June 19, 2018
Bob's to Akaska: A Dark and Stormy Day
By Jen
| Heart | 7 | Comment | 0 | Link |
The weather on June 19th was actually quite delightful. Overcast skies, temps ranging from 57 to 73 degrees, and mostly single-digit wind speeds. "Where was this dark storminess, then?", you ask.
The dark and stormy day was in my head! Apparently I had not fully recovered from the hell and damnation of June 18th, and shortly after we started riding I began to cry. It's challenging to ride a bicycle while crying, and I don't recommend it. It's hard to see the road through bleary eyes, and harder yet to ride in a straight line while continually wiping a drippy nose.
I pulled over to see if a snack would help and broke into a full-on wail. You know, shaking shoulders and the whole bit. Fortunately Ron rode up a couple of seconds later and, like the stellar spouse he is, offered comfort and a sympathetic ear while I spiraled into an ugly rant. "This is stupid!" I screamed. "Why the blankety-blank are we doing this??!!"... and "I want to go HOME!!" And then with increased volume and melodrama, "Oh, wait ... We don't have a home!!"
This whiny-complainypants-ness* lasted another 30-40 minutes and both Ron and Gay were the pillars of stability and empathy I needed until the storm passed. That's the great thing about emotional outbursts. Even though they feel like they'll last forever, they're just temporary weather systems.
We made it to Akaska, mostly with me limping behind Ron to block the wind. What finally pulled me out of the dark clouds were some curious cows and a lonely tree. Most cows run away when they see us, but this brave group walked towards the fence, stretching their heads upwards as they sniffed our peculiar fragrance. We stopped to watch the cows as they watched us. And then I looked over and saw the lonely tree that seemed to say, "Get over it, girlfriend!"
Once in Akaska, population 42, we rode down the 3 blocks of Main Street, past the 6-room motel and down to the Bait Shop to see what they might have for lunch. Surprisingly, the restaurant had about 15 tables and a susbstantial menu. I went for the 1 item that included vegetable matter, an omelette, and the menfolk opted for meat. A decent meal also helped to improve my outlook.
After lunch Gay went over to the attached bait shop to get a soda. As he walked through the bar area he stopped to talk with Tim, the restaurant owner, who was watching a show about helicopter hunting on the big screen TV. Ron and I ambled over there, too, and before we knew it Tim offered to let us camp on the lawn at his Mansland Hunting Lodge - for free! He gave us access to a giant garage/ bunkroom for bike parking/gear storage and to the adjoining bathroom & shower. The area where we set up our tents was flat and shady, so, all-in-all it was a great deal, considering that the fee at the town's only campground was $40!
Once again we were humbled by the random kindness of a stranger. We probably didn't share his opinions about the merits of shooting animals from a helicopter, but that really didn't matter. Tim's generosity and hospitality were just further evidence that it's a good idea to travel outside of our ideological bubbles once in a while.
To conclude the comforting calm after the storm, The Three Amigos enjoyed a delicious rice/chicken/beans hodge-podge sitting in the cushy patio chairs on the Mansland front porch. And then, in a phone conversation with my mom, she encouraged me to develop a list of daily affirmations to help me cope with bumps in the road. This is a fun ritual I started with her a few months ago to help remind her of her awesomeness as she deals with the challenges of being 86 years old. We end most of our conversations with her daily affirmations.
How's this, mom? "I ride through the wind, not against it. I believe the hardship:easyship ratio will remain in our favor. And I will keep moving until I experience something that breaks up the storm clouds."
*The term 'complainypants' was coined by Mr. Money Mustache.
| Heart | 7 | Comment | 4 | Link |
5 years ago
And, you’re coming away with some incredible memories to rehash and share, and some beautiful photographs.
I really feel for both of you. There is absolutely nothing as dispiriting as fighting endless headwinds. Rachael and I think of both of you daily, praying for some breaks to go your way.
And no, Ron, $100 is not better as an emergency tire repair, unless it’s a hundred singles in a wad. Surprised you didn’t know better.
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Today's ride: 38 miles (61 km)
Total: 720 miles (1,159 km)
| Rate this entry's writing | Heart | 8 |
| Comment on this entry | Comment | 10 |
5 years ago
Sounds like you and Scott have had your share of challenges with hills and heat. Thank you both for inspiring us keep pedaling.
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Thanks for the encouragement and support!
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Thanks for reading and for your support!
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