UN AUTRE JOUR. 

Another successful sleep. It is sad that I continually draw connections to video games, but they are spot on. Many RPG games have a sort of health rejuvenation option when sleeping. Sleeping by the campfire only recovers some of your health, sleeping in a bed gives you a little more, but sleeping in a comfy bed fully revives your health bars. Unfortunately, I have found many comparisons during my travels. Perhaps they will be shared in future posts. It is quite uncanny, and I believe only gamers can relate to these discoveries, but I find them fascinating. Regardless, I rolled out of my comfy bed with a full health bar this morning.

My first mission was to search the strip for an espresso. Thanks to advertising, I spotted a large espresso flag waving before a shop down the way. This was the first espresso that passed the crema portion of the tasting. There was an acceptable layer of it atop the coffee. It had a balanced profile, not too acidic, not too bitter. The one downer is there was no full-on flavor. It was a good shot, but the search still continues. Still requiring a little more energy, I stopped at the breakfast joint not too far from my living quarters. This morning's meal was biscuits n' gravy with two poached eggs and black coffee. It was so savory, and I slurped it right up. The coffee was horrible, I might as well been drinking water. Regardless of quality or service, I still leave a handsome tip. Dining is an essential service, after all! 

The road was ready for me, so I packed up my things and got to it. There seems to be a bit of a trend developing here. When coming into a town, you get to ride the decline down. For departure, you gotta pedal your way out. That was certainly the case for today. The first nine miles were straight incline. My first rest stop was at a historical marker with a stellar view. There was a humungous pioneer wagon. I feel for those settlers who had to pull those things up these incredible inclines. After my history lesson, I continued along the prescribed path. It did not take long for me to find some forest and yet another historical marker. It was a good excuse to stop and stretch for the uphill battle had not quite ended. A charming older couple arrived and chatted with me about my travels. They were from Boise and gave me their contact information. We agreed that they would show me the best coffee in town, so stay tuned. I have this odd skill of being able to make friends with anyone over the age of fifty. Perhaps the rumors are true, I might be an old soul. 

After making some new friends, my journey continued. The climbing stopped, and the payoff began. It was an enjoyable decline, but I knew that there was one more big climb for the day. Right I was, for when my decent concluded, the climbing commenced. The forest was fabulous, and the traffic was minimal, so I did not mind. Plus, I was fully aware that after conquering this climb, it was smooth sailing. I even had some good encouragement during this second ascent. Several cars honked and gave thumbs up. It was shockingly more encouraging than it sounds. Finally, I arrived at the peak, which was about 5,100 feet above sea level. Not bad, but peanuts in comparison to the climbs I may encounter in Colorado. 

Alas, I was rewarded with a luxurious downhill once again. The mile markers fly by when you head downward. Towards the end of my descent, the forest came to an end. I was back in that dry desert landscape. This may be my scenery for a few days until I reach Boise. It is wild, the heat is just hotter when you switch to this landscape. What is the science on that one? During this whole adventure, I have seen many farms and much livestock. The animals are quite aware of my presence when I pass by. It is an odd experience because they stare at me with passion. What the fuck is this guy doing? These are the looks I received from behind the barbed wire. Today's experience was unlike any other. I passed a pasture of some two hundred cows. Every single one starred at me. Many moved closer to get a better look, or even followed along the fence. Humorous but also terrifying. 

Despite the curious cows, I arrived at Unity Point Lake Recreation. My neighbors for this evening were mostly trailers and older folk. I was the only tent camper and served as the mid-afternoon spectacle for these established campers. Unfortunately, this is nothing new to me. Being on that bagged up bike basically screams out, hey look at me! After unpacking my camp, I surveyed the site for water, showers, trailheads, and any other useful amenities. Many people chatted with me and wished me luck on my voyage. One fellow even let me stash my beer in his cooler. 

The day was still young, and I had enough energy for some more adventuring. I grabbed my camera and bike and set off for the highest peak. Climbing up this thing was a hell of a workout, but the photo opportunity was worth it. After safely descending, I returned to the campsite for a well-deserved shower. Other than my morning munch, all I had put into my body was an apple and loads of water. It was time to dine. I consumed two cans of sardines (one in soybean oil and one in tomato sauce), an uncountable amount of carrots, plenty of pepperoni slices, a chocolate sea salt RX bar, and an IPA. Dinner was delightful. Being in the middle of buttfuck nowhere, reception and wifi were unattainable. Regardless, my nighttime duties were dedicated to typing up a terrific post. That is all folks. Goodnight and good riddances. Click here to see the route.