From Thunder Mtn to Hurricane Rim

Last night my campsite was furthest in off road. I passed 2 eurovan campers. My spot was exposed but it was open to the east. That detail worked to my benefit this AM.  It was cold inside. i had the heater on low and doubled up the down blanket. My alarm goes off @ 7:00 so i can listen to Bob Edwards show on XM NPR. The van temp read 15 degrees. AT 8:42 the temp was 31. I drove by the first vw camper. They were in the shade and the temp was back to 15.

Drove W on rt 14 climbing over and then dropping down thru the Dixie NF. Topped out @ 9910′. Fall came and went here as well as back north. The trees are bare, leaves having blown to the wind. Dropped into Cedar City, drove past the bike shop I did business w/ on my 1999 trip thru. The shop was an AMP dealer and I arranged for a bike part to be shipped here on that trip. I remember it was 1999 as it was the first year I had my VW bus and I was on a 3 week road trip w/ my AMP. The AMP and the VW introduced me to many people I would not have thought to meet.

Dropped into Hurricane, UT to warmth and green leaves not turned yet. I parked just out of town and set off to ride the loop consisting of Goulds Rim, JEM trail, & Hurricane Rim for 21 miles and 2259′. Desert riding is so varied. This ride was different that Thunder mtn. There is still a bit of pain in my hip however the active release freed up my body and I have a fuller spin. Too bad it is propelled by a used engine. Ran into 6 women from ID & MT down riding for several days. Several of them bore reminders of miscalculations. They were in great spirits. Temp @ TH @ 6:24 was 61.

I camped @ JEM TH. As I was preparing dinner the women rode by. One asked for h2o and I obliged. Site is exposed to world. Long lasting sunset.

Forecast is for nasty weather tomorrow bring high winds, cold, and rain. At 4340′ it will rain, not snow just a few miles north.

Made phone conatct w/ Rick, we are in the same area code. Actually he is out & up @ Little creek area which I understand is like Gooseberry mesa which is just above me but miles by road.

I use Verizon. I was amazed @ coverage down thru remote UT. I have strong signal up outside small town of Hurricane.