Day 38: Montrose Rest Day

Day 38

June 23, 2015

Miles: 0

Montrose to Montrose

This is my first time to post on a rest day without having a riding day to write about too.  I've been wanting to post on a rest day to write a free format post. And because Steve continues to remind me of how popular two of his previous rest day posts (FAQ post and Tour Guy post) have been, based on the number of views and comments; so frankly, I find myself right now feeling a little pressure writing this post knowing there are certain expectations if not from you, but from myself.

So here it goes ...

Today we had a complimentary breakfast at the hotel.   Although hotel continental breakfast is not always the best, it is offered at the right price so we make the best of it.  This morning, we had high hopes because we were told when we checked in last night that farm fresh eggs get delivered daily.  So Steve had three eggs over easy and I had two eggs over hard.  We were pleased this morning because the eggs did taste fresh!  We also had toast and fresh fruits, apple juice and pretty good coffee.

We then rode our bikes to the hardware store because Steve wanted to buy two new bolts for the shoe cleat that he had modified in Dolores, and then we went to the bike shop for some supplies.  We both ended up buying another bike seat. We are now on our third seat each.  We really don't know if this is a good idea, but it is worth a try because our asses hurt!  There is only so much that butt butter can do for us!  

We then went to lunch.  We both had a salad and we shared a spinach, red pepper and cheese pizza. After lunch Steve took a nap and I washed clothes. Steve was correct in pointing out in his previous posts that I really do like clean cloths. Imagine wearing the same dirty cloths over and over.  No wait, don't imagine this.

So over the past few weeks, certain bare essential discussions and pictures have not made it in the blog.  Not for any particular reason, just because some things just get filtered out that do not seem to fit with the days events.

So this is what I will refer to as my 'second chance' post.  And as we know, second chances are extremely important!  Additionally, I'm going to share with you some pictures that never made it into the blog that I have been keeping for the right time.  

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We just love our sunglasses. My sister Toni- Ann bought me mine. Carbon frames with red lens, which I love. They are extremely light weight and protect my eyes well, while still keeping everything you see light. I can see every imperfection in the road perfectly.  Steve's glasses are big, very big.  Bug like really, but who really cares. They fit perfectly over his eye glasses and are dark for maximum effectiveness. The edges contour around his eyes to ensure no light peaks through. He just loves them.  Now, it may seem a little odd that this made it to tonight's bare essentials list, but considering the sunny skies everyday, well, they are just essential everyday!

Cool shades on the right

Steve's arm sleeves that protect him from the sun. For some reason they even keep his arms cool.  Without these he would have lobster arms.  According to Steve - a very essential purchase.

Arm nylons

Why did I include this photo you may be asking.  Because I wanted to plug my iPhone protective case.  It is called Lifeproof.  100% guarantees - waterproof, sand proof, snow proof, and shatter proof.  I have dropped this phone three times so far.  I have been in the windy desert.  I have been riding in the rain.  Although it presents a larger profile - a greatly essential product!

Four proofs

This is an example of how we store our food at the campground.   We keep it high and away from where animals can get it.  Also we keep it more than 20 ft away from the tent site. We've been told wild animals have a keen sense of smell.  I trust you will agree, it is essential that we don't put ourselves at risk of being mistaken as supper.  

Hite campground

Now you may be asking why this picture of a toilet is in the blog.  Although public bathrooms are just not that desirable, they are necessary!  I am so impressed with all the public bathrooms we have encountered along the way.  No exaggeration, they are always so clean.  We have yet to use a public bathroom that has not been super clean and fully stocked with toilet paper.  I thought this was worth sharing because p***ing is serious business as you know!

These pictures speak for themselves.  I saw them hanging on a wall at Blondies restaurant in Hanksville.

I like this

I like this too

I saw these trucks, both in the same parking lot. I thought it presented a cool comparison, nothing more.

Antique truck 1

Antique truck 2

This pizza was a whole pizza at one point.  It was half gone before I could take a picture.  I put this in the post because by far, it has been the best pizza that we've had so far. We had this pizza in Dolores a few nights ago in a local brewery & pub.  It was made with farm fresh veggies - spinach, mushrooms, peppers, feta cheese.  Yummy!

There are working pay phones all over the place.  Who even remembers how to use this thing!

A sign I could have done without.  Just a nasty reminder that you have to have eyes in the back of your head!

Watch out for with Lizards with sticks

We met a couple riding recumbent bikes.  Steve wants to try one.  I think I'll pass.  

Outside Bryce Canyon

I really liked this picture but it never made it into the blog until now.  It was at Desert View at the Grand Canyon.

Steve on top

We have gotten so much positive feedback from all of you. It has been so motivating to receive your blog comments and sometimes text messages, and phone calls supporting us and encouraging us every step of the way. We just love all the attention! It is so rewarding to know that you are enjoying the blog; we certainly like writing the blog entries. If you haven't already realized the blog has sparked a healthy competition between Steve and me. Steve looks everyday to see who has commented and who's post gets the most reads and comments. After he's through reporting the day's blog stats, I gently remind him that my post for day 12 hasn't been topped. He always responds - not yet!