Back up speed...oh wait, nevemind

After taking a second day of rest due to sickness, we started the morning some what slow. Savoring every comfortable thing about our hotel room before we left again on the road. Pressure was on because we had already lost time against our goal of being done by June 20, and the various mechanical, weather and health issues had pushed us back. Unfortunately, fate had at least one more bump in our road.

When we pulled into casper, we had got the bikes checked out by a local bike shop, I had been hearing a few noises that sounded off, but was not sure exactly what it's was. Like always, the noise was not present around the mechanic, my bike was sent back with a clean bill of health. The noise persisted when we were about to leave casper, so I felt determined to find the issue. I found that a spoke had come loose. However, after tightening it, the noise was still there . Seeing that casper was the last big city until we reach Boise, we visited the shop a second time. Long story short, my rear wheel was shot. I had taken a risk bringing them seeing that they are racing wheels. Not meant to endure extended and harsh terrain over long periods of time as well has a hefty rider with luggage. So, a brand new wheel later, a wheel suited more toward touring, we finally left casper. Between casper and the next significant town ( a town with a gas station and toilet, there seems to be a void, endless grass land, fences and mountains in the distance which never seen to change.

The distance began to test is, while we had only ridden 30 miles, our water reserves were running low. Thirst is dangerous on a bicycle, physically and mentally. Dehydration makes a easy pace feel like cycling in mud, a small hill like a mountain. It destroys your joy about cycling and every one of your stray thoughts focuses on water. Luckily, before things to bad, we saw a town in the distance. Pulling up, it was disappointing to see the gas station, bar and restaurant closed and board. However, I was my leaving this town without water. I saw a man grilling behind his trailer with his soon. Pulling up, he barely acknowledged us. I asked  if we could bother him for some water and he did not answer until he had shuffled something in his grill. With barely a whisper, he said water? Walked to a spigot and hose and set it hanging by he fence. Although he opened up a little with conversation, it was quick and a lot take awkward, at least we had water... 

Soon we started to climb a long and gradual slope, we were already at 5300 feet, how high can we go I thought. At the top if this climb, a outlook beckoned us. This place is called Hells half acre, a small  canyon which is interesting but not jaw dropping. We all were feeling tired, hungry and week, so we decided to set up camp. We are excited Drews dad is in he area is is going to visit with us tomorrow. Well, I must rest, and I need both hands to swat away these mosquitos 

When porta potties are placed in your path, use them.

Hells half acre 

Our campsite for tonight.