Day 19 - Why Are Easy Days So Hard?

Today was supposed to be an easy 35 mile day. A stroll in the park after climbing Mt. Everest. 100 miles yesterday, 35 miles today, no comparison, right? Well the 25 mile gradual climb out of Sierra Blanca with a 15 mph wind directly in our faces made for a cruel morning. After the rest stop things got a little easier and we finally arrived at Van Horn, TX. We rode immediately to a grocery store where we were able to buy some fresh produce for tonight's dinner. 

We got to the campground at around 2:00 PM. We did lose an hour as we crossed over into Central Time. 

Getting to camp early was a blessing. We were able to do laundry and work on our bikes. I'm the only rider in the group to not have had a flat tire. However, I'd been nursing a tire with a slow leak for a couple of days. I used the extra time to finally put a new tube in the rear tire. I don't know if I should count it as a technical flat. We're seeing who gets the most flats and who has the least. 

It was wonderful sitting around cooking our meals and conversing as the sun set.. It has amazed me how 17 strangers came together 20 days ago and in that short time period we've united to help and look out for each other. We come from different areas of the country, we have different religious and political beliefs and different backgrounds but we've bonded for a common good. This experience is renewing my faith in this great country. I also can't say enough about the kind people we've met in the Southwest. 

Tonight the clouds are rolling in and there's a stiff breeze ruffling our tents . We are prepared for the storms that are predicted. The weather will be a factor for the next few days and we're all hoping it won't slow our progress as we continue this amazing journey across the US for MS.