At the Cortez airport across the road parking lot the same 3 trucks from the first night 3 weeks ago were still there.
Today I drive from Cortez to Hurricane, UT. Presenting a geographical challenge is the CO River gorge: the Big Ditch or Lake Powell. The route went thru the states in the order listed. Crossed @ Page. Past Page snow fell, the wet splatter flakes that made slush on the hwy. The whole way the wind blew form the SW except in the road cuts where it appeared to be a reverse direction. Not a white knuckle drive but one that kept the upper body stimulated.
Highway goes thru Colorado City & Hilldale, FLDS communities where cruel and unusual punishment occurs when a husband has more than one mother in law if you know what i mean.
Gooseberry Mesa appears to be snow free but the road in needs to dry out. Little Creek a bit higher might be snowed under. I checked out the upper GEM TH where I stayed so many nights last year. Graveled road back in was damp but appeared to be firm enough to drive on. However, the clouds downwind looked like maybe they would be dropping snow. Plan B is to drop down into Hurricane and sleep in vacant lot behind the Hurricane Over the Edge sports store (OTE).
The store was open. I walked in w/ a big smile and greeted DJ, wife of wife/ husband, Quentin, team who own the store. She gave me a hug. Quentin arrived later to equal warmth. Eddie, their border collie picked up where we left off last year w/ a belly rub and letting go much hair. I helped them while they attended to new merchandise arrangement in their tiny store. Quentin says he rode a bike that is better than his DW Spot, a full suspension Surly. I am not the rider he is to get the benefit he noticed.
So I am camped behind OTE. Quentin called the property owner and asked for permission from the property owner which he gave. Rained earlier here.
Remember that I spent 7 weeks here last year recovering from my lacerated kidney from a fall on Little Creek. I will be here this time because I want to be. That is until the winter conditions drive me south. Going to connect w/ riders I rode with last year. A local store sells locally grown pistachio nuts that are so fresh, I have so looking forward to eating some.
Hurkin feels good. Returning to a place where I spent some time and got comfortable.