Average Speed = total miles / total time = 66 / uhhh
Lodging - St. Thomas Episcopal Church - free
I didn't take the camera out of the bag much today. Not because there was nothing photo worthy, but because I was facing a 20 mile climb up Togwotee Pass, which sits at 9658 feet elevation. Thats the 2nd highest summit of the TransAmerica Trail.
As I was approaching the top, I kept noticing in my helmet mirror that the sky behind me was an ominous black/blue AND it was moving in my direction. At first I harbored the hope that I could outrun it...that hope was cruelly crushed when I was about 1/2 mile from the top...when the wind picked up so drastically that it was literally pushing me up the mountain without me pedaling. Normally, I would consider this a good thing, but I had a bad feeling about this. The moment I got to the top, it started raining and sleeting. I stopped, snuck a quick pic of the pass...
I tried to find a balance between a slow enough speed to lessen the pain of the hail and fast enough to get me out of this maelstrom. There was no place to stop. There was no shelter. I had one choice, get down that mountain as fast as I could AND pray.
Finally after 11 Miles, I came across Lava Mountain Lodge and pulled onto the front porch. I couldn't feel my hands. I was soaked. I was shivering uncontrollably. I walked into the store not sure about the reception I would receive. I really kind lady behind the counter offered me a cup of hot coffee amd showed where the restrooms were so I could change into some dry clothes and put on more layers.
After an hour, the storm subsided and I continued on my way. Grateful to be warm and dry again AND thanking God for keeping me safe and for the kindness of a stranger.
I did take one final pic of the Grand Tetons this morning as I bid them farewell.
What a blessing!
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