Bend’s elevation is short of 4,000′. Last 2 days I spent up at Swampy TH which is 5971′. The higher you go, the higher you get. Benefit here is slightly cooler temp. Last 2 mornings I extended my right arm from under the covers to switch on the heater. Solar gain hits the back of the van, the thermostat is on the head board at rear of van, the gain tells the thermostat temp has been reached and the heater shuts off. However, the inside is still chilly, I turn the heater heat level higher to send I’m cold signal. In time the air temp warms sufficiently for me to open the slider door and turn off the heater. Such is my comfort.
So I spent Sat and Sun nights at Swampy. I rode trails out of Swampy. Both rides climbed Ridge loop then turning on to Flag Tie over to descend on Lower Flagline down to Swampy. Trails here are less ridden and less polished, trails that I prefer. Shuttle traffic descends from Swampy, my ride requires effort that is antipathy to shuttlers. The Rail pedals uphill nicely and descends with stability inspiring confidence. I like this bike.
Anyway I like riding here.
Thursday I repeated my ride from of Tuesday’s ride riding Catch and Release from anchor spot off rd 41, continuing on Afternoon Delight, loop around Roundabout, back on Afternoon. During the previous ride the EDGE glitched not recording the entire ride. This time the EDGE glitched again. Seems something is in the air to affect the computer. Ride still is about 20 miles. This ride I completed afternoon then pedaled gravel road to connect with the river trail.
On the river there are several rapids to be floated. Rafting companies float people in large rafts. Today I left a rapids before rafters floated down sparing me of the crazy screams from the rafters.
For the most part the trails I ride are not crowded.
I9 received my damaged wheel on Thurs per UPS scheduled schedule. I9 contacted me Fri for payment and ship to address as the wheel had been repaired. I9 tore the wheel apart then rebuilt it on a replacement hub shell and replaced the driver. They covered the parts and I paid $75 for the labor. Stellar performance. Counting on riding that wheel by week’s end. I so want to be off the loaner with its long engagement in the hub. The loaner wheel produces no sound when coasting, stealth.
Tues my new crown is installed.
Finished John Water’s Liarmouth, it was a fast read, a story. Next book is by Jess Walter, The Angle of Rome, which is a collection of his short stories. Author is from Spokane and much of the settings are in that town. I lived in Spokane for 18 years then I took to the road.
Last night as I was turning my van into my bedroom I happen to catch a flash to 2 mice . I set out 2 traps, 1 the old fashion spring and a newer one that Steve gave to me. While I was laying in bed before falling asleep my ears were perked for the snap of a trap. Silence. This morning as I lay in bed putting off getting up I heard a smack which meant the trap closed on a soft body instead of the base of the trap. Score 1 for the old trap as there is now 1less mouse. Tonight I will set both traps to eliminate the second mouse. I haven’t found their point of entry. Seems mice enter when the slider door is open. That can’t be how they get in. I have watched ground squirrels on the step at the door, they leap up, the mice lack that agility.
Heart rate 51 beats per minute taken just now.
Thurs my left leg was ultra sounded to check vascular health. A blood clot was discovered. The tech observed the clot might be chronic. Previously a clot was found. The anti coagulant meds are to prevent clots and the body will dissolve the clot. Doesn’t appear the body breaks down the clot, or worse, my body keeps creating a new on. I have experienced a pulmonary embolism.
Today is Monday, may the weekenders have gone back to work emptying anchor spots out at Phils. Forecast today is for 90′. Will be warm here at Phils.
My sink water tank holds 7 gallons, I fill a 2 1/2 gal bucket from the sink drain. That water lasts 2 days as does my 2 gal drinking water jug. I replenish every 2 days. I buy groceries at refill time. I defrosted my fridge yesterday.
Next Monday marks 14 years of my living on the road.
Off to Phils and weak internet signal.