Interesting Sunrise!

What’s that sailor saying, “Red skies at Night, Sailors Delight……”; guess it is a good thing we are are bicycles!

Two blocks from our hotel, the weather weeny started whining, as the wind whipped around us, dropping the temperatures five degrees; Jerry patiently waited through the tantrum and then we headed on.  We had started early (7:00) as the temperatures were going to be in the 90’s, but for now it was a very cool 61° with a whipping southwest wind.  After a few rolling hills at the start, we were warmed up quickly.  The sky was magnificent, if you did not stop to think of the implications the storm that surrounded us, had.  With the cool temps we were pedaling hard to stay ahead of the storm (it had a good head start on us-note the pile of hail),taking pictures like crazy of the ever changing sky; as well as, trying to take advantage of the cool morning while it lasted. At one point the sun tried to peak through, soaring the temperatures to a balmy 64° and making the dark clouds even more dramatic. The storm that surrounded us made for a very interesting and beautiful morning in the sand hills.Shortly after ten, we started to get sprinkled on; not enough for windshield whippers, but a bit damp. By 11:00, we reached our last stop for food and decided on a rest; we had already pumped out 46 miles.  Before we had our early lunch on the table, the wind was whipping and it was pouring.  After our leisurely lunch, the rain showed no signs stopping, much less, slowing down.  With the storm, the internet was not coming in, to gauge the direction or duration of the storm.  Though everyone in the restaurant tried to be accommodating with their smart phones, nothing was working.  After an hour and a half of waiting, we threw our jackets on and headed out into the cold (61°) pouring rain; faces pressed against the glass and hands waving from our warm and secure stop.  The rain stopped shortly thereafter, but the southwest winds were strong and in our southerly direction, giving us a workout.  We pedaled hard to maintain 10 mph.  Just short of our stop, the sun was trying to make an appearance.

By the time we had our Duckies nestled away, it was 80°.  Thankfully, dinner was less than a block away; even with the cool day, after 67 miles we were tired.