Wednesday, May 29?? 2013

What a wild ride this has been!  And for a couple of old people, I think we're holding up remarkably well.  Like the first long tour we did in '01, Russell's dropping off the pounds right and left; whereas I've probably gained about 5!  How can life be so unfair?? :-(  So far we've survived a hailstorm (by ducking under the one lone tree along the stretch of Hwy 20 in the NW Nebraska PLAINS); 40-50 mph winds during the night at Ft. Robinson which pulled the tent stakes out of the ground and sent us scrambling; and then just yesterday a horrendous thunderstorm which sent us into a UMC garden shed -- small, but dry and warm.  We used the shed to get into warmer clothes and get our bearings.  After the worst of the rain was over, we ventured out again toward Hot Springs.  It's been our experience that after the storm comes, the wind picks up and yesterday was no exception, so we had to ride the 10+ remaining miles into a NW headwind.  But here we are, in Hot Springs, SD -- either on target date or maybe even a day early :-)  We will have to travel into town in order to find a bike shop or a Wal Mart, as my mirror broke off again during our little "garden shed" extravaganza!  I've been listening to a conversation between the KOA clerk and Russell.  It involves mountain lions and steep climbs on the trail we're planning to ride shortly.  Oh joy.  I think the 114 degree heat in Arizona in 2006 was nothing compared to what might be lying in wait on this tour.  Keep us in your prayers.  Bye for now.