GDMBR Day 21

• Start: Hopewell Lake Campground, Carson National Forest

• Finish: Somewhere near Lagunita’s Campground, Carson National Forest

• Miles: 34.4 miles

• Odometer: 731.8 miles

• Ascent: 3,600 feet

• Descent: 3,100 feet

• Location: https://share.garmin.com/Judice

Highlights:

The day started out as a very beautiful, pleasant ride with a moderate tailwind. The day ended in a sloppy muddy, hike-a-bike snowfest. There were rumors of possible snow on the ground up this way, but I had to see for myself. At around 2 PM it began to sleet, and an hour later heavy snowfall was being blown sideways due to heavy winds. Should I turn around? I started thinking about shelter, warmth, water, and food and mentally began checking those boxes. I tried to (literally) push the last couple miles through the snow to the Lagunitas Campground in hopes that there might be some shelter, but the snow was too deep reaching up to 4 feet in places. I ended up pitching a tent and waiting out the snow, wind, and as the sun set, sub freezing temperatures. I melted snow in my cook pot for water and to make dinner. And then curled up in my sleeping bag with every stitch of clothing I had available. I sent satellite text messages to Robin and Dad to let them know I was OK since they closely track my progress and seem to know the weather forecast before I do. I slept cold but confident that I was safe and prepared.