Chase and Caroline played hard last night and apparently Erin has taught them proper tactical communication skills. They sounded legit, if I do say so myself. Caroline has the call sign Red Bird and they gave Erin the call sign Red Heron. Never caught Chase’s call sign, I assume it is just as clever as the other two.

Today was the day Erin and the crew had to cut the umbilical cord and send me out into the real world on my own. I woke up earlier than normal and stayed in bed and listened to Chase breathing and the birds chirping outside as the sun was beginning to rise. It is always hard leaving loved ones no matter the duration of separation. I finally made my move and climbed down from upstairs and began to slowly get ready. Erin was obviously up and trying to make sure I had everything I needed. I finished breakfast and hugged Erin and thanked her again for everything and off I went.

I left the earliest I have left so far on this trip because I wanted to make sure Highway 83 was as uneventful as possible since I would be on the highway for about six miles this morning. My early bird method paid off as I was only passed twice on my side and only had two other cars pass in the opposite direction. Victory.

Today I would find myself on nice gravel forest service roads in the woods with limited views. The smells of pine trees and various flowers made up for the lack of eye popping scenery this morning and I kept my streak of seeing a deer every day going.

There was a short, mostly uphill, section today that was on some amazing single track. I have to be honest, I do get a little nervous since I am in grizzly country and I do make sure to sing and talk to myself out loud in addition to having my bear bell ringing continuously. No worries, the nervousness of a sudden bear encounter does not hinder the ability of me to really enjoy the moment while in this totally unique and amazing place on earth.

Nothing too challenging today as I found the ride really enjoyable. The ride was a continuous up and down with plenty of time in between to really enjoy the ride. I had planned to stay at a different campsite than the one chosen, but I got word from Tracy that the Holland Lodge Restaurant was ridiculously expensive and she was staying at the campsite closer to the route. I am now camping right across from Tracy and waiting for her and Firefly’s arrival.

Folker, guess what I am sitting in as I wait?Yep, my chair!