Chama, New Mexico to Bloomfield, New Mexico
I slept in the tent last night and it got down to the mid 30’s. Still staying warm, although I did sleep in a sweatshirt and a few layers. Got up at 6:30 and found a cafe. On the wall was a huge painting - four feet high by ten feet wide. It was a painting of the Scenic Railway Station, but what drew my attention was the parking lot full of antique cars. Just reminded me of all the model T’s and such that I passed on yesterday’s ride.
I asked the waitress about the antique cars in the painting and the area. She wasn’t sure of a connection. but it just so happened that the artist was having breakfast at the next table. He said he painted it in 1991. I took a photo and the waitress even killed a light to diminish the glare.
Hit the post office and off to Dulce, NM at 7:45. Early start. Long way to go today. Had my long underwear, gloves, and hat on. My water was icy cold and drinking it reminded me of melted snow. The road was so quiet, I could hear the other water and Gatorade bottles sloshing around as I pedaled. The scenery continued to be impressive and it was a quick and peaceful ride to Dulce, NM - 26 miles away.
Along the way, I crossed the Continental Divide! Stopped to take a photo by the sign. Stopped in Dulce to mail home another camera. Took a photo of myself in the reflection of a store window which showed the way I was dressed for riding in the chilly morning air.
Back on the road, went another 35 miles and stopped for lunch. A couple were pulled over on the other side of the road and offered me a cold bottle of water. At first, I thought to refuse because I wanted to lighten my load. I had more than enough water with me, but cold water sounded good. We admired the view of the Colorado Rockies to the North. The Plata Range, near Durango about 80 miles away, were pretty clear. Several other ranges to the east of that, were visible, too! Ate my lunch and said goodbye to them.
I am in the middle of a 72 mile stretch from Dulce to Blanco, NM. Luckily there is a lot of downhill and only 3 climbs of any difficulty. The roadside flowers are quite colorful. Had to stop and take a picture.
The last 20 miles into Bloomfield, were a bit plain. Crossed the San Juan River and it looked inviting. The late afternoon sun had warmed the air to about 80°. I was riding without a shirt. Some difference from the triple layers of clothing this morning, not to mention, a 50 degree temperature swing!
Got to Bloomfield and there was a library open until 8 PM! A rarity! Updated some website stuff and answered email.
Now dinner. All I wanted, all I craved tonight was a salad bar. Unfortunately, not one to be found. So I went to a grocery store and bought a bunch of vegetables and some dressing and made a salad at a picnic table in Bishop Park. I ate so much salad, that it became dinner after all. Need to keep nutrition in balance.
Set up camp in a nursery. No dogs. I had to keep telling the shrubs to keep it down!
Totals for the day: 107.60 miles, 8 hrs. 23 min., 2623.1 total miles