Today we reached the highest elevation of our trip (8228'), so it's a good feeling to have it out of the way. It was a grueling climb, especially the last ~5 miles. At one point, I looked at my GPS and it was registering a 13% grade. For the most part, it was 5-6%. At the top, there was an Emory Pass Vista, where I took some pictures of the view.
Then there was an 8 mile decent and I probably wore out my brake pads on it. It was a little scary because of the switchbacks and there was some gravel in the road.
Tonight we're staying in the town of Kingston, population 20. Our hotel/inn is called the Black Range Lodge. It was originally built in the 1830s and then renovated in the 1930s using stone from other buildings in the area, including the dance hall. It's quaint, but not my taste. People that have an allergy to cats are staying in a separate building across the street, and those that are allergic to dust are out of luck. We were warned that we needed to think of this as an adventure because we're in the middle of nowhere and there isn't anything else available. So, I'm trying to be open minded.
They're preparing a turkey dinner for us with all the fixings and it does smell delicious.
I took a picture of one of their roosters. They'll be sure we don't oversleep in the morning.
I like this entry; pictures range from beautiful (Black Range Mtns.) to quirky (funky old lodge with rooster), and your figure "Population: 20" stimulates curiosity. It would seem like all 20 would work in lodge and/or restaurant. And cats probably outnumber them. I'd think this town has an interesting history.
ReplyDeleteJeanne, so happy that your down day was was in Silver City, more ops for small chores / errands than Kingston.
ReplyDeletecongrats on hvg the hightst elev behind you now.
I was at 11,000 elev in Peru and found that just walking was a challenge.
when we dropped down to 8800 elev for Machu Picchu, things did get easier.
but I wasnt trying to cycle. I cannot imagine having your stamina.
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turkey dinner must hv bn welcome.
query : are special meals prepared for your group at the various hotels ?
or do you eat from their standard menus, adding individual energy supplements ?
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perfect timing re tutorial on flat tires, right?
glad that all worked out OK for you.
query: does your support vehicle carry replacement parts , just in case ?
or do they hv contact w/parts places along the route as needed?
the logistics of such a venture must be vast.
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did your fowl alarm do the trick?
and are you sure that it was TURKEY you ate last night ?
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looking fwd to next blog.