Early winter weather affecting outdoor fun

Two nights ago the temp dropped and winds picked up. I was camped out on Willow Springs rd w/ Charlie and Theresa. Thurs @ 7:16AM it was 23 degrees outside and only 55 inside w/ the furnace running all night. Just too chilly.The furnace ran all night as the inside temp never reached the shut off temp. The blower ran all night taking battery voltage down to 11.58. Seems that the batteries will support a degree of comfort when the furnace runs. With the furnace running I tried to start the catalytic heater but the fuel valve wouldn’t open: stuck shut. I found the manufacture’s phone number and called explaining my issue. I was told that the heater would have to be sent to then in NC for service and the problem was caused by propane companies west of the Miss R putting an additive in the gas that clogs up valves, orifices, whatever. Great, even the secondary heat choice is deficient. Remember that I made a 3PM appointment in town @ an RV repair shop to suss out the furnace issue.

We made a ride date for 11AM down @ Brand M trail head where there is an outhouse now. Still chilly, windy, and cloudly skies. This time I wore a mid weight wool underwear top and warmer gloves and a hat under my helmet. Keep pedaling. We rode 12.38 miles of some moderately challenging purpose built single track. I am improving my skills and gaining confidence. Key is momentum, either you have it or you had made some of your own as it allows your suspension to work. There are plenty of wheel traps that mo will keep the front wheel moving.

I had things to attend to after the ride which caused me to manage my time. I needed water @ Matrimony spring, a shower @ the Community Center, then RV shop, do my wash, and grocery shop. I made the RV shop 1 minute b4 the 3:00 appointment.

I explained my furnace issue w/ the wrench: I wanted him to remove the propane hose & flush it w/ solvent along w/ the orifice and fuel valve. He budgeted 30 mins. He walked up to me w/ the fuel valve in his hand, it hand a piece of material in the bore. That’s all he found because he did not capture the solvent put it back together and the furnace fired up. Warm, perhaps it will function. Charged me for 30 mins work, paid cash.

Clean body and sheets, groceries for dinner, and the hope that the furnace will keep me warm tonight. Back out @ Willow Springs I started the furnace and it performed. Charlie visited for conversation and sipping celebratory Scotch as my tasks were completed and the furnace was working.

***** computer ate text.

Furnace didn’t fire up when the temp required it. I woke up to cold and flashing red light. Several restart cycles started it again.

Today is a rest day as I had ridden 7 out of 8 days. Weather forecast was calling for precip.

I drove into town.

I have a horrible head ache. I finished the dose of antibiotics for the sinus infection and feel no different.

Back out to Willow Springs.

Will from Fruita found me, he’s here for several days.

Hwy Patrol stakes out hwy 191 n of town.

I have my paper temp license tag. Hard plates will be sent to Hurricane.

I bought a sixer of MooseDrool in state liquor store. Not the source of my headache.