Backtracking

Hello Everyone,

One of the biggest challenges about travelling alone is that there is a lot to keep on top of, to keep in your mind, and there is no one off of whom to bounce ideas. I have to remember to shut down the camper properly when I move, not forget any items behind, lock the truck every time I leave, and then think about where I want to go and what I want to do. I am, for instance, listening to a lot fewer podcasts than I had envisioned as a result.

Yesterday, after leaving the library in Anniston, I made one quick stop at a very cool bike shop and took to the road, backtracking north to Chattanooga. The state lines are pretty close around here, so I'm never quite sure if I'm in Alabama, Tennessee or Georgia. I see a mixture of license plates.

The first problem I have to solve when I go anywhere is finding a place to stay. Rest areas are sometimes an option, but it's always better if I can stay at a trailhead or something out of the way like that. Campsites are also an option, but I have to use them sparingly to stay on budget.

There was a traffic accident on the interstate leading into town and the traffic was backed up for miles and miles. Google rerouted me through some side roads, one of which wound up and down a mountain on the outskirts of town. Nothing like driving a narrow, winding road, with no ditch and oncoming traffic in an extra wide vehicle. At night.

My first stop was to check out the trailhead at Raccoon Mountain. It was a hike to get up there, and technically the gate was supposed to be closed by the time I arrived, as it's in a state park, but the gate wasn't actually closed, so I went ahead anyway. It was very dark and there weren't any other cars around. It was getting late, but I decided against staying there, figuring it wasn't worth the risk of getting kicked out after having spent awhile getting set up. Also, it was super creepy.

I figured I might as well go to a rest area, which wasn't that far, set up and get some sleep. This required getting into that huge traffic jam, but only took me about 30 minutes to get through. Once at the rest area, I discovered another challenge: I had not pulled the battery disconnect on the way here and since I'd been drawing a lot of power in the camper with the heater and such, there wasn't enough juice to lift the top. Those manual roof jack units were starting to look good.

So, I had to use one of my precious nights at a campsite. Ironically, the closest was at Raccoon Mountain. I got back into traffic, spent about another 30 minutes in stop and go, but made it to a site. When I pay to stay, I make sure I take full advantage: charge my battery and devices, fill my water tank, use the wifi and take a hot shower.

Originally I was to ride at Five Points today, but it rained pretty hard last night and when I got to the trailhead, there were several signs telling people not to ride when it was wet. I figured I had time, so best to be a good citizen of the world and obey the local rules. It's supposed to be nice tomorrow, so I'll do some organizing today and ride in the sunshine later.

First thing I have to get is a battery meter.

wes

#Biking #Travel