I once lived in a place where the showerhead and sink faucets looked like this rock very quickly, even after cleaning. So when I had blood tests done and my copper levels were off the charts, my doc advised getting the water tested. I did. The water had high copper levels, as well as cadmium and something else horrible (not lead), even after running the tap for 3 minutes. My doctor advised that it would be in my best interests to not drink that water any longer or move house. I moved. Copper is so valuable, I thought it was a shame I couldn't ring it out of my blood and sell it!

Guess it makes sense that a tech uni would be in a place of mining....

What are all of those little dashed lines off of Sharon Ave that look like trails? Mtn biking or cross country skiing? Cause mtn biking would be fun, but cross country trails in summer... not as much fun (and maybe full of ticks).

Some rain here and there is to be expected, but I feel sad for you that you have to put up with it since you have lots of life responsibilities and don't get much time for touring. You deserve blue skies, tailwinds and perfect temps when your touring days are limited.

They were not too big on health and safety then!

I was wondering when somebody would notice that water bottle. The Feeshko made me buy a new one on our last visit to REI. She said the discoloration in my other ones was gross. Since I was being shamed, I figured I might as well get one that matched.

Even on paved roads, my bike accumulated a lot of sand.

Martians are very tricky.

I can't speak from experience about your Velveeta-Pasty theory, but I'm confident in saying, "GROSS." On the other hand, I trust your judgement, so maybe I should give Velveeta a second chance. Maybe someday . . .

Yes, it was the experience I had.

Pasties are more available around here than cell phone coverage.

Wow, the one in that guy's hand looks like a colorful angleworm. I've never seen anything like the one I saw.

Wonderful the way your bike blends in. Even the water bottle!

And you can get pasties!!!

Glad to see you riding in the rain to maintain your Tough Guy status. But I would think that any day with a pastie is a good day, even if it rains, though. And hey, it looks like you had the campground mostly to yourself!

And... if the inside of the tent is dry, your sleeping bag is dry and you've got a dry set of clothes... it's actually pretty nice to cuddle up in the bag all warm and cozy and listen to rain on the fly. Hope that's the experience you had!