Not even my iPhone could withstand these conditions

Today's ride was as challenging as any we've ever had. Heavy rains, high 30's temperatures and moderate winds made the riding very uncomfortable. Unfortunately, my gear, except for my pants, is not water proof. My gloves, boots and jacket were water logged early on. On top of that the hand warmers on the bike were defective. I could barely feel my fingers. The final hour was a mental challenge as I tried to convince myself that I wasn't cold. It worked for a little while but the final 10 miles was beyond my toughest resolve. I was shivering and could ignore it no longer. We limped into West Yellowstone and pulled into the Best Western (unfortunately not the one where we had a reservation). The very kind desk clerk handed us towels, brought us hot chocolate and called the other two Best Western's to see where we belonged. I am indebted to this kind sole. He is an angel.

My iPhone broke down from the elements. I had kept it in a plastic sandwich bag inside my jacket naively thinking that it would be protected. The second I took it out I knew I was wrong. It felt like an icicle and was waterlogged. It would not even boot up. After a hot shower and a long nap, I went to the local grocery store and bought a $2 plastic bag of Western Family long grain brown rice and dropped the phone in it. We'll see if it is an old wives tale or whether the rice will really dry out the phone. If it doesn't, oh well, I'll have to buy the new 5S.

There have been some interesting road signs over the past two days. I can't remember them all but here are a some examples;
-"45th parallel, halfway between the equator and the north pole"
- "Game crossing ahead"
- A homeowner; "Get rid of corruption"
- A motel "Catch your views, fresh daily"
- A town; "Slow up so our kids can grow up"
- A contented person; "Another day in paradise"
- Another contented person; "Every day is a day of grace"
Some positive spirits live up in these woods.

I'm looking forward to exploring the park tomorrow. So much to see and so little time to see it.


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Location:Yellowstone National Park