Checked out of the hotel in the same temperatures we checked into yesterday, though the 78° seemed much warmer in the sun, must have been the warm smiles. A 20 mph west wind was predicted, but nothing was blowing as we pulled away at 9:00. Fine with us, as that meant the wind wasn’t in our face, either.

The first part of our ride was on the interstate, not nearly as bad as we had imagined.  We had a wide shoulder with little traffic and those that did pass were very courteous. After ten miles, our course directed us to the frontage road. The gradual rolling hills we had on the interstate became much more dramatic  as did the peaceful scenery. The sun had gotten hot, even our sweat was sweating as we climbed the country roads. Not exactly a relaxing day off, but we were enjoying the ever present farms and the changing topographyespecially knowing we didn’t have to pump out 50 miles.  Two hours later the breeze picked us up on an uphill climb.  Though it had not built to it’s full strength, it was an always appreciated tailwind.  Our last stretch was on the interstate for a six mile coast into town.  Too early to check in, so went for lunch; tried this restaurant for sentimental reasons……nice find with a half pound mushroom cheeseburger and a small side of potato salad….. and this is only lunch!  As we waddled away, had to stop for lemonade.

Meet Rooster Cogburn.

This is where you scroll down if you don’t like long, happy ending stories about dogs.  Rooster was one of twelve born in Santa Cruz, CA, to two hitchhikers.  Before he was six months old, he, his siblings and his (irresponsible) parents had walked over the mountains to Vegas.  Fortunately, he and his family were picked up by a young lady that drove them to Colorado.  As a gift for driver’s generosity, Rooster was given to her and now had a real home.  Later, when the college student volunteered to go to Africa on a mission, she interviewed applicants (required to write an essay) to adopt this puppy.  We were luckily enough to stay at the motel of Rooster’s mom, who adopted him on sight…..how could you not?!

We are staying in Wibaux (Wee-baa) for one of two reason; to take a short day and most importantly because of a brewery that people for the last 100 miles have  been telling us about.  What a great find this place is, even if we did have to bike three quarters of a mile from our hotel to get here.Great beer (from what I’m told), fabulous wine, incredible staff,fabulous foodand top notch live music on Friday and Saturday nights.  If we didn’t already have reservations in the next town, we would probably stay another night…..at least we had tonight!!