Probably the worst night camping so far. My sleeping pad was flat as a pancake all night and as a result I got cold trying to sleep. The pad is there to give you more comfort, but also insulation from the ground. There was frost on the bike in the morning, so that gives you some indication. I had put on most of my clothes, with the exception of my rain jacket and pants. I slept on and off with bizarre dreams which I won’t try to convey.
The sun did help me warm up a bit more when it rose above the horizon. I shared my blight with Hamish and Jess when they got up. Hamish offered up a hot cup of coffee, which was well appreciated. I knew that I didn’t want to camp without a pad much longer, so I set my goal to reach Pinedale today. It was ambitious since I had to cross Union pass, and the road was notoriously rough before Pinedale. It was also over 80 miles.
I quickly packed up and got ready to go on my way. My food bag was still hanging from the bridge untouched. I also sent a satellite message via my Garmin Inreach to one of my daughters who confirmed that the Outdoors shop in Pinedale had new pads in stock, and that they were also open on Sunday (tomorrow). That was great news! I preferred not to sleep another night on hard, cold ground, but just in case I couldn’t make it there today.
It was the start of the weekend and the locals (Wyomians) were out in force on the trails with their side-by-side ATV’s. We have had some of that in Canada, Montana, and Idaho, but these folks acted like they owned the trails, not slowing down for others, and kicking up a lot of dust. They typically didn’t even wave or acknowledge your presence when they passed. It wasn’t everyone, but definitely a majority, and not something we encountered in other places. I don’t like to generalize, but this seems more common in Wyoming. I did have one ATV stop and offer me an ice tea (which was really hot tea in a bottle), but the gesture was nice.
I crossed over Union pass and headed down the other side. I was a bit behind schedule if I wanted to get to the store in Pinedale before it closed. Dark clouds started to appear on the horizon which didn’t inspire me either. I stopped and spoke to a nice young English man riding the GDMBR northbound. He said that he had stayed in a shelter last night and that it was really nice. Hmm, that might be an option since making Pinedale today seemed to become more and more unlikely.
Top of Union pass
I had to deal with an increasing number of uncourteous ATV’s the rest of the day. It also looked like many had a can of their favorite beverage in one hand, and I guess it wasn’t lemonade. Then suddenly I saw the shelter building a bit off the road. It had a pit toilet facility right next to it. What a luxury! The shelter was empty other than a wood burning stove and some picnic tables inside. The sign indicated that this shelter was open for use by anyone. It seemed that it was sponsored by the snowmobile club in Rock Springs. Nice! It had a donation box which I contributed to. I also noticed a couple wool blankets on the bench, which I could use as a temporary sleeping pad under my sleeping bag. Things are looking up! A few of my fellow GDMBR cyclists stopped when they saw my bike outside. They however were determined to get to a designated campsite between here and Pinedale. I pointed to the dark clouds, but they seemed determined. About 15 minutes after they left, it started pouring rain, with thunder and lightning, even some hail. I felt safe and snug in my shelter. 😁
Strawberry Shelter
My makeshift sleeping pad
A stove with provided wood ready to use
Another young rider did come in afterwards and asked if he could join. Sure, plenty of room. He was Wesley from Tasmania. A really nice guy, and apparently fast on the bike as well since he said he typically rides 130 miles a day 😳. I situated my sleep area on the floor, put on my eye mask (invaluable on this trip), and went to sleep.
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