Camp near Medicine Bow National Forest
Coordinates: 41.3704° N, 106.2392° W
This morning came slow and soft—just how we wanted it. We slept in knowing there was no agenda, no road to chase, no rush to pack up. It was a day to be—and a good one at that.
After letting the dogs out, we fired up the coffee and sipped it slowly, talking through the day ahead. I decided I’d get under Clifford (our trusty rig) and make sure everything under there was still good and tight. I’ve been chasing a clunky/popping noise during turns, and today I finally pinned it down to the passenger front tie rod end. It just spins and refuses to tighten—likely the main culprit. Frustrating, but progress nonetheless.
Gayla spent some quiet time working at her own pace on the computer while I dove into a sea of mechanical forums, parts diagrams, and long-winded explanations until my eyes were tired from staring at the tablet.
The dogs, of course, lived their best lives: nap, eat, nap. Rinse and repeat.
Eventually, I got stir-crazy. We laced up our boots and went on a nice 1.75-mile walk around the area. The sky was wide and blue, and on our way back, we caught sight of an antelope trotting in the distance—graceful and alert.
Supper was a small feast: I grilled up some beef mango habanero brats, and Gayla made scrambled eggs with melted cheese to go alongside them. Simple, savory, and just right.
After dinner, we walked the dogs one more time around camp. Gayla returned to the computer for a bit, while I ended the day digging into more E-Bike research. There’s a lot to learn—but the idea is growing on me.
What we learned today:
Sometimes rest is the best kind of productivity. And sometimes a clunky tie rod end can teach you a thing or two about patience.
Stats for the Day:
0 miles driven
1000.2 total trip miles
1.75 miles walked
Knowledge gained: immeasurable (and slightly blurry-eyed)
