As I lay on the mattress wrapped in a warm sleeping bag, I soon realized that I stayed up a bit too late. It was so worth it! This morning I feel sluggish. It is still early, I don’t need to rush. I soon reach for my riding clothes and dress for the day. I roll up the mattress and stuff it into its bag.
Feeling a low-calorie balance from yesterday’s long climbs, I put oatmeal into the pot and light the stove. I begin packing the fly; there is no dew this morning. Next the tent, and with the panniers packed, I walk to the shore for the morning view.
Now ready to ride, my head needs to catch up; the morning stale is still musty in my brain. Off I ride into the chill. I first ride over the Tyler and Dawn’s campsite. One last chance to visit. Now I am really starting the ride. I have twenty-eight kilometers to Marathon. There I have a couple of options to sleep. One is off route four kilometers to a town campground. The other is a motel right on the route. It is supposed to rain by 3 p.m. and continue until 8 a.m. the next day.
I’m riding a short distance, but the many long climbs and fast descents with tractor trailers buzzing by are both physically and mentally draining.
I get to where I need to decide. The motel is right in front of me. It is 12 p.m. and the Airport Motor Inn wins over the campground.
I walk in and ask for a room; they have one for me. It is noon; check-in is 3. I’m told to come back later. I ask if when the room is ready, I would be able to check in early. The answer is yes. I go next door to a convenience store and get ice cream, a coke, and snacks then walk back to the motel. The door opens, and I’m told the room is ready. It is 12:30 p.m.
I move into the room, it’s clean and cozy.
I shower, change, and relax until 4:30. I call for a pizza delivery for dinner. It is raining now, and I’m inside, comfy and dry. This makes for a good night and a better morning start.
