Up in the toolies w/o cell phone coverage even. Long time since no connection.
I left chilly Sedona Tues AM driving east in rear quartering high winds to Gallup, NM on rt I-40. Handful driving this kleenex box on a roller skate. Plan was to camp near White Cliffs ride Ian told me about. I followed the drive description out onto an unpaved road that the wind blasted loose dirt into the air. No place to park and no interest in mouth breathing the dust. Modified objective to head up to McGaffee up in the Zuni mtns. I stocked up on supplies @ Albertsons.
Up @ McGaffee is a wonderful trail system in mostly open P-pine forests w/ some alligator junipers mixed in. A race course, Enchanted Forest 24 hour race uses some of the trails. The st hwy up has been rebuilt making the climb almost pleasant. I turned in @ Hilso TH and drove a short distance to a flat spot to camp, I had stayed there previously. Chilly and windy, my Sedona attire was under whelmed. I added my Pisgah jersey and walked up the road. A small van Tiger was parked nearby w/ mtn bikes attached. A man and woman were outside walking 2 cats on leashes. Mike and Allison are on a road trip, kindred spirits. A chilly night.
The next morning I drove up to say hello and see if they wanted to join me on a ride. They said Yes. First I drove to Bill & gang’s house @ McGaffee and left a message. We rode Quasimoto all by ourselves. Chilly and windy, then hail softly fell from the sky. Amazing how little water there was in the hail but it wetted the dirt to stick to our tires. We abandoned the dirt and rode the road back to our rigs. We were hanging when Bill drove up and invited us to his place. We parked nearby by then spent the evening visiting. Bill shared much knowledge again about trail advocacy and his organizational efforts. Great guy and wealth of knowledge.
We all planned a ride on Thurs until the weather deteriorated culminating in snow flurries. No internet access so no weather forecast or radar image. Mid afternoon we ventured out on a hike. The weather was working on improving to a calm clear sky and we decided on a short mtn bike ride lead by Bill. Back @ house for dinner and more visiting.
Today I drove back down to Gallup to do my wash, fill up propane, buy groceries, and get on line. My clothes line is overflowing w/ line drying clothes.
I found a gym for a shower I need to get to b4 heading back up for more rides and another night of socializing.
My breathing is becoming more difficult, my throat feels like it is obstructed. Something ain’t right, more than elevation or allergies.
Next stop is Santa Fe.
Grommet, I want to ride w/ you and scratch your ears that will require me to effectively manage my time between here and 8/15 in Denver.
Gotta go.