fab day, time wasting, destination washington

fab day-
104 miles two days ago, ending at Lewis and Clark State Park... Knew we had 3 days to make it to Williston but figured we'd knock out most of the journey leaving time to waste (hence my longest library visit yet). So, we started out on 2 heading west, then jogged south on a paved road that met up with hwy 1804... 1804 was quite possibly the hilliest road yet (plus there was a crazy moment on 2 when the landscape seemed to change from ND-like to Montana-like with an insane hill); one of the hills was longer than one mile according to my bike computer. And, while the scenery started out interesting (somewhat disturbing-- the oil industry is taking off here, and there was one sign that said, "poisonous gas may be present"), on 1804 the views changed to mosquitoes zooming around our heads dodging our sweaty swats. BUT, on this day, we not only kicked butt on hills and did over 100 miles, but we also reached the 1000 mark for total miles traveled!



time wasting-
Williston, ND has been a pleasant place to spend a couple of days... We checked our bikes and the trailer at the Amtrak station (see next section for more info), set up our tent in the city park, and so have been roaming freely, looking a bit odd in our only non-biking clothes (think Star Trek character and James Bond villainess). We saw Public Enemies last night and tonight might hit up the late-night showing of the new Harry Potter flick. We are planning on Chinese for dinner. Oh, and for the second time on this journey, our city park campsite was attacked by the sprinkler monsters! We must not be very observant when setting up the tent... luckily the sprinkler heads were *outside* the fly. :)



destination washington-
Tomorrow morning we hop on the Amtrak to head to Everett WA... Then we're thinking we'll head north to Vancouver, then come back down to stay with one of Nate's friends in Bellingham. From there we'll hit up spots along the coast. I will even get to see one of my oldest and dearest friends, Alena, who has been my "pen-pal" since first grade! VERY exciting. Ultimately, we'd like to get down to Santa Barbara and perhaps do some wine-tasting and see the sights along the way. Since we managed over 1000 miles on this first leg of the trip, we're not feeling guilty about Amtrakkin' it. More time to enjoy friends and scenery along the Pacific route!

deeee-libera-a-tion...

So, just for laughs, I thought it would be fun to list the reasons why occasionally Nate and I have slacker mileage days...

*late nights at the local bars
*tick infestations
*we are extremely slow packers and sunscreen applicators
*sleeping in is quite lovely in a tent
*hellish headwinds
*we like to eat (apparently now this includes eating turkey and gelatinous gummy bears too)

And, with regards to deliberation, we have been loosely calculating time/miles, realizing that it might be wishful thinking to think we could get all the way to San Francisco by the end of August. So, originally, we thought we could take the Amtrak down some of the coast, but are now considering another option... taking the Amtrak TO the coast so that we can enjoy the Pacific Coast Trail as well as take time to have quality visits with friends along the way.

And so, there may be a great leap in locations for the next posting... and it's not because we are super-speedy bikers!

on day 7, a day of rest :)

We are visiting my cousin Scott, his wife Bernette, and their son Sam right now in Minneapolis MN... one day to wash clothes and not be on the go! Plus they are awesome company, so it will be hard to say goodbye! Here are a few little highlights/notes about the trip so far.

*longest mileage day- 87 miles

*fave camping spot--Jim and Chrissy's yard... James is the soon-to-be-owner of the best bar in Wittenberg, WI, and they also own a trucking business.

*ended up staying in the yard of the head townsman, Harland, in Colby, WI (he didn't really have a title other than "everything")... they actually let us shower!

*on one of our short mileage days (only 40) we spent the first half waiting for Nate's bike to get fixed up at the Rib Mountain Ciclery... where a very cool guy Brett totally hooked us up! He rode to California two years ago so was geeked that we were there. He only charged for parts (nate had him put a 3 ring dealio in the front instead of the 2) and threw in shot-bloks, a tube, dog spray, spoke repair kit, a light recharger, two pairs of good biking gloves, and some other "goodies". :)

*Nate jammed under the bridge in Stillwater, MN with Tommy while Jeremy and I watched and chatted.

*local bars rock!

*cows and horses are fascinated by riders

*4 of our 6 riding days were pretty much sunless

*It takes only a day to absolutely stink.

diva cup

The diva cup was today's purchase, to arrive before our departure. I heard about this back in college, and my friend in the peace corps. raved about it... Figured I might as well make my bike ride more pleasant and be good to the earth at the same time! :)

reality check

Ali and I went to see this movie at the State Theatre this morning, and both us felt good to have had a sort of "reality check"-- a reminder of the world's largeness, of our luckiness, of the strength of human spirit in the darkest of times. I kept wishing I had gotten a degree in something else so that I could get a job working/volunteering in a refugee camp somewhere, where the need is so obviously apparent. Anyhow, I also felt glad that I am biking endlessly this summer, removing myself from my normal materialistic routines, a chance to distinguish between my needs and wants, and a chance to think about the others out there who would be thrilled to even have a bicycle, period.

bonnaroo images

the to-do list

Let's lay it out there, so you all can experience the last-minute planning with me...

xcall landlord about paying rent ahead by cashier's check (didn't reorder personal checks as my last name will be changing)

xput away boxes in the spare room, clean up, move kitty stuff to my room

xcancel cable

xgo to bank-- get cashier's check and money out

xmail sunglasses insert to mom to give to eye dr.

xget memory duo stick for new camera

xbuy sports bra to wear with jersey

*find good compression sack for sleeping bags

xget "quick release" on my brakes to actually be "quick" (and easier, for the many flat tires I'll have to change!)

*clean out fridge

*figure out court stuff for future divorce date

*stock up on kitty litter

*return one pair of bike shorts to nashbar

*maybe that's all??