It's a little known fact that Napoleon didn't die on St. Helena, he was further exiled to the Nevada desert where he now has a job as a slot machine security guard.
I had a really long hot shower and then ate dinner with Jack and Suzanne, a couple I had met at a pullout on the climb out of the valley. I slept better than the previous night with the howling wind storm despite the really loud and obnoxious drunk Italians in the room next door.
This morning, I got ready to go wearing a jersey, two jackets, tights, gloves, and a hat under my helmet. It seemed like the wind had died down some but not a whole lot. I made it about five miles down the road and was even colder than last night. By that time, I couldn't feel my fingers or face. I had a 60 mile day ahead to the next town with only one convenience store on the way. I realized that this was beyond awful even for me and I probably wouldn't make it to my stop for the night before dark. So, facing the prospect of freezing all day and then having to free camp somewhere, I decided to head back to the casino to see if I could bum a ride to Vegas. I know when I'm beat and a wind chill of 22 degrees for 60 miles is where I draw the line. I mean, even the fiberglass cow by the casino was cold.
When I got back to the casino, I met up with Jack again and he and Suzanne offered to drive me to Pahrump, about 30 miles away, where I could rent a car. Thanks so much for the help!
So, Sam got stuck in the back seat and I now have an extra day so I decided to come back to Furnace Creek to camp tonight and do a bit more sightseeing before heading for Vegas tomorrow.
Happy New Year everyone!
-- Post From My iPhone
Location:Back in Death Valley?
Glad we could be of a little help ... a good 2011 to you GFABR ! ... m jack muranami
ReplyDeleteSend us your email to jack.muranami@hp.com
ReplyDeleteI thought you used Sam two?
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year!
ReplyDeleteGlad to see you're still touring, I have been very lazy since last tour.
I did plan a trip in the UK last October, but ended up being ill the week before and the prospect of bike touring post flu wasn't such a good idea. I'm hoping to join some friends going from London to PAris at Easter.
I was just wondering what make Sam Junior is? As I have the insurance pay out from my old bike to spend on a new tourer?
Happy pedalling,
MAri
Hi Mari,
ReplyDeleteMy new steed is a custom Co-Motion Americano Co-Pilot. Co-Motion is a local company down In Eugene, Oregon. If you can afford a custom build for a touring bike, I highly recommend it. I have far less aches and pains and am more comfortable and more efficient. The Americano is just fantastic and although I love my old Sam, it's not even in the same league as far as fit and performance as the new beast. I hope you enjoy your Easter ride to Paris!