My watch once again said I had a poor night’s sleep when in a motel - I might have to live in a tent full time as that seems to offer the best night’s sleep. Made the most of the decently stocked breakfast buffet and then had a nice video call with Mum, Dad, Phoebe, Becca and Matilda. Matilda even managed to open her eyes this time around which was lovely. 

 

I wasn’t in any rush as the bike shop I’d ordered some tires to didn’t open until 11am. So I took a leisurely ride over there and waited for them to open up. Really helpful and friendly and the guy got it in the stand straight away, fitted the new tires and sorted out a couple of other niggles. 

 

I wasn’t sure how long I’d been in the shop for so I hadn’t made any firm plans about where I was heading for the day. But I rolled out of town just after lunchtime and would just see where I got to. Back out into the hills before descending into a small town called Basin. I stopped in the bar for a Coke and the barmaid said I could sleep in the community centre there. But I was keen to go a bit further so I began the climb which would lead up to Lava Mountain. It was hot going in the afternoon sun but I was happy I wouldn’t be doing this climb tomorrow. 

 

There was a creek marked on the map which I’d noted as a potential camp spot. I stopped about a mile before this to make dinner at the side of the road, rather than cooking where I’d be camping. This was the first time I was wild camping in grizzly country so I was taking every precaution I could. Rode on up to the creek and although there were lots of private property signs I pitched up somewhere which looked like it would be fine. There were even ‘No Trespassing' signs going into the water but I took the chance to quickly fill up my bottles. An unbearable amount of flies so I got straight into the tent to read and listen to podcasts.