Two days ago I parked right off the old highway where the road was like a ford instead of a bridge which is in place presently. The forecast called for rain yesterday in a significant amount. Yesterday morning I took 4 hits of oil which knocked me back in my chair. Physical activity was all I was able to do, don’t touch the bike. I went for a hike on the trail I rode yesterday still wearing these Bedrock sandals and shorts. I got out a ways till I heard the patter of rain drops on the leaves which were still nice and fluffy. Forecast and the clouds said shelter would be prudent to stay dry. I trucked with urgency back to the van. Nature was just clearing her throat. A slight drizzle dampened me. I climbed into my van and proceeded to start some computer work. I heard a greeting and looked out to see 2 riders, one waving at me. I got out and engaged in conversation. Guy said we had ridden together back in ’09 at my first ride on the Syllamo. They were heading out for a 20 mile out and back. Each was wearing rain jackets. They left and I returned to my computer. Shortly real rain started falling. The rain would pound and ebb, sometimes a sucker hole of my 2 mins. Rained all day. I stayed inside and stayed the same place for the night. Forecast called for possible thunderstorm after dark. Check that box. Heavy rain beat down on my metal roof. I fell asleep to the pounding. Forecast for today called for clearing after 10 and temp drop to 55. Check that box.
I drove into MT Ida. I bought small town grocery selections and learned there is a laundromat in town. I drove over to it. Just closed on Sunday’s, apparently god has something to do with that in a dry county. I filled my water tank.
I drove out to Joplin area to pick up the LOViT to ride out and back to Hickory Nut TH. Two days ago the fallen leaves were not settled. The rain soaked them enough to settle kinda like a deflated balloon. The trail tread was easy to see. Leaves get sucked up into the wheels and onto the bike at places that the leave (s) rub a wheel. I rode out and back. Stream beds ran water while others remained bone dry. There is a FS XG at Hickory Nut TH. I spoke w/ a guy who had driven a class C to the XG. He said good road. I rode back. Trail has some short steep ups which become downs and vice versus. Finish the ride on a grunt climb. I rewarded myself by continuing west past the van for more out and back and climb at eh end.
I needed beer and better grocery and a shower. I drove into Hot Springs for a shower at anytime, groceries at Harps, and beer and moonshine at liquor place. This moonshine distilled in Little Rock is 110 proof. A big splash in my pint glass was just right.
I drove up to Hickory nut mtn XG in the dark. I jockied into a parking spot hoping for close to level. Couldn’t make that spot work. I backed up until I hit a tree. Thunk. Shit. In the light tomorrow I will inspect for damage.
Tomorrow the weather is for sunny and in the 60s. I’ll ride from here more out and back uphill finish then drive back to Hot Springs to a laundromat I used once before. A shower for clean body on clean sheets. My sheets are flannel that have worn smooth, no scratchy. MTBP showed a short ride out side Hot Springs that I’ll do and spend the night at the TH. Next is a piece of the Ouachita National Recreation trail west of state route 7. Out and back. Have a slight hankering for an out and back backpack overnight. Once this is done I will head back west to MT Ida and ride the Womble.
Yesterday I called the gastro DR in Flag and made an appointment for Jan 6. I now have a date to back schedule from.
No pics today as the scenery is more of the same.
Happy Thanksgiving.