Day 36: Kanab, UT to St. George, UT (86.3 miles, 2756.5 total, 40.7 mph max)
Wow! Zion is amazing. The best part of the trip so far. Unbelievable.
We got off to a late start today because we had to repair a spoke and buy a patch kit. It was a good ride, though. Two climbs then all downhill.
Going through the park was absolutely spectacular. The road was smooth and downhill. We had to get a ride through the tunnel in the ranger's pick-up. We were kind of discouraged, but it was a very long, windy tunnel.
We made it St. George, UT and are camping here. We had a long conversation with a man from Idaho in a hot tub at the campground. He looked like my Uncle Sam but acted like Cliff from Cheers. A little boy at a gas station punched my leg today and then his father made him apologize.
We just missed a brushfire in Hurricane, UT, but saw the aftermath.
I thought about camp all day long. Today is the day the campers arrive. I hope it's going good for them.
We're close. Pacific time zone tomorrow.
Day 37: St. George, UT to Mesquite, NV (44.1 miles, 2800.6 total, 36.6 mph max)
A short day. We had to stop because it's 80 miles to Vegas and there's nothing in between. We rode the interstate the entire day because there is no other road. It wasn't as bad as I thought it would be.
Mesquite is a gambling town with two casinos. We stayed at the Virgin River Hotel & Casino because it is cheaper than a campground. They advertised rooms for the past 50 miles.
We hung out at the casino and spent a grand total of $1.90 together, saw a movie and went to a great buffet.
I feel like I'm going to be ripped off here somehow. Casinos are a scam. There are no windows so you can't tell if it's day or night. No clocks. No water fountains. I'm always watching my back. I'm very weary of Las Vegas now, because I know it's going to be 100 times worse, at least.
The band played "Me & Bobby McGee" and it reminded me of my girlfriend who used to sing that.
What a drag the casino is. I see hundreds of people throwing money away. I feel like they're stupid. Don't they know they're going to lose? I can't understand it.
Some of them are on vacation and so this is how they choose to spend money. I just can't see how that's any fun. There are a million other things that are much more fun than this. Well, let them blow the money. I'll hang on to mine.
Day 38: Mesquite, NV to Las Vagas, NV (85.3 miles, 2885.8 total, 37.7 mph max)
Quite a day. We got up at 5. We split early and were on the road by 6. We made it to Vegas by noon after stopping twice for rest. The Ziblers, Chris's sister's friends-of-a-friend, have taken us in for the night. They are very nice to do so. Mr Z is very funny. He knows everything. We went to the strip at night. It's unreal. It's as light as day -- neon everywhere. The casinos are huge. What an amazing place. I lost $10 at blackjack. The security is super tight. We were both carded and I was told I couldn't stand in one place for too long without gambling. Everybody has a wire in their ear.
Day 39: Las Vegas, NV to Baker, CA (96.0 miles, 2981.9 total, 36.2 mph max)
We're within 20 miles of the 3000 mile mark. Today was so tough.
The desert is quite lonely and hot. We climbed to 4800 ft in triple digit weather. It's very trying, but I felt good and not nearly as drained as I felt in Virginia. I'm in great shape now.
We're in Baker, CALIFORNIA!! We crossed into our final state and are 200 miles from our destination.
I never pictured being so close to accomplishing a dream so important to me. Baker's hotter than hell (106 F). We're spoiling ourselves with a hotel room. It's a really lousy place. There are palm trees painted on the walls.
People here are really impressed with our trip, a lot more than back East. We were only starting then. I'm glad to be out of Vegas and Nevada. Too much chaos there.
Three more days. What a feeling this is.
Day 40: Baker, CA to Victorville, CA (104.3 miles, 3086.2 total, 33.6 mph max)
Where to begin? Woke up at 5. We were in Barstow by noon. In town, I rode onto an enormous sewer grate. So, I'm back on a bumpy ride.
While eating lunch in Lenwood, CA, two kids (3 - 5 years old) were in a station wagon parked in front of us, facing us. They were playing, waiting for Mom to get our of the store. The little boy shifted gears and the car started rolling backwards toward the highway. I got up, jumped in, and put on the emergency brake. My moment as a hero! Hurrah!
We got to Victorville. It is very much an Hispanic town. Big town -- 60,000 people.
Somebody tried to rob Chris. They were going through his bags while we were in a store. What a shit! Chris and I were pissed. We didn't notice until later when we realized that Chris's bags were all shifted around. Nothing missing, though.
We're up in the air for tomorrow. We don't know where to go. We'll play it by ear. On day left!
The Tin Can Man - a 14-16 year old boy. He has a lot of ambition with his 4x4 Radio Flyer. "In God's Way"
I was ecstatic at this point of the trip. Aside from beach vacations and road trips with my family, I'd never traveled far from home on my own. To finally go out on my own was exciting, but to do it on a bicycle felt even more freeing. I'd watched every inch of the way pass by.
I have no idea what the last bit of the entry from Day 40 means. Chris, can you help?
