I got into Ft. Stevenson State Park in Garrison around 1:30. The northwest wind was pretty strong. Very few tents set up so I was able to pick a spot near the luggage truck (less time to tow my luggage in the early morning hours) and behind a row of trees for a wind break. Shortly after I had it set up, Archie Hoffer from Jamestown found me and we got reacquainted. He is 69 now and we both started riding in Candisc five years ago and have made it every year since. I got all settled in and decide to do a geocache over by the Prairie Dog town. Found lotz of thistles and of course my legs got scratched up, but finally found it. It was full of many goodies from previous Candisc tours - guess I'm not the only biker who like to treasure hunt. On the ride back to the campground I rode for a few hundred yards with a small red fox trotting next to me in the road ditch. He somehow didn't notice me, looked pretty hot as his tongue was hanging out. As soon as he spotted me though he was gone in a flash. Would have loved to stop and take a photo, but knew he would see me and be off. Back at the campground, I met up with Archie again and he introduced me to two women from Jamestown who were riding for the first time - Deb Steele and Sheila Ova. They were pretty friendly and sat with us for the pre-ride meeting with organizers and music entertainment - which was two locals, one of which would drive a sag wagon during the tour. Deb even entered the contest to write a poem about experiences with porta-potties.
Went to my tent early, probably around 9 pm, knowing that I probably would sleep too well, which seems to be normal for me on the first night before a bike tour. I was thinking a lot about a friend back home who was having trouble with depression. Was unable to check in before the tour. Most of tour members, including me, usually shun the use of cell phones, internet, tv or any access to outside world, but I decided this time I'll try to keep in touch along the way if possible. I've also learned to have my portable radio along and headphones, what would I do without the weird 'Art Bell' talk show all night to take my mind off all the possible things that could go wrong with my bike while riding and on all the possible space aliens that may be landing near me at any time! The moon was full but set early
and left a huge sky full of 
stars along with cool temps. I should know by now that the nights get pretty cool down by the 'big lake' at Ft. Stevenson. I had on 2 shirts, my jacket, two pair of socks, and still couldn't keep warm. Made a vow to myself to purchase some of those portable hand and toe warmers for next year. Listened to the coyotes howling at each other all around the lake and made me think of Sam & Rowdy and hope they were okay at home without me.
Went to my tent early, probably around 9 pm, knowing that I probably would sleep too well, which seems to be normal for me on the first night before a bike tour. I was thinking a lot about a friend back home who was having trouble with depression. Was unable to check in before the tour. Most of tour members, including me, usually shun the use of cell phones, internet, tv or any access to outside world, but I decided this time I'll try to keep in touch along the way if possible. I've also learned to have my portable radio along and headphones, what would I do without the weird 'Art Bell' talk show all night to take my mind off all the possible things that could go wrong with my bike while riding and on all the possible space aliens that may be landing near me at any time! The moon was full but set early
and left a huge sky full of 
stars along with cool temps. I should know by now that the nights get pretty cool down by the 'big lake' at Ft. Stevenson. I had on 2 shirts, my jacket, two pair of socks, and still couldn't keep warm. Made a vow to myself to purchase some of those portable hand and toe warmers for next year. Listened to the coyotes howling at each other all around the lake and made me think of Sam & Rowdy and hope they were okay at home without me.
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