Sorry John, the mountains didn't win this time

Well despite flat tires, the flu, some pesky wind and oh yeah, our highest climb of the trip, I am happy to report that these bears have seen the other side of the mountain. What did we find? Well, after 17 downhill miles (the payoff!), we found a gem of a cafe for lunch where we felt like old friends with most everyone inside. (We actually did "know" two people who we'd run into at the top of the pass. We have met just the friendliest folks in NM!) We enjoyed some great food and chatted with amateur rock hounds, then busted out another 17 downhill miles (yeah, we were up there!) before running into a couple fellow travelers at just the right time. John and Elizabeth shared a welcome beer with us, and we all toasted our collective adventurism before deciding to have dinner together and share a campsite. Although somehow Joe and I both ended the day with front flats, we also ended with a big accomplishment in our distant wake, and some new friends. We crawl into our bags tonight 3500 feet lower but with much higher spirits thanks to good food and conversation. And as I sleep off the remnants of my flu, I'm confident that tomorrow when I look back at the mountains on the horizon behind me they will look more beautiful than ever.
A big thank you to our Sunday sponsor Sam Foster, belated but no less sincere. Sam has inspired both me and Nicole to wanna get our doctorates, follow our dreams, change the world and raise amazing children like her and her husband Patrick's daughter Zoe. Despite her incredible accomplishments she still likes to hang out and watch crappy TV (occasionally) with like-minded friends. I look forward to plopping on the couch with y'all when this thing is over, Sam, thanks for being there for Nicole and everyone else who knows you.
Gnight from the land of enchantment.
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry