Days 12,13. 9.16-17.2013. 90 miles from Cathedral Gorge to Cedar City. 65 Miles crom CC to Zion National Park.

We woke up to yet another monster blessing from John and Geneva, the offer of coffee. The offer, however, turned into toast with buffalo berry jam, and some incredible conversation. John is quite the story teller let me tell ya. He told us of his world travels, being forced to sit in a waiting room at the airport for 3 hours (buck naked), stories from his younger rebellious days, and stories of faith. They were both firm believers that God created us all equal and that one day no skin color, or accent or anything will separate us from the love of God in the kingdom. They blessed us so incredibly much it was almost unbelievable. They both work together in their business,

furniturestudio.com

, making perfect handcrafted wood furniture. I saw a sample they had in their fifth wheel and it blew me away. Someday I hope I have enough money to buy some of their stuff, it was sooooo cool. 

Here is their picture. 

Wonderful amazing couple. John and Geneva. 

John and I taking pictures of each other taking pictures of each other. 

Then we were off, Cedar City bound. But first we wanted to find a Nevada sticker (we are trying to find stickers of every state we ride through to put on our panniers) and had no luck in 3 different stores. Oh well, I guess we will have to go to ebay... not quite the effect I was looking for. We had some tough climbs and summits, but Josh led the charge in the morning summit as we blasted up 2000 feet before we even knew it. It was a remarkable climb that I do not anticipate us replicating... It must have been something special in the coffee. Our coffee luck so far has been amazing, three cups of coffee, and three remarkable rights quickly after. Hopefully this can become a trend. 

Is that Zion in the background?

Hill Defeated

Two states down. 6 to go. 

90 miles later, with only a half hour lunch break, we pulled into Cedar City thinking it was 7 PM but the time switched on us and it was now 8. Unfortunately we could not find a place to camp in the city! There was a state park, but weirdly enough it had no camping, so there went that idea. So our choice was left to motel, or stealth. Once we saw the field with big boulders just outside the city the answer was clear, stealth. We set up at dark, and tore down just before sunrise, and were back on our way. The weird thing was that we were camped very close to a stop light, but totally not visible, so I watched some of the city while I ate my cold canned chili for dinner. 

Today was an interesting one, it started with promise. I grabbed a phenominal sugar donut and a blueberry muffin for breakfast, then we stopped at walmart to pick up food supplies for the next days ahead... all great occurances. But then we began to ride on our only real road option... Interstate 15. Ugh what a terrible experience. In the first 100 meters on teh freeway I got a flat (rear). I got that fixed up to then get right back into the severe headwinds. Ever since 10:30 am, until 1:30 we had 30 mph winds directly in our face. We lost 2000 feet in elevation while on that road but had to pedal for every foot of it. Imagine going down steep hills and having to pedal so that you don't get blown back up the other way... ya... it was that bad. To make matters worse we were on the interstate (mom I wouldn't ever ride one if there was an alternate route). The speed limit was 80 mph, and it averaged a semi every 10 seconds.... There were countless blown tires on the shoulder, which actually was very wide thankfully (8 feet). Sometimes it felt like the wind was going to blow me over, or into the field off to the side. Riding the interstate is something I never wish to repeat, or wish upon anyone, especially for 30 miles. 

Can you see the wind on Josh's Shirt???

        After the interstate we ate lunch on the lawn of a mormon church. It was nice to relax after such a stressful ride. It seemed like we were so close to zion, but my maps said we still had 30 miles. As we were running out of water, and the heat was eclpsing 100 degrees, we came upon the perfect gas station at the perfect time. We filled up all our water bottles, and water bags with ice. Ice. Ice!. ICE!!!

        When we were on the entrance road into Zion, Josh's wheel blew a spoke. Really? A Spoke? Now? In Zion? 10 miles away from camp? After such a crazy riding day like today? Yep. So there we sat, baking, and putting our two minds together on how to fix it. Luckily I bought some spare spokes for my bike prior to the trip, and they actually fit Josh's wheel too! We worked to spoke in, and Monte (a passerby) stopped and lent us his floor pump to pump the tire back up (you have to take the tire off to fix a spoke). Eventually we were back on our way, flustered, tired, sun burned, and excited to be seeing the majestic cliffs of Zion all at the same time. About an hour later when we finally arrived at the gate to the park, this is after we rolled through Springdale tourist central of Zion, We found out that all the camping was full, and was full since 11 am! What! What! Not today... 

So we went backwards to a local RV park, asked for a tent spot, they were just announcing that all the spots were full, we stood there and then right thereafter another lady said a spot just opened because of a cancellation. We snatched it! The last spot, of about 400 campsites I think... went to us. We have a pool here, showers, and are right at the base of the biggest cliff mountain I have ever seen. Life in luxury

Coming into Zion

Getting Bigger

 Josh basking in our pool, under the cliff, and rinsing off dirt, sweat and semi exhaust.

After todays experience, we decided to take tomorrow as a full off day, instead of a half-off day. We are going to shuttle into the park and do as many hikes as we can beginning with Angel's landing (thanks to Uncle Vern's recommendation). We are going to visit the local bike shop to make sure all is well with Josh's wheel. Eat at an all you can eat breakfast buffet. Pick up a care package from Mrs. Klevorn! Whoot! and spend some quality relax time with God. It is going to be a glorious day.