and bass was his nephew, Eamonn. They sang all the favorites, and even played some requests. He even sang "Calypso", one of my favorites. The audience (including myself) sang along. There was only one song I wasn't familiar with (from a much later album). 

Eamonn looked a bit like Nolan, especially when he was playing the cello.

It was a good concert, and worth the money for sure! Tomorrow we'll continue our exploration of Steamboat by checking out the Hot Springs. Oh, and just out of town there are all these ski jumps. 

See the ski jumps? It's almost like they could land in town if they got going fast enough!

Day 43--ATV Hitching or...Mama Cass is NOT a Snow Bike or...Best Not to Be in the Woods on Opening Weekend of Hunting Season!

Last night was another one of those strangely warm nights. No socks, no jacket, no vest around my waist, just my sleeping bag and liner. Even then, I was still pretty warm. Of course, I had placed my tent, strategically, by the vent for the dryer, but even Derik was warm.

We had a plethora of items to choose from for breakfast. Mike, the brother in law of Kirsten, owns a bagel shop in Michigan, and brought some of his handmade bagels with him. There were breakfast burritos, maple danish, oatmeal, and of course coffee and hot cocoa. Steve, cook extraordinaire, made sure we had everything we needed. We chatted with Hunter for awhile. Great kid! All the best to you young man! Sadly, I didn't get to say goodbye to Judy, Kirsten's mom. 

Once we were ready to go, Steve called up to Kirsten, and she came down to say goodbye. They ask only for a donation from cyclists. We hope we gave her enough. It's hard to put a price on such kindness and generosity. We took a photo of the four of us, but Kirsten asked me not to put it on the Internet. It will go in my photo book when I get home.

The wind was already blowing, but for awhile it was a tailwind. As we climbed out of the valley, the views were pretty nice.

Looking back.

Looking in the general direction we were heading...sort of.

I call this, "Cow in Sunshine".

We rode through a few Aspen stands, but they were all uphill, so I didn't stop to take a photo. When I caught up to Derik, I was thinking mini Aspen Alley. He said the very same thing!

Then the fun was over, as we turned into a fierce head/crosswind. The guys stayed with me. It was still super nasty, but at least I had company. Finally we got into some tree cover. That was like night and day! The wind was still howling like a jet engine, but we weren't feeling it as much. 

We had a 4 mile climb coming up that would take us up to 9800 ft--our highest yet. Derik went on ahead so he could get to the top, then come back and help me with MC. The last 1.5 mile was reported to be "a pusher". Connor stayed with me. He was great, taking breaks when I needed them. The climbing wasn't terrible when we were in the protection of the trees. It was, at times, a little scary, like when a tree came down just ahead of us. Connor lifted MC over it. 

At last, we reached the 1.5 mile of very rough, rocky, and steep "road". Connor told me I could just leave MC, and he would come back and get her once he got to a flatter spot. I told him I would push her as far as I could. Off he went.

He almost made it to the top of this section before he had to walk. At the top, he dropped his bike and came back to help me. Really, he pushed MC up and I just walked along behind. We repeated this a couple more times. Then, it was Derik who came back. He helped me push. When we got to a flatter section, I told him, if he wanted, he could just ride MC, and I would walk up. It seemed easier than him trotting along in the sections I could ride, then having to push again. Off he went. I continued trudging my way to the top. Unfortunately, although I had a water bottle, I did not have my camera, so no photos of my hike.

I was making my way ever so slowly, when I heard an ATV coming up behind me (hunting season starts tomorrow). I turned around hoping that it was just one person with room for a rider. It was! I flagged him down, and asked for a ride. I told him my bike was already at the top, having been ridden there by my friend. He was happy to give me a ride, and even gave me a Gatorade! Brian was awesome! In no time we were at the top! Derik and Connor were talking to another hunter named Troy. Troy told me I'd have to highlight that part as having not ridden it. I told him I didn't care! He laughed.

Since it was about 1:00, we ate some lunch at the top.

It was cold and windy there too.

After lunch, it was time to go down. The descent was six miles of rough and rocky road. It also involved a bit of this loveliness.

Snow! Both Connor and I were slipping around. We stopped. I looked back to see Derik stopped and brushing off his arms. He saw me looking at him, and yelled, "I crashed!" So, now all of us have crashed at least once. For the rest of the snow section I didn't clip in, and mostly scootered my way through. Fortunately, it wasn't too long.

Hahn Peak

Out of the snow, but the descent was still rough. It was also windy, which sometimes helped in a braking way. We hadn't had a rough descent like this for a long time. It was kind of fun...in a scary sort of way. I stopped a couple of times to rest my hands. There were still small patches of snow and my other favorite, mud, in the shady spots. 

Eventually, we finished those six miles. The road improved greatly. There was still more uphill than I preferred, and the ever present wind, but finally we had a good long smooth downhill. We ended up in Clark at the Clark Store (grocery, liquor, and post office all in one). I knew we still had about 20 miles to go to Steamboat Springs, so I tanked up on some Dr. Pepper and some treats. Of course, I had to have a Clark Bar in Clark!

The remainder of the ride was mostly on pavement, with the exception of a few miles. It was the highway with intermittent shoulders. The guys let me draft which was good. Otherwise, I'd probably still be out there!

While we were in Clark, we made a reservation for a motel in Steamboat Springs. We were planning to take just one day off, but with it being opening weekend of hunting season, we decided to stay until Monday. Derik has an orange helmet. I have a hi-vis jacket, but Connor could be mistaken for an animal by a trigger happy hunter. Better safe than...dead.

Our motel room has three double beds. At least it's cheaper than the hotel in Jackson. Oh, and it smells very sulphury here in Steamboat Springs! Tomorrow we'll go exploring!

Day 42--Connor Says, "That's Why You Never Quit on a Bad Day"

What a difference a day makes! I could have used that for a title, but I think I've already used that. But, it would work for today too.

It was cold as usual this morning, frozen water (except the bottle in my tent), but I slept warm, and that's all that matters. We had some company this morning.

The cows were asking if they could come where we were. No, we told them, no cow poop allowed!

I told Derik my new plan for the day was to be pessimistic. I'd tried optimism yesterday, and that didn't work, so today...pessimism. To get to where we were camped, we had to go through a gate, and down a steep hill. Connor had taken MC down for me yesterday. Since I was pretty much ready to go, I took the bags up first, then pushed MC back up myself. 

We were back on the road by about 9:45. The wind wasn't blowing yet, but it was only a matter of time (remember...pessimism). We had about 13.5 miles to get to Aspen Alley. This is one of the highlights of the Divide. It's a mile long section of narrow road that is bordered by...you guessed it, Aspen trees. But, before we even got there, we were finally back into the trees. We were still climbing similar to yesterday, but the guys stayed with me, and there were TREES!!! TREES TREES TREES!!! 

TREES!!!

I was so happy to be riding amongst trees again, that I totally forgot to be pessimistic. Even when we got to Aspen Alley, and the leaves were pretty much gone, I didn't care. Besides, it was still really pretty!

Not quite as colorful, but beautiful in its own way. It was after noon, so I suggested we have lunch among the Aspens. 

There were even logs to sit on!

Looking up.

After lunch I had Derik take this one.

Riding through Aspen Alley.

We had another mile to go before we got to Highway 70. Then we were on pavement until we entered Colorado. That's right, we are finally done with Wyoming! Fortunately, as we were riding, Wyoming was looking more like Colorado (instead of, for example, when you come from Kansas into Colorado, Colorado looks more like Kansas). There was no "Welcome to Colorful Colorado" sign, so we stopped at the post office sign in Slater.

Gotta have proof, you know!

Just after the PO, we were back on gravel. We were trying to get to Brush Mountain Lodge. We had another 12 or 13 miles to go, and 1000 ft of climbing. Derik was thinking we might not make it (now who's the pessimist???). However, it turned out to be not too bad. There was one 1/2 mile section that was very steep. Connor and I traded bikes. He rode MC up the hill, and I walked his bike. I could have ridden it up (because it's so much lighter), but I couldn't reach the pedals. Still, I walked up about as fast as I probably could have ridden MC up. 

A few miles later, we made it to the lodge. We were worried it was going to be closed. Well, it is. But, Kirsten said we could camp out back. Then...she goes on to say there are towels for showers, dinner will be ready soon, and there is breakfast in the morning!!! I couldn't believe it! I gave her a hug right then and there!

We got set up, took showers, and hung out in the lodge until dinner was ready. It was spaghetti, salad, garlic bread, watermelon, and chocolate chip cookies. Absolutely delicious! There were quite a few people for dinner. Kirsten's parents are visiting, as are her sister, brother-in-law, and nephew. Then there were various others who seem to work here or live nearby. We enjoyed talking to Hunter, a young kid from Michigan, who's been here about a week and a half working. Kirsten couldn't be nicer! We are so lucky to get to be part of the Brush Mountain Lodge family for the night!

Connor and George.

So, yesterday is but a bad memory, and as Connor says, "That's why you never quit on a bad day!"