June30, 2017

June 12, 2017

Words can not describe the day today.  We left at 7:00 a.m. with a heavy fog hovering over us.  The air was damp, which made the 45 degree temperature seem much colder.  Within ten miles the sun started to peak through, and the wind started to pick up.  The wind was not much different then the day before; over 15 miles an hour and in our face.  At times all we could do was 9 miles an hour. 

For a period of time I couldn't help but think of my brother in law Al Schrock, who passed away in 2014.  Al was married to Sheryl’s sister Dorothy.  Al was not one to set the world on fire, yet his steady pace always accomplished a lot.  Today it simply took a steady pace, one peddle at a time and we made significant progress; 66 miles. 

At around noon, we pulled into Swan Valley.  The clouds seemed ominous and sure enough, it was not long and the rain began.  We sat at the restaurant for nearly two hours.  Finally, with the rain falling we decided to take off towards Victor, Idaho, which was 21 miles away, and over Pine Creek Pass. 

Deb had spent the morning shopping for warmer clothes for me.  She has been a life saver on this trip.  Only a couple miles into the climb, Deb came to the rescue with the warm gear.  It is amazing what you can do with the right gear. 

We had about 14 miles to the summit of Pine Creek Pass.  The top of the pass is at 6764.  We stopped several times to warm up in the car with Deb.  Rain fell hard at times and we were both pretty wet and cold. At one point I said to Titus, “this feels like the road to hell, except that it is getting colder and we are going up.” 

On the 7 mile downhill to Victor I froze.  By the time we met Deb in the center of town, we were both frozen.  Titus thought he was dealing with hypothermia. 

From Victor, Deb drove us to Jackson, where we went to a bike shop to buy a few items.  We told them we wanted to cross Teton Pass in the morning.  They told us not to.  Even when we came over the pass it was snowing pretty good.  It is supposed to snow all night and all day.  Titus told me there is a winter advisory for the next day. 

Although it is disappointing, I think we have decided to skip Teton Pass.  With the snow and the freezing temperature, the 21 mile trek seems un-doable and not safe. 

Tonight we are sitting in our motel watching the CAVS.  After what we went though the last two days, I have found myself losing interest. 

Here is to hoping tomorrow is a better day! 

Good to be alive!