Well, I am happy to report that the knit hat kept my head nice and toasty all night long! I was snug as a bug in a rug! I still tossed and turned a bit but at least my head stayed warm! Yay!

Again, there was a light drizzle so decided to sit tight and wait it out a bit. While lying there I was considering the idea of raising my handlebars (rotate them so the shifter part is raised) as my hands were tingling both days. It is a relatively easy job requiring 3 Allen wrenches. And so soon as I had my mind set the rain stopped! I exited my den, grabbed some grub from the bear box and enjoyed a light lunch consisting of delicious banana bread made with love from Shons! Naturally, I washed that down with some hot coffee which also warmed me up nicely.

All fueled up I made quick work of the handle bar, shifter/brake and bar ends adjustment. This should get me more upright and put less pressure on the hands and back. As a side bonus the handle bar bag has more clearance making it easier to attach! A win-win!

I then made my way to the Marino Grill where I planned to park and write last night’s post. The rain held up for the hike and I found a really nice spot on the balcony overlooking the mountains. As I was writing a couple asked if they could join me (seating was getting full at this point in the day noon ish). Naturally I offered up my two remaining seats and had a wonderful conversation.

Terry and Rosie are a retired couple from KC here on vacation. They have been on the tour buses and will take a cruise from Anchorage to Vancouver starting Friday. Terry is/was a mechanical engineer so was naturally thrilled when he learned that I too was an engineer. Rosie was a CPA and, being a concerned parent, asked if I was investing into my 401k! She was quite pleased to hear that I take full advantage of this. She was even elated when I said I also invest in IRAs. She continued to go on about how kids these days don’t invest into their future… She sees it all the time.

Terry was proud that all 4 of their children finished college and paid for it by themselves. He said he told them he would not give them a free ride! He believed one needs to earn it in order to appreciate it. Well said Terry.

I don’t think Terry or Rosie quite understood what I meant when I said I was cycle touring from fairbanks to Denali and then to Anchorage. I think they thought I was part of some motorcycle tour group. I left it at that. They finished up their meals and we said our goodbyes.

The rain clouds came in and blocked the warm sunshine so I meandered into the indoor seating area. There I ordered the vegan wrap and a drink and parked near an outlet. I sat there getting refill after drink refill writing and people watching while the rain came down. I originally intended to do more hiking but chose instead to give my knees a much needed rest before tomorrow’s wet and grueling climb. I was also trying to plan my breakfast and lunch for Friday. I brought enough freeze dry stuff for everything but tomorrow’s breakfast and lunch. I really didn’t want another wrap (heavy and not calorie dense) so I decided to head back to the mercantile grocery to see what they might have.

Once at the mercantile I perused the shelves for the most calorie and protein dense items that I actually enjoy. Bingo, crunchy peanut butter and bagels! I’ll probably have one for dinner tonight and then for breakfast and lunch tomorrow. I also scored another 2 for 1 banana deal! I ate that with some peanut butter when my virtual Kona showed up to wish me luck tomorrow! Thanks Kona!

While working on this post some more cycle tourists rode up. This one was different though. It was a family complete with infant! The rain was pouring and they were scrambling to get into some dry clothes. They sounded German or maybe Dutch and I could get the situation seemed a bit tense so I figured now is not a good time to approach them.

I continued writing when eventually someone else commented on the baby seat and the bikes. I figured now was my chance to work my way into the conversation.

While I don’t know their names (language barrier) I do know they have been on the road for 3 weeks. They intend to venture into the park to do some backpack camping. Like Derrick, they currently do not have a final destination or completion date in mind. They are just going with the flow so to speak. This takes cycling touring to the next level in a major way. They quickly took out their stove to make some food for the child and then tended to themselves. This must be the ultimate test for a relationship. Having a baby must be tough enough but cycle touring with a baby? That’s insane! 😁

After speaking with couple and watching them franticly change into dry bulky sweaters I began to wonder… Do I have enough long sleeve clothes to keep me warm after a long wet day? I have 1 long sleeve tech tee and my smart wool. I have a few short sleeve shirts too which I regret taking as more long sleeved shirts would have served me better… I decided to venture into the mercantile to check out their clothing stock. They have a few light weight options in my size but the book store and baggage claim store area by the visitor center has more. So, I’ll swing by there on my way to igloo to pick something up. I think this gives me piece of mind… Especially when it’s 45F and rainy! I suppose I shouldn’t have talked bad about my sleeping bag as it may be a life saver in the end!

I’m gonna hang out at the mercantile likely till it closes at 10:30PM as at least here I can people watch or wander into the laundry facility or sit on a warm toilet seat! I’ll update this post of anything interesting happens. Otherwise, my last bit of wifi will be tomorrow morning. I won’t have any type of connection until I return to this area sometime Tuesday afternoon. Fortunately, I have a nice and toasty cabin lined up for Tuesday night! With my own shower even! Good bye warm water… Hell, goodbye potable water! Hello to the ‘Last Frontier!’

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Mom and Robin I know you are worried sick about me. I promise I’ll do my best to stay out of trouble and remain safe. I won’t take any unnecessary risks that put me in jeopardy. If a problem arises (injury or bike breaks) the bus can pick me up and haul me back to Riley Creek (where I am now). Just remember that I love you guys and I’ll be back home before you know it!

Shonu, I will try to reach out Friday morning via Android Hangouts as that uses wifi. I know you’ll be busy running but hopefully we can connect. Hugs and kisses and know that I love you dearly. 😘🐕