Yip yippity haawww in the mountains

Overlooking "Flaming Gorge" UT

Top of our first mountain pass in WY 11,000 feet. (We say "wrists of power unite" because we think we're some type of super hero with our thumb sleeves....weird, but fun).

Christie: It's been just 7 days since we left Cheyenne, WY and we've crossed 2 state borders. The border crossings are always fun. I like to raise both of my hands (one for me and one for E) and give a "Yeah!" The first day of altitude biking quickly humbled me, with shortness of breath, heart racing, and upset stomach. The following days felt better, after a container of iron filled raisins and our bodies making the extra necessary hemoglobin our oxygen starved lungs cried for. We made it over an 11,000 ft pass in the Medicine Bow National Forest near Laramie, WY, our first mountain pass of the trip (really our first mountain pass ever on bike) and first snow sighting of the journey as well. The same day, the next mountain pass was the continental divide. E had fun by blessing this country with a river of sweat from his brow sending a stream to both the Atlantic and the Pacific.

Continental Divide blessing of Eric's brow sweat to the Atlantic and the Pacific.

The downhills, I must say, have been slightly frightening and exhilarating at the same time. At times, crossing the 50 mph mark (while braking) - I was only informed of that after the fact. The "Yip yippity hawwwws" abound from the captain, and then I joined in once I got used to my cheeks flapping back in the wind.

Mountain lake rest.

The camping has been phenomenal, beautiful scenery, and we continue to be in awe of God's creative masterpieces in our backyard. We were at the end of a long day of climbing in the mountains, decided to pull off the road to what appeared to be a flat place to lay our tent (perfect), hiked in about 50 yards and happened upon a small waterfall and mountain lake (awesome)! Another day, we ended up getting a "Community use of school facilities and equipment" permission slip from the head of maintenance to camp under the Craig, CO Junior High bleachers. When we asked to camp there, he said in a matter-of-fact kind of way..."No body has ever asked me that before" and we chuckled. The request, as the official permission slip states, "use of area under bleachers", the type of activity "camping out of the rain" and the insurance required "none" and fee charges "none." Our entertainment that evening was the first football practice and then the cross country runners. Our final random camping event was in Dinosaur, CO in which the information center ladies told us there were showers across the road at the city park and "I think people have put tents there before"...that was enough to convince us that was our spot (after a 95 mile day I didn't care, really, where I was going to sleep, I wasn't pedaling anymore anyways). Aaahhh...the shower was lovely.

Treating mountain stream water with UV light.

Mom and Dad Strecker met up with us on 8/23 with the 5th wheel in tow after being in Yellowstone and Grand Teton parks. We affectionately call them "Central Command" back from the Appalachian Trail days. It has been a blast having them roll with us, exploring the area more than we would have, and spoiling us with a roadside lunch, and camping together. We took a day with them to go to a natural hot spring pool and then to Flaming Gorge. We plan to pedal another 4-5 days before we camp with them again in southern Utah to explore Bryce Canyon and Zion National Parks. A roadside lunch with "Central Command". It's not the size of the trailer that counts!

Hobos at the "Hobo Pool" hot spring

Hot spring for aching muscles

We met John Wayne ("that's my real name") outside a grocery store. He suggested a motor for our bike (thoughtful). He also told us his secrete on how to remember names...so we are now Christie Brinkley and Eric Estrada. Fun guy. When asking a fellow biker in Centennial, WY about the climb of our first mt pass, he said, "You'll sweat no matter which way you go." He was right.

Mrs. Moon in Baggs, WY.

Biker who took a few minutes at a slower pace to discuss our trips. His 8000 miles in 26 days, ours 1,300 in the same period of time.

A blog follower asked if there was anything we've learned about each other these past 3 weeks of traveling 24/7 together that I didn't know from our previous 9 years of marriage. Let's see....he sweats way more than I ever knew...the kid streams sweat from the brow endlessly. His shirt and camelpack have salt deposits that flake off when dried. It is truly an amazing gift. (He also craves potato chips now which we never ate before...little salt depleted? or pregnant? Salt depleted I'm pretty sure.) We are also enjoying the devotion "Love Dare" that has challenged the way we express love in our marriage (highly recommended for all you couples out there).

E - Christie can eat more than I've ever seen a girl eat. I think she's actually putting down more food than I am. It's impressive.

E- So with that we leave on another week or two of cycling and exploring before the next post. In speaking with a few co-works over the past few weeks, one asked if we needed a ride - not yet. We are continuing to have a wonderful time and the legs are feeling better by the day. As far as feeling guilty about not working....that hasn't really crossed our minds. The price is sometimes sleeping under the bleachers or struggling up a hill, but each day is new and we continue to enjoy, and be amazed by the world around us. Life is good!