Choosing between rewriting yesterdays lost post, or doing nothing. My butt is aching, as is much of my body. I had spent an hour writing a post for day 2, and the WordPress App lost it when I backed out. Slightly disappointing. I’m tired, but it’s difficult to sleep. I want to get an early start so I’m not pitching my tent at 9pm again tonight.
Last night, as I finally got my tent up and hit the single shower at roughly 9:30, I found that it cost $0.50 for a shower. The cost was no big deal, but getting quarters was a problem. I ended up having to purchase two soda’s from the machine next door which were $0.75 so that I could get two quarters back. And then I was fearful the thing was going to shut off on me. I didn’t see any obvious indication of how long I got, so I was finishing through cleaning up and didn’t do a great job. It was a less than satisfying end to a rough day.
So as I set out for today’s ride at 8am, this was weighing on my mind. I had knew that day three’s campground likely didn’t have a shower and I was pondering riding a few miles to some South Bend to shower, then riding back to Bruceport. But there was still no guarantee of a shower this way.
At about mile 20, I came across this place where I decided to fill my water bottles. And then I realized I could eat here too. Soo glad I stopped. Big portions and yummy food. It is the first time since leaving Portland that I’ve actually felt like I had enough to eat.
While I’m sitting there waiting for this bounty, I have a look at the map of South Bend, and with curiosity, I type in “hotel”. And up pops a nice little place with a 4.5 star customer rating. And before I realize it, I’m on the phone making a reservation for tonight. They have a shower, and WiFi. Oh I’m so looking forward to a night in a hotel now.
But, before I get there, google navigator has me taking another slight detour. And it’s not for a couple miles before I hit gravel again. Its a beautiful ride, and I’m running early today. And I know I’ve got a shower and hotel waiting on the other side. So this 6 miles of deserted gravel road is entirely enjoyable.
Most of it looks exactly like the picture above. There was a running stream off to the right for much of it.
When I arrive at the hotel at about 4:30, I’m a little disappointed to hear that the there is not bike shop or laundry mat in this small town. I would need to hit the next town up (Raymond) for any of those services. But the lady behind the counter offers to do my laundry for me if I just leave the bag a outside my room door. OH MY GOSH! 5 STAR’s on yelp for the Seaquest Motel in South Bend. The motel is really nice. They pay attention to all the little details. There’s a fridge and a little kitchen area. It feels like a home, and not a cheap motel room. Total recommend it if you’re ever here.
Too tired for any more pictures. I eat a burger at the local restaurant, again where they don’t serve fries. But the side salad is really yummy. A quick investigation reveals that I won’t be leaving until 8am tomorrow. Cause that’s when the coffee shop opens, as well as the local shopping mart.
Finished Day 2’s post and went off to bed.
For a link to the full GPS map, click here.
Wow, what a grand adventure you’re having! I’m guessing you’re one of those people who absolutely must have a daily shower to survive. It’s liberating to be stinky, I say! Looking forward to hearing more. How are the tires behaving?
Oh the tires Maria! I was actually going to send you a personal note of gratitude and thanks for picking out those tires for me. At first I was trying to steer around certain larger gravel, but I had to give up that entirely to get anywhere. And those tires have simply been amazing!
Oh, and about the shower. I’ve backpacked many straight days with no shower. Did so with Cato in June. But sometimes, like the other day, it was just so necessary. I plan to be without a shower on the 6th and maybe the 7th too. I’m saving my tolerance for stinky until then. 😉
Enjoying your writings Rich…feels like I’m right there seeing what you are seeing. Hope your burn is better…and hydrate…especially as warm as it is. Have fun…