Had the best nights sleep yet in this darned tent. 10.00pm to 5.00am but woke to a dark, below freezing morning. The wind chill made it worse so we were all huddled in the laundrette having breakfast. Left, to do 60 miles, with long winter gloves and 4 layers on. I know by 10.00am, I will be peeling them off as, as the day goes on the temperature will reach the high 80's. This is the day we go over Emory Pass, our tour high point, 8228 ft. We started at just over 5000 ft and climbed to the top over 18 miles. It was a wonderful steep, steady cycle with deep gullies, high cliffs, pockets of snow with the sun filtering through the trees. There was a stunning viewing point at the top looking over the valley and distant mountain ranges. This is the land of the Chiricahui Apache who were rounded up in 1886 as prisoners of war. They were eventually released in 1911 but not allowed to return to their homeland. Our climbing efforts were rewarded by a terrific 10 mile descent but as we levelled out we had to contend with a strong headwind. Stopped in Hilllsboro and had some of their famous Bumbleberry Pie with ice-cream. The pie is made with raspberry, rhubarb, peaches and blueberries, mmmm. We are camping in Caballo State Park tonight beside the Rio Grande. I am acquiring the cyclists tan - arms to wrists, top of knee to ankle and to finish it off, panda eyes!!!! Linda will be horrified. Jon and Alan made beef stew with mashed potatoes tonight - lovely. We are certainly well looked after but at the same time given freedom to stop and explore. It just gets better and better.....still loving it.
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