50

Thursday, July 24, 2008, 1st campground in Montrose, Colorado, site of the town’s first hanging tree.
I got up around 6:30 and woke up the others. The bike seats were wet. We packed up most things and headed out. Willie didn’t come because he was sick, but John and Vicky did. It was really cold, and going downhill, I couldn’t keep from shivering. The commuter traffic to Telluride was pretty bad coming at us and much of the time, there was no shoulder. Also, there was a lot of commercial traffic and semis, making it a harrowing ride. I was glad after 15 miles when we took another, less traveled road. The gradual climb seemed easy, and as the morning wore on, the sun warmed us and dried all our wet gear. Gloria stopped along the way and dried out the tent and tarp. Adriana and I made great time to Montrose, arriving at around 2:00 pm. We waited for the others, drinking sodas and refills. After everyone came, we did the usual routine: the others rested while Gloria and I scoped out the city to determine where we would camp and where we would shop. Once that was decided, we set up camp. Then I drove to Home Depot and bought another tarp (also too small, but combining the two should work) to supplement the one we have and keep the tent totally dry in the rain. Back at the camp, we cooked up the lentils, pork and beans, and spaghetti. Everyone got plenty. Then we took COLD showers. For some reason the hot water wasn’t working. Next we visited the original “hanging tree.” Later we went to Dairy Queen and Wendys, depending on your preference, for some ice-cream; then we went off to Walmart. I slept in the van while everyone else went shopping. When we got back to camp, I went right to sleep. Later I found out that John and Sarah had accidentally walked into a water filled ditch and soaked themselves before going to bed. 64 miles.