Day 15, 18 August: Fairfield to Carey, ID
Day 15 was short, only 45 mis and 675 ft of climb. We started out cool at 60 degrees with jackets and sped through the course. With only 2 rest stops and 2 noticeable hills, we arrived in under 3 hours. High for the day was about 80 – a welcome change.
Road conditions were much better, with good shoulder most of the way and no rumble strip. At our second rest top we saw a couple of moose ramble through some trees across the road; unusual for this area. Appeared to be a cow and calf, but they were too far away and too fast to get a picture.
At 0930 our house hadn’t even been vacated by the previous guests, so we grabbed a coffee at the local gas station (except for Tes, who opted for a beer). We hung out until the diner opened at 11 and had lunch, then took a nap at the picnic area next door (which ended badly for Tes) until the house was ready for us at 2.
The house has 3 bedrooms, and Bill took an air mattress in the dining area. We were able to do laundry, reducing the load at our next rest day in Rexburg.
We held quarters and reviewed the day. Tomorrow looks like a repeat with 44 miles. We do have 1520 feet of climb but basically a gentle uphill with a couple of bumps, and a long down and flat to Arco. We reviewed the possibilities of some weather on a long 87 mile ride Sunday – showers and maybe thunderstorms – and briefed lightning procedures (get off the road).
We honored Rod Shockley – Bruce Hargus wrote a nice comment on Facebook. Tom rides tomorrow for Scott Hendrickson, our only loss from 9th Co.
Mark and Tes prepared another fine pasta feast, and Sally and I polished off two bowls of microwave popcorn after dinner. Turning in early – got 8 full hours last night but still could have gone back to bed.
USNA 1973 Ride-2-Remember 
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