930 miles and 74,000' climbed

I finished the southern third of the Western Wildlands route at Bryce Canyon. Noel and Margo drove out to pick me up, see the scenery and do some hiking.  Nice to be back with family after a nice ride!

From Marble Canyon I rode through Vermilion Cliffs past this condor viewing site, where a trio of hikers included me in their very tasty post-hike celebration.

I climbed, slowly, up and was looking for a camp site when I heard "Jeff" and turned around.

Lee was the only other bikepacker I met going any distance.  He rode the Arizona Trail (longer and harder) which overlaps with and crosses the Western Wildlands.  We camped together and then shared a hotel room in Kanab the next night.  I enjoyed having company.

Fortunately it wasn't Sunday... shake was better than the sandwich.

Kanab is seeing an influx of remote workers, retirees and the wealthy.  But still has some history around.

As I climbed the sandstone stood out and I saw elk, deer and a pronghorn, the most wildlife of the trip.

My last camp was even by a creek.  Having clean flowing water is very nice!

My quick summary of the trip:

- bikepacking is definitely harder riding and I'll lighten my load next time.

- the bike (Priority 600 ADX) was trouble-free, handled the rough sections well and very comfortable, if heavy.  

- it's much nicer riding with few or no cars!

- my favorite riding was the singletrack and 4WD roads.

- I'm grateful to be in good enough condition to ride like this and to have a supportive partner (thanks Noel!).

- solo and with a friend or two are different experiences and both enjoyable.

Thanks for reading...so long, until the next one!