Presently settled down at spot off Willow Springs rd. Reasons: access to spot is on either slickrock or hard sand then the freshly graded road out to the hard road, and good signal strength, and closest primitive spots to town going north out of the river valley.
So, Sunday I needed water and the Seahawks were on TV at 11. I drove in from Klondike with the alternator and solar panel charging the batteries. I was making a rest day so drinking a beer at 11 AM was in my wheelhouse. I watched the first half at The Rio, the last dive bar in town soon to be converted to a fancier place in contrast to the locals. Drove back out to Willow scoring same spot. I walked slick rock and patches of sand in a loop around my spot. I ran out of rock at an unofficial road that lead both directions to and away from Willow Springs road. I walked away from the road. Just so many camp spots abounded albeit most had a slight slope to them requiring leveling blocks. Just a few camps occupied. Turned around and walked to the road passing many more spots unoccupied. There were several creep over rock pieces. Place could become packed more so than present spot. I will stay here. These spots are on Utah Sovereign land that could go away at the state’s desire. If this road was closed to camping where would all these campers go? Checked Seahawks progress on my phone as I hiked: they won.
Forecast for tonight was precip both rain and snow, tomorrow to clear a bit then Wed more precip, T day is wet with snow. Staying here at Willow will allow my access to hard road. And lower temps like low 20s. Weathering the weather and planning activities accordingly.
I sleep under a doubled over summer weight down blanket giving me about 3″ of loft. I turn the temp dial down lower than sitting up temp. I have awakened the last several nights almost sweating so I turn the knob down some more and slide the top layer off to cool off until I wake up again chilly then pull the top back on. This AM inside wake up temp was 53 which is becoming not objectionably cold.
Sat night the Zags won.
Today’s forecast had a morning window before 30% showers and 25 mph gusts arrived. The morning at first did not appear to be favorable for a ride, I mean like I don’t have to ride every day. As I sat in my seat the day should promise albeit no sunshine. OK, need to ride today before upcoming forecasted weather would make sense to stay inside and watch football. Knee warmers and knee socks covered my legs. I rode behind the road grader smoothing out the road. Great touch the operator used. Rode out to Klonzo for a short ride. All purpose built single track. Moab’s trail systems are very well marked and a map of location with a smiley face you are here icon keeps a rider found. Short ride.
I needed to go to town today to add propane to my tank. My log data indicates I burn about a gallon a day. My tank can hold 5.6 gals. Pay attention keeps me warm and my food cold.
My mattress topper arrived. Now I need an open space larger than my van to air it out and to cut it to size.
I use Garmin Connect and an EDGE that I load into Connect. I also write to a spread sheet my ride data. Excel reports 33, 311 miles and 2298 rides since July of 2008. Garmin has previous data plus this trip. It reports I have climbed 3,266,344 feet in elevation. Focus on the facts which will stand by themselves. I have almost no body fat.
5:22 PM, dark thirty, 45 degrees, sprinkles on the windshield.
Out here at Willow spot off and on a pop top pickup camper parked like right nearby. Truck was heavily logoed for sponsors. I saw a woman with the rig. We never spoke which is mostly how it’s done. Today her rig was parked at Gearheads as I was. I looked for her in Gearheads where they pour unlimited filtered water, a place where us people fill up with water, and the laundromat. Not there. I walked across the street to shop at City Market and I spied whom I identified as the woman ckecking out her purchases. And that it was. We enjoyed a pleasant conversation in the grocery store. She is studying for her masters via on line classes while traveling. She left today.
I have started to pay attention to Hurricane ( Hurkin) weather as it will be my next stop. They are forecast for same stuff here in Moab which presents riding issues as the Hurricane Cliffs trails are clay which becomes gumbo when wet. Day time temps above freezing with night time freeze which won’t evaporate water and creates freeze thaw mud, bottom line: no riding them. There are other trails which don’t freeze thaw. Dunno. Checked Sedona’s forecast which is also the same.
Thursday I help again, my 4th year in a row, at the Waba Sabi community feast.
Snow is falling in La Pine, OR where my property is located. I’m way further south (warmer) but soon to receive some snow. Difference is the snow here will melt shortly afterwards, La Pine is the start of winter. Why I am not living in my to be built house there.
My shoulder has been bothering me. The tech nature of these trails brings on discomfort. Whatcha gonna do?
Dinner time: mashed potato pancakes made with smoked salmon and green peas. Ymmm.