White Mountains

We are approaching a dangerous point: we’re starting to get used to this.

Today Richard set out on a big bike loop around the White Mountains. He had a great ride and even saw a bear! I stayed back at camp and got a chance to play with some of my toys. I set up the awning that now comes as an option with the Alto, made by a company called Pahaque Wilderness. I’d seen their products and know them to be a high quality establishment. In fact, I ended up getting one of their tents in anticipation of my son joining me mid July. It will also come in handy as a “guest room” I’m thinking.

The awning sets up pretty easily, even by one person. There is a little railing on top of the roof of the Alto and one side of the awning just slides into it. Then you put a shock corded tent pole together and slide it through the outside sleeve. Driving stakes into the ground is probably the most effort requiring part, but there were some trees nearby that worked for the guy lines. The sides can either roll up or stake down for privacy. In addition, I got an accessory to cover the entire opening. I was told by the company that they have already added more attachment points for this item so I’ll need to sent it in for retrofitting when I get home. For now, it will work just fine as the only slack points are at the top. It’ll be a perfect changing room and a place to do stretching.

I’ll be honest here, despite my best intentions, I have not done my stretching routine for about a week. Eek. I’ll get back on it, I swear.

After messing around, I drove Bruce down the same scenic route and met Richard for lunch in a town called Lincoln. We just happened to meet up as they were getting ready for a 4th of July parade. So we got to enjoy pizza and ice cream and watch the festivities. I also got enough of a signal that I was able to post a few days’ worth of blog backlog. I guess this is how the online access will probably go. I have mixed feelings about that. On the one hand, it’s nice to be disconnected, but on the other hand, I sure do feel disconnected.

We then stumbled upon a surprisingly good market and grabbed Teriyaki chicken and steak skewers, portobello mushrooms, and potato salad and drove the rest of the loop back to camp. It was a beautiful drive so tomorrow we’re going to explore on foot and bike in some of the natural attractions. Back at Dory, we enjoyed some down time with hot chocolate and a nice nap.

After tomorrow, we get three days of travel to make it to the “Alto Rally” where we meet up with a bunch of Facebook “Altoistes” friends. Really looking forward to that.

We enjoyed a picture perfect dinner with all my blue accessories.