Thrive Outside

After a great night of sleep, we were ready for the last day. We took advantage of a little stop for hot lunch.  Wow, I never knew how much of an appitate I can have biking. just fueling up (actually with popsicles)   Met an interested person with a horse helmet riding solo.  You never know what you will see on the highway.  We had 10 seconds of cloud coverage for the day. So hot. We also ran into a gaggle of brand new Jeeps riding as a safari.  They were taking our pictures.  So funny.  They created a huge mound of dust. Since it was the 4th of July, we did experience more traffic going by.  I loved to put a gummy energy block in my mouth or a date to give me a shot of sugar to power up the hills. We were told that we would end with some miles of payment at the end, but we were disappointed with that.  As there were only three miles instead of eight.  Urgh. But, those last miles on payment were a d...

What an amazing day to awake.  We had great showers at the lodge. The day didn't disappoint.  It was hilly, but we were making some good time.  Saw a couple of people cycling the other direction from Anchorage, but overall a quiet day.  We saw the only wildlife a moose and calf in the bushes. We stopped at the river and enjoyed the conversation from two retirees from Palmer fishing.  I took the advantage of the cool stream to soak my buff.  It provided a nice retreat from the heat. The bugs were minimal.  Our support motorhome ended up with a flat.  But, was able to get a new one in Cantwell before heading home. The interesting part of our campsite was there was a little pond.  I waded into the middle and got to wash my hair.  So refreshing!

We spent the night at Paxton Lake and enjoyed a buggy night sleep.  My husband wanted to bike from the camp, but I was hesitant not knowing what to expect on this never-before traveled road.  So, I ended up riding with my son to the intersection of the Denali Highway and the Richardson Highway at the abandoned lodge with NO FACILITIES. I spotted a fellow biker and was eager to engage him with stories of the road and journey.  I ended up dubbing him, "disgruntled Hungarian" because he had nothing but complaints about the road.  He said it was, "No good," in a thick accent.  My stomach began to turn. Urgh. About 15 minutes later, my extremely fit and fine husband rolls in and we began the uphill journey from Paxton to Cantwell.  The journey is 131 miles with some pavement.  Thankfully, the first hill was paved.  But, it was a nice way to get warmed up.  (Which would not be a issue at all)  Every day was a clear and crisp 70-75 d...