I suspected as much as I started seeing raised welts on my body plus an itchy sensation.
, scratching until the skin breaks open and weeps. I have yet to see what does the feasting on my body, I only experience post feed pain. These buggers live in the juniper bark to emerge only once a season. The female must have blood to lay eggs. Otherwise male and female are vegetarians. She picks a spot of skin then chews a hole with her mouth parts. When capillary blood oozes out she s[its saliva in the hole which acts as an anticoagulant that keeps the blood from clotting. The itchiness comes from the body’s reaction to the saliva. Years ago after a bout of chiggars I asked a pharmacist for suggestion to eliminate the pain, he said Benadryl which is an antihistamine. I heeded his advice for that episode which cleared the bites up quickly. Last night was very hot with bouts of blowing dust. I didn’t sleep well. I woke up at times to scratch the bite sites. Today I bought Benadryl but it hasn’t provided the complete relief I had hoped for. I got chewed up prolly at the N Klondike campspot. It ain’t fun.
Wed was another worked day out at N Klondike trails. Just lots and lots of tech moves requiring lots of body gyrations, more than just pedaling muscles enlistment. I rode from home this time starting on Alaska which climbed up to the top of the ridge at 5331’ dropping down to just under 4800’, 500’ of elevation profile. Follow the paint lines to avoid wheel sucks. I crossed the road to ride the pedal trails on the way back to the van. I do like pedaling for its soothing effect contrasted to the hurky jerky slick rock tread. Hot day. 12% humidity, 92 degrees outside. 14.53 miles climbing 1317’ pedaling for 1 hr 56 mins almost straight. Encountered a group of gromms pedaling away. Great trail etiquette. I complemented the adult leaders.
The solar shower soaked up way too much heat necessitating adding sink water to temper. I drained the solar water into the Helio for a pressure wash shower. I set my shower up in the shade of the van which also blocked some of the stiff breeze. The joy of washing off the ride grime, I sleep better.
Forecast called for increasing winds in the afternoon and into the evening, riding early avoided getting blown around. The winds did pick up later, strong gusts picked up dirt creating wind dust devils that I could see moving towards me. The van was hot, the open door and windows lessened the heat but when the wind blew dust I buttoned up. There is fine dust on flat surfaces inside. The wind continued during the night such that I chose to sleep with the side door closed. 66 degrees this AM.
Today was a rest and resupply day. I drove back down to town. Laundry, poured 6 gallons of water, one at a time from Gearheads. I was out at N Klondike for 3 nights. I consumed 2 gallons of drinking water then 3 quarts from my emergency jug. I can last 3 days between water replenishment. Shower at the Aquatics center which is now in the summer open pool season.
I bought a replacement table at Gearheads, same as the one taken at Sedona.
Tuesday was another Klondike trails ride. Lots of effort required for not many miles of riding. I like the riding. On Monday Chili Pepper cut .5” off each bar end bringing the width to 750mm. This was my first ride, I seemed to handle OK. Great having a fully working front brake. Spent the night at N Klondike helping support the next generations of juniper gnats.
Last week I started reading signs in shop windows stating they would be closed . Closer exam revealed that the closure is for Memorial day weekend this weekend. Caught me by surprise. My next visit spot will be Fruita which will be crowded decreasing the likelihood of finding a camp spot. I decided to remain here in Moab as I can find sleep spots. Tonight I am back out past Horsethief XG at a new spot up on the flats exposed to the winds. I will ride from here for several days then drive down to town for resupply. Campspot is 5761’ town is in low 4,000’.
I am reading 1984 by Orwell. Trump claims he never reads books. Orwell’s book seems to be guiding his actions. Life needs to be based on facts and memory. It is really scary.
The front left speaker sounds cracked. Find a car stereo shop in Junction next week.