Stage 16 - Grant Tetons, a rest day - June 9, Sunday

We enjoy breakfast: Judy and Sonya joining David, Vik, Jonah, Peter and myself. Before we know it, time for the trip to Jackson and the airport. Vik and Peter traveling to Atlanta. I am sad seeing these two fine men depart. They were key parts of the team. Vik personally accompanied me and helped enormously during my longer rides and two Centuries. I tell Vik his ghost will accompany me on future rides; I will try and keep up. Vik points and conveys "stay in my bike's slipstream". We laugh at the inside joke and enjoy the memories. I am looking forward to many fine adventures ahead with David and Jonah.

Everyone departs for Jackson. I remain at Coulter Bay. I have a list of small things I want to accomplish: catch up on blogging, stretch, laundry, repack, read, decompress. I enjoy the nothingness and unimportance.

The sun is shining and the outdoors calls. The Slim Miss Piggy, my steed, is ready to ride. And yes that is her nickname - apparently I have the heaviest bike of the four and Peter has complained of my steed's heft. Rest assured his complaints are unfounded. The Slim Miss Piggy is what she ought to be. I love my bike. She's a beauty and just right for me.

I interrupt my day's chores and go for a ride. 25 miles stretches my legs and lets me see the Grand Tetons from the saddle. It is fun. Whenever I think about the cold or the duration of my ride, I remind myself to focus on what is around me. "Enjoy the moment and the destination will come, with far less anxiety or effort" I tell myself. It works!

I see two grizzlies. The first is about 50 yards ahead of me just off the road. A dozen cars scattered on both sides are in-between. I contemplate my escape routes ... Flee? Jump on top someone's car? Plead for space inside? The bear meanders across the road and continues into a heavily bushed area. I take no pictures; I'm still plotting my exit. With the second grizzly, the roadside is managed by several Park Rangers. The bear is about 150 yards away. I manage to take a few pictures; none good.

I return to the Cabin. I report in to the main reception and let them know I am back. Before I left, I let them know about where I was headed and about when I expected to return. I wanted them to have some idea where I went in case something happened and people needed to find me. These acts (like using sunscreen, etc.), while commonsensical, are unlike me. It is a small way to show my love for Terri and honor my commitment to her to act safely and responsibly.

I continue with my chore list. Laundry. I visit a gift shop and give in, purchasing a fleece sweatshirt. My logic: buying the fleece ensures we will have good weather in the coming days and my purchase will have been unnecessary. I would readily pay an amount equivalent to the fleece for good weather so I consider it a good bargain.