Today looked bleak before I set off.
A HUGE thunderstorm passed by the evening before. I think it was about 50 miles south of me but it left its mark. It was literally a constant rumble of noise and light and was really impressive from the outskirts. I would have loved to have been in the middle of it.
The next morning the storm had left behind lingering drizzle, clouds and an apparent chance of lightening according to my phone app.
I contemplated hitching a lift to the next town. I didn't want to be stuck in the middle of nowhere with lightening threatening overhead. Over breakfast in a gas station I talked about the journey with an old farmer. He convinced me there weren't going to be any storms. He showed me his much more professional and informative weather app which I promptly downloaded.
Sadly, having lost any good excuse for a lazy day I steeled myself and set off into the greyness.
More wind, but this time with drizzle/rain and cool temperatures. I didn't mind the drizzle and the coolness. I actually liked it. As for the wind... Hmmmmmm
I opted for a short day because of the weather. 49.5 miles. There was very little to see. It was slow and painful.
The highlight of the day arrived at the halfway point in a town called Leoti. I was just dragging myself in to the outskirts, wondering where to stop to get some food. A 4x4 passed in the other direction. A lady smiled and waved. 2 minutes later the same 4x4 pulled alongside and Marcia asked if she could get me lunch!
My instinct was to say no thankyou but l'm glad I ignored that. I accepted and followed her car for about half a mile until we reached her recommended lunch spot. The food a was good and conversation was nice, each telling out own stories and talking about each of our families. It sounds like she has some successful children and she is a proud mother. Marcia has been 'picking up cyclists' for years and has made some lifelong friends apparently. We have swapped details and I will keep her posted on the trip.
Thankyou Marcia for an unexpected treat !
The rest of the journey continued to suck but my mood was lifted and all of a sudden the wind didn't seem quite as strong.
Weather is looking better for tomorrow I'm pleased to report.