Well, I finally had to use my lights, but we will get to that in a
minute. Leaving Reno was pretty uneventful. Passed a few nicer
casinos, went to Joe's Diner (nothing special, thought some of you
would like the name). Day one was pretty easy only one climb and one
big decent (44.5 MPH). Day two on the other hand was an adventure. I
started out a little late (no suprise there) by 10:45 I was rolling.
After a 20 minute search for a pharmacy (forgot to mention earlier, my
right knee is killing me so I was looking for a wrap or brace) I
really got moving. I popped two Motrin and toughed it out. Today was
my last big challenge of the trip (I think), a 4,000 foot climb to
Carson Pass. If this were a movie "Eye of the Tiger" would be playing
over this montage. And don't think that I didn't sing it once or
twice. The climb got the best of me a few times and force me to walk
for a bit, but at about 5:30 I slew the beast. Now for the intense
bit, but first a word of thanks. During this trip, my Dad has been for
lack of a better words, my travel agent. While I am peddling away, he
occasionally, however increasingly, works to find me a place to stay
for the night. Tonight was no exception. Due to the mountainous
terrain, I was rendered without cell service for most of the day. He
found a few places for me, however by the time I was able to contact
him; all but one had closed (the furthest away, of course). So after
finishing my dinner and stapling on my lamps, I set off in the rapidly
fading light to find the Kit Carson Lodge. Now the trip was not all
that difficult, one and a half miles uphill and five miles down. Now I
don't know whether it was the chicken I ate for dinner or the sense of
fear I had that made the uphill fly by, but before I knew it I was
soaring down the mountain. It was none but by the grace of God that I
saw the sign for the lodge and made a hard left turn. After bumbling
around in near darkness for five minutes I found the right path and
the office; I was saved. Not only were the office staff very nice, but
they gave me a nice little shortcut for tomorrow. Until then...
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Face to face, out in the heat
ReplyDeleteHangin' tough, stayin' hungry
They stack the odds 'til we take to the street
For we kill with the skill to survive
Risin' up, straight to the top
Have the guts, got the glory
Went the distance, now I'm not gonna stop
Just a man and his will to survive
It's the eye of the tiger, it's the cream of the fight
Risin' up to the challenge of our rival
And the last known survivor stalks his prey in the night
And he's watchin' us all in the eye of the tiger
Survivor
Matt:
Two thoughts for this evening. The first inspired by your words. Eye of the Tiger by Survivor lyrics. How appropriate that the name of the group is Survivor. You have survived one obstacle after another. It also reminds me of the song from the Replacements - I Will Survive by Gloria Gaynor. Now that is one you can sing tomorrow. Only too happy to be your control center albeit 2,000 + miles away.
There is one other quote that came to mind when I read your blog entry for the day. It comes from someone I am sure you know. It is as follows:
"It is not the mountain we conquer but ourselves."
~Edmund Hillary
I certainly think you have pushed through pain, isolation, and trepidation during this journey. And in doing so you have learned a lot about yourself. I am happy to be along for the ride.
Sounds like you had a fun couple of days Rocky -- LOL -- can't wait to see and hear all about the journey -- at the rate your going -- you will be home before you know it. Hang tough and watch that knee. talk to you soon.
ReplyDeleteOver the mountain and through the dark! Maybe we could make something up from that. First time I was really nervous this whole trip. OK,we'll maybe not the first but helpless would be a better word. Just excited when the phone rings and your voice is on the other end. Now I think you should start singing, Sittin by the dock of the bay. Ottis Redding, hey I know some songs too! You should be there shortly!! God speed!! Love you Mom xoxo
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