Dry dry desert

Just chapped lips dry. I learned no monsoons fell this last fall which is usually the normal hydration event. Just dry. I stay out off beaverhead where I have walked over the desert. Prickly pear have shown the drought sign for last 2 years, this year color is changing.

withering prickly pear cactus
loosing chlorophyll?

Yesterday morn my left shoulder was hurting enough to turn down a Black Canyon trail ride. This AM was a PT session to work on that shoulder. Some success, problem comes from upper body being hammered by objects in the trail tread. Eric worked me thru several strengthening exercises giving me encouragement to give a ride a go afterwards.

Drove up to Cultural park, the TH for the Western Gateway trails. While not excessively over crowded, rigs are there. I hung inside the van as I waited for the sun to add warmth. Around 11 I pedaled away down Stirrup, connected to Girdner, pedaling to Rupp. Climbed Rupp, turned on to Cockscomb past the location of the cover photograph on the Beartooth Map. Turned on to Outer Limits

Cockscomb / outer limits jnct

Outer Limits to Last Frontier, today I rode the rest of same trail to reconnect with Outer Limits.

tree cover, Schurmann peak, Dry creek
New Last frontier across cliff face

Dropped down to cross Dry Creek

dry Dry creek at Outer Limits crossing

So far this winter not a wet feet crossing. Climb Outer Limits back to Cultural park finish. 12.8 miles climbing 1132′ pedaling for 1hr 48 mins. Shared trails with 5 mtn bikers. Otherwise i was alone.

Sink wash off and change back to street clothes then drove back down to Beaverhead. repeat repeat just the same like the weather.

Supply chain issues are not putting preferred boneless and skinless chicken thighs in grocery stores. Chicken is my main protein source as I am gluten intolerant. I eat each end of the chicken life, however it is not the same chicken.