The best way to start summer?
Can you think of a better way to spend the first night of summer? How about in a teepee in Wyoming where it’s so unbelievably cold that it completely hinders even the concept of sleeping? And how about when you wake up, there’s frost on the ground. You know… that mythical first frost of summer. Ahhh!
That’s pretty much my night. Except that there were obviously moments of sleep. I had dreams such as:
-The dream about a gas heater… warm blue flames.
-The dream about buying thermals at Kmart.
-The dream about hanging out with Cole in warm California.
-The dream about an electric heater.
I’m sure there were more. So I slept at least four times last night.
The scooter was also covered in frost. Right now, it’s 39 degrees. I’ve ridden in colder, but would really rather not. The sun is out and warm (thank god the sun isn’t cold). The temps will rise quickly in the sunny spots.
There are cows bellowing in the background.
Tonight, they’re calling for the possibility of severe thunderstorms with dangerous lightening (as opposed to that safe, cuddly lightening) and microbursts. My tent won’t hold up to that. The fiberglass poles are held together with duct tape. If I find a Gander Mountain type store, I’ll be hitting it to buy aluminum poles. If not, and if the weather goes bad, I’m heading for a motel. I don’t want another night like Gallup. No thanks.
6 responses so far
Ah, the joys of summer in Wyoming. Last time I was there was 1994 at the Rainbow Gathering in the Bridger Teton National Forest, the 2008 gathering is getting under way there and unfortunately I’m not going to make it. I remember it being about 85 degrees on July 5th, my last full day at the gathering. I started hiking out and decided to sleep out on the ground at the Jesus camp closer to the parking lot. Man was I surprised when I awoke to a bunch of hippies singing “Let it Snow”. Dolt! And snow it did, all day with high winds and near whiteout conditions on July 6th. Good times!
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Eric reply on June 22nd, 2008 11:03 pm:
I rode past the Bridger Teton National Forest, I think. Are you saying that this year’s gathering is there? I didn’t see any hippies. And thankfully didn’t ride through any snow.
Awesome story. Hippies can be fun sometimes.
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Let me know when you’ll be in my town.
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Eric reply on June 22nd, 2008 11:03 pm:
Sure will, boss! I’ll know for sure after I hit Seattle.
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Scoot Scoot!
Got your message. I arrive in PDX tonight and will be there until WED. Then I head to Seattle. I desparately want to camp, so the PDX-Seattle trip will be split up.
Did you call Ducati Seattle? THey sell scooters and I can vouch for their mechanic. He’s doing my shocks when I arrive (18,000 miles yikes)
Yay! I’m gonna meet Eric!
WHat Northern route are you taking home?
Peace
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Eric reply on June 22nd, 2008 11:05 pm:
I think I leave on Wednesday too. I’m taking a round-about way to get to Seattle. Even seeing the Goonies house. Maybe even Goonies Rocks!
I didn’t call Ducati Seattle, but I got in at Big People. If I need more, I’ll give them a call. Your shocks sound scary. I alway wondered what happened when they went out.
As for the Northern Route, I think I’m taking the Yellowstone Trail. Mostly US Route 12. But I’ll be exploring old alignments and generally being geeky.
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