Phone call 7/1/10

Update 7/1 Saratoga, WY
Paul called for a care package to be sent to him in Jackson Hole 7/7. He particularly wants a certain bungee cord and some homemade cookies. They have been in WY for a few days, currently @ 8,000 ft. He hopes to make it to Saratoga's Hot Springs before they leave town.

He is talking about doing a 1/2 marathon with a friend over July 4th - he says he has never been in as good shape as he is now so is going to try without any running training but he calls a 40 mile bike ride a short day.

I did ask him about the forest fire near the Royal Bridge - he seemed slightly aware of it but thought it was no big deal. He said every town has a fire risk posted - most all have been 'low'.

Tom and I had talked about the tight schedule Paul is allowing for finding housing at VT-Blacksburg campus [returning 8/15 to Falls Church,VA with classes starting in Blacksburg, VA 8/23]. I mentioned it to Paul - he says he could just hang out in his tent for a few days if nothing turns up [I had to laugh hard at that idea]. He is sure it will all work out.

Phone call 6/27/10

I spoke to Paul on Sunday 6/27/10. He had just been at Breckenridge -- his blog 6/26 updated his activities. The group sounds like they are doing well. Their leader, Jack, is ready to bicycle full time starting this week. [Paul did update me re: Jack's fitness - he has done more than 100 marathons, including several iron men. Jack was planning to take a break next week July 4th and do a marathon. Jack has had to defer.]

Paul was interested in what was happening here at home.

He is noticing the altitude - had been @ 11,500 ft @ Hoosier Pass on Sat 6/26 [highest point of entire trip]. They will be traveling mostly northwest, headed towards Yellow Stone as their next really big destination. Weather has been good, high in the 70's, cool at night. He is enjoying his new air mattress. Bike is holding up well.

Royal Gorge 6/25/10

Royal Gorge Bridge
Suspension Bridge at Royal Gorge hangs 1053 ft above the Arkansas River.

Mom, Tom, Any Other Guests @ home:
I stopped at the Royal Gorge, built all the way back in 1031 -- pretty impressive; the whole park was quite scenic. River underneath [cat 5 rapids] although the park was excessive touristy! Lots of older people, including my group. XOXO, Paul

Note: when I looked up Royal Gorge Bridge http://www.royalgorgebridge.com/ I noticed that it had just reopened 6/24 due to Parkdale Canyon fire of 700 acres just a short distance away [13 miles driving] 100% contained on 6/25. Impressive fire pics: http://www.coloradoconnection.com/news/photos.aspx?id=473036

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