Damn it’s cold!

I’ve made that reluctant lifeboat-hard decision to return home to Bend and exchange my nice roomy square bag for the utilitarian — warm mummy bag.  It is with a heavy heart, that I make this difficult and deflating change to my plans, but damn it was cold last night.  And this morning, I was miserable.

I finally crawled out of the tent, challenging myself, “Should I go for that huge, calorie-laden pancake, egg, hash-brown, bacon breakfast or fire up the Jetboil for tea and a Fiber One bar?”  140 calories versus 3,000?  Which would warm me?  Okay, dammit, the pounds aren’t going to drop off without a little discipline.  What a delicious protein bar, yummy!  Editors note: I’ve changed the foul-mouthed, poor excuse for sarcasm, children maybe reading.

I packed while bundled up in all my layers, finished my tea, and after a quick stop to re-stock at Lil’ Brown, I’m off on Rt 97 to Bend.  Nothing out of the usual, RV/Semi-truck clog at Biggs Junction, Oregon High Winds, and sunny mountain views in Bend.  The neighbor, Brock, who is cutting my lawn and watching the place, of course saw me first thing.  “I thought you were going to be gone three months?”

“I’m not here, I’m just a figment of your imagination.”  I reluctantly admitted, “I was freezing, so I’m upgrading my equipment to the cold weather stuff.”

I took a long hot shower, spent the night in the empty house, made plans to meet Jeff in Sprague Lake Resort tomorrow, and then we’’ll go on a venture through Canada.

It is becoming difficult to leave the Pacific Northwest.  I keep making social engagements that are hampering my travel East.  After the Nakusp, BC motorcycle event 18-22 August, I’m moving toward the sunrise.  I’ll turn off my phone so friends won’t be able to reach me for invites.