Today was a good day to ride

Some of you may have already seen photos posted on Facebook of the view south on the Missouri River from the bridge out of Bismarck, and the panorama from the side of the road as Remy and I had a break. The weather was absolutely gorgeous -- sunny, only a slight breeze as we left the hotel, but a bit windier as we crossed the grasslands, still nothing too daunting. It seems that western North Dakota gets quite a bit hillier than the eastern and middle parts. I went up and down, and up and down quite a lot, but the inclines were gradual, and my legs held out.

Here are some captioned photos for the day:

Gazing south over the Missouri River on the west side of Bismarck.

Purple roofs along Hwy 139.

I was trying to get myself in the foreground and one of the beautiful views in the background. Oh well.

Panorama from a break at the side of the road on 139.

Hwy 139.

The Rock Roof Inn (B & B) where we are staying tonight. Do you see the rocks on the roof?

The view from the deck of the Rock Roof Inn. 

We called ahead to make sure there was a place for us at the Rock Roof, and were happy to find that there was. We were greeted by Margaret (Margie) Swift, one of the owners/proprietors. She showed us around, asked about what time we'd like our coffee in the morning and what she could make us for breakfast (!). I sat out on the deck for a while, soaking up some sun, took a shower, and then on Margie's advice Tayler and I went to the nearby town of Hebron to the Wagon Wheel Cafe for some supper. It was acceptable. I had a cheeseburger w/o the bun and a baked potato. And water. Lots of water.

Even though the temperature is not supposed to be extremely high tomorrow, I suspect that the wide open spaces will provide a sun exposure challenge tomorrow. It was breezy enough today that I wore long sleeves and long pants the entire ride, so that helped keep me from getting sunburned. As the days get warmer, I'm going to have to remember my #45 sunscreen.

Remy is adapting to riding in the cart. It kind of reminds me of trying to get a baby to go down alone in a crib. At first he fusses and fusses, and then kind of gives up and relaxes until I stop. Even if I just stop for a second to check a map or adjust myself, the squealing/whining starts up again; but if I don't respond to it, it gradually dies away. I hope it will continue to improve, but even if it stays as it was today, I can live with it. He's got a pretty nice set-up. I have some of my necessities in there (tool kit, air pump, extra water bottles, etc.), but he has a pillow and a sheet to curl up in, and a rawhide bone. He loves to jump into the cart because he knows he'll get a treat. I just haven't quite figured out how to continue to reward him while we're traveling. Don't want to reward whining and squealing.

It's only 8:00, but I'm feeling like bed is in my near future. Be sure to message me questions if you have any. Sometimes I feel like I'm forgetting stuff.