Day 20 – Door, Window, Notch (aka mounds of multi colored mud)

Narration Here.

Up more or less early due to time zone change, coffee some b-fast and off to today's trail selection. MJB had selected a nature trail but on the way there was a sign saying it was closed so option 2 was a trail head that had several shorter and one longer trail. The team agreed to use the shorter trails as warm ups and then see if they wanted to do more. Appropriately named Door trail was a short walk to a ledge with a large opening that let one view the valley of spires down below beyond. Window was similar with it's own unique view of the valley below. Notch was a bit longer and rated 'strenuous' because halfway down the path was a wooden ladder that once ascended promised to lead to a spectacular view of the White River Valley. It was an out and back so at anytime a hiker could opt to perform and about face, and head back. Less than 1 mile in to the hike the ladder loomed up the side of a steep rock. Several other groups were allowed to pass as the Smitanic threesome caught their breath and contemplated the value to exertion ratio of the climb. Kevin easily made the assent followed by Theresa right behind him and then MJB who took her time but was determined (or maybe scared) to get to the top. After another celebratory pause it was onward to see the Notch! The trail wound thru the spires along a dry creek bed and then finally ended at a large opening between 2 peaks. The view was indeed spectacular and well worth the sweat and sore knees! By the time the threesome returned to the car it was unanimous that no more trail hikes were needed... at least until after lunch and a nap!


The RV's AC struggled to have an impact on the relentless heat of the day. It was doing it's best to maintain an inside temp just at the 80 degree mark. Once the sun lowered towards the horizon however the shade gave some relief and the warm breeze made the outside tolerable to prepare the evenings meal. Three Sams Club size chicken breasts that were more like turkey breast were thawed, along with a salad and rice was on the menu. More than enough for a tasty meal and even some for leftovers!

The campground had been evacuated during the day leaving lots of empty sites, it was Friday night so as expected campers with Tents, RVs, as well as pop ups started to roll in to claim a spot until there was little selection left.

The three amigos split one of the ginormous chicken breast and were quite satisfied as they relaxed outside in the shade for a moment before the clean up would begin. Circling the campground by the Smitanic was a bicyclist, fully loaded with front and back panniers looking like he was in search of a home for the night. Kevin shouted “Dude, we got Chicken and rice over here come tell us your story!” There was no hesitation, the allure of a good meal was exactly what was needed! Introductions were made and Theresa set up another table setting for the new visitor to partake in the feast. The young bicyclist, Cameron Hatch, had been riding for 2 months and had already cover 3600 miles. He never trained for this epic adventure he just bought the bike for the ride.  He had started his trek in Anchorage Alaska and has not shaved nor had a hair cut until the end. He was riding to raise money for his cousin and family members who had a rather rare hereditary cancer. His goal is to ride all the way to Argentina in South America by August of 2016. Here is his site http://pennies4miles.org/

It did not take Cameron long to relay his story and answer the 1000 questions that were fired like the Spanish Inquisition at him, while devouring one entire chicken breast. “Hey there is another chicken breast would you like it” Theresa offered. “If you don't mind that would be great!” He systematically devoured the second hunk of meat and washed it down with a Mt Dew. He said the park ranger had told him to just find someone willing to share their site for the night so of course the response was “mi casa su casa”. Kevin said “dude if you would like a shower you can use the RV”. Cameron took that offer with a resounding Yes !

The stars were out in full force again and Cameron shared a nice iphone app called Star Chart that he used to ID constellations. He was also equipped with a solar charger that was strapped onto the back of the bike. As he rode during the day light hours it would charge a battery that he could then use to trickle charge phone and GPS systems. On his new claimed, shared, camp site he could easily plug right in to get all the devices fully charged for his next day.

Cameron would be heading east in the AM and the Smitanic would be heading West so farewells would be said in the morning. The moon and stars did align in bringing Cameron and his story and allowed great camping Karma to be passed on.