The day started with a very interesting conversation I had with one of the lodge owners.
He is a retired chemical engineer who worked on government projects and also has a major interest in rockets. He has built himself a backpack rocket that lifts him ~5ft of the ground, and forward for about 8ft.
It was very interesting listening to him, but I had to eventually say to him that I hate to be rude, but I had to go if I wanted to get to Van Horn before sunset.
A mile into the ride, I realized that with all the talking, I had left my wallet in the office at the Lodge. I went back, and yes, he was waiting for me to come and get it. Fortunately, I did not even have to get off the bike, he just came over and gave it to me. He commented that he would have given it another 10 minutes, and then come looking for me.
The good news is that the road I was on was a frontage road for the I10, which meant hardly any traffic. The bad news is that there was heavy traffic noise from the I10. I just had to tune it out.
While I was pedaling away, I noticed someone coming towards me. Turns out it was a young guy and his dog. He had panniers front and rear, and pulling a two-child bicycle trailer. I was wondering about the trailer, until he got closer, and I saw a dog in the trailer. He had modified the trailer slightly to create protection from the elements for the dog as well as a hangout for her with her toys. When he stopped, she jumped out and came to say hello, then went back to her spot. I have to say, the dog looked pretty happy in her place. She just sat there watching the world go by.
Unfortunately, I can't remember the young man's name, but he is on his way to San Diego. He was doing a lot of filming and photos as he wants to try and get on the reality show 'Survivor', and will use his adventure as part of his application.
I wish him all the best and thorn-less roads. Unfortunately, he has had ~10 flats already.
The rest of the ride went well until I was about 5 miles out from Van Horn and got a flat.
Finally got into Van Horn before sunset, and happy with how the day turned out.
Morning Greeting
Images
Hi Andre
Thanks for the interesting updates. What an adventure, lovely people!
Keep on!