New Year’s eve celebration,? I spent quiet night at the town sleep spot, I was not awakened by whatever went on outside.
Ian invited me on a ride to start the new year. I invited Doug along. Others accepted his invitation, the group being of riders I have known for years plus a new guy. New guy was youngest and had color in his hair, the rest of us had lots of gray, some white.
We rode from Bell Rock TH and headed away from others. At first were system trails, some of which were rolled firm sand then mixed in old social trail, back to system then the nasty basalt babyheads and unattached heads. Last piece is too nasty for me to repeat that even the experienced riders walked. I enjoyed myself being in company of people I have known for years. Finished the day with a sit down at local pizza establishment. I drove out to sleep spot off Beaverhead and I was treated to a colorful sunset.
Dry desert. I did not see signs of cows being grazed out there compared to last year. Cows have eaten native vegetation at the time of the plants reproduction hence eliminating food for the next year. Just a rant against the few who reap the benefit of use of public land but is paid for by all of us.
I mix in socializing with solitude. Sleeping on public land mean unblocked windows, in town I block windows which creates a cave.
Doug and I rode out Skywalker area yesterday. I am struggling with almost any kind of climb, I get out of breath. When I got back to the van after the ride I checked my O2 saturation level to read 98% so I get what I need but age affected. I am working on reestablishing my confidence on Sedona trails.
I spent the night in their driveway again. Short evening shower created puddles. The temp was warm enough for the heater to shut off.
Leia has treated me to 2 dinners, tonight I return her favor by preparing Country Captain chicken dinner.