It's not a surprise. I spent a college semester with 25 Americans in Mexico. Tom French, my roommate, had spent his childhood living in Mexico. He used those words every day. They are in embedded in my memory.
I hope to broaden my Spanish vocabulary on this trip and then dive deeper when I retire. And by the way, my retirement is imminent. My last day of work is June 30th.
I'm excited, but also nervous about the big transition. I've been thinking about doing this for a few years now and finally got up the nerve to do it. I just want to make sure that I can fill my time productively.
John, 61, another biker on this trip, decided to retire last year. A few days before his last day he changed his mind and asked his boss if he could stay. Thankfully, they had yet to find his replacement so the answer was yes. John had found that he and his wife Margaret, who also is on the trip, weren't aligned in how this would work. She wanted her daytime routines to remain the same and couldn't see that happening with John about. She also works out of the house (she sells Avon products) and wanted quiet time doing it. I hope they are able to make it work out.
What an amazing day yesterday was. 36 miles of cruising through different terrains; city streets, Jeep roads, single track and cobblestone back roads. It was hot. Really hot. But I was ready for it. I was relentless in applying sunscreen. I also drank water every 15-30 minutes. I estimated I drank two gallons through the day.
We departed at 7:30 after a quick breakfast. Fredder took us on an hour-long tour of Granada, stopping at various churches, a fort, an old railroad station, a graveyard and some old neo-classical houses. We then left Granada, ascending a long uphill for about an hour. Against Fredder's wishes, I went out ahead, trying to get a hill workout. Unfortunately, I missed the turn. Fredder had to send the van out in search of me. Thankfully, the van caught me just a couple of miles ahead where I had stopped for water. I only delayed the group by 15 minutes or so. I felt bad about it and will try to be less troublesome going forward.
The turn took us up a long steep cobblestone road. It was challenging, but rewarding. I was glad that I had made all those trips up Pegan Hill in Dover. That prepared me for these climbs.
When we emerged from a clearing at the top of a hill I was blown away. Below us was a crater lake, one of the most spectacular sites I've ever seen. The dark blue waters lay nested in an extinct volcano. The sky was clear and a mountain range hovered on the horizon.
After taking photos, I wandered down the way a bit. I needed some alone time to soak it in. It was spellbinding.
From there we took an optional ride down a steep four mile road, knowing the we would have to return back the same way. It was worth it. We arrived at the water's edge at a restaurant/beach where we stayed for a couple of hours, eating and swimming in the lake we had admired from above. What an incredible spot it was.
The return climb was everything we feared; hot, humid, steep and long. The conditions were brutal. Two of our riders met their match. They had to hop in the van.
We turned at the hilltop. From there it was another 12 miles back to Granada on bumpy, mostly peaceful, dirt back roads. There were rickety shacks along the way with families hanging out and kids playing about. There were no cars. That stretch was the best of the day's riding. Protected by tree cover, I was able to mogul down the roads, practice my handling without fear of other vehicles. It was wonderful.
We were back at the hotel and poolside by 4:30 where we hung out for an hour. I then took an hour nap before meeting up again at 7 p.m. for dinner. It was a great day, ended by another night of good food and conversation.
Today we head south. I can't wait.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Location:Calle El Caimito,Granada,Nicaragua
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