Day 17 At Rest In Spokane

My rest day worked out great. I went to the cell phone store where the clerk cleaned the camera lens to give me clearer pictures, the bike store to get some crouch lubricant (I couldn't think of a more delicate way to say it. Would non bikers have understood chamois creme?), the bank to get some cash, the hardware store to get a piece of plastic pipe for my bike stand, and the grocery store for the obvious. I cleaned and oiled my chain and repacked all my stuff. My clothes went into the laundry the first night I was here. I ate a lot of homemade pizza followed by ice cream. I talked with each member of the household and took the dog to the park.

When a person's circumstances change in a substantial way, such as taking a new job, getting married, or going from living at home to living on a bike, it takes some time to settle into the new situation. I think one is not likely to feel the same about the new way after one week as he or she does after a few weeks or months, when the new way is more routine. I'm not sure how this account is coming through to any readers. Does it seem a little bleak with all the talk about hills climbed and miles covered? There is no doubt that I have felt tired, lonesome, and worried about being able to do this trip. Talking with Chris on Sunday night about how I would get through the remaining mountains, was daunting. Now I am quite recharged and optimistic. The sky is cloudless. I have more faith in my body and less fear of the task. I am ready to go on.

Last night I got to look at the blog on Chhris' computer where I learned that there have been comments from readers. Web pages, including the blog, show up on the Blackberry in a somewhat less easily scanned form and I had never found the place for comments from you all. I am on to that now and appreciate those that have been made. I should also report what a boon it is to have my daily talks with Beth on the phone. It is such that I am altering my route in a couple of days from the back roads to I-90, so that I can keep them going.

The bacon is frying. The riding will begin in a little while. I will be enjoying it.

Thanks to the Copelands and fond regards to all.

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