Adventure sure starts early in these parts.
OK, I know, there’s a reason for that, but this early to bed / early to rise foolishness isn’t my idea of a vacation.
Of course starting the day with a 16 mile bike ride, in the rain, isn’t either – and I volunteered for that.

When our shuttle picked us up there was another family already aboard – a doctor couple (He’s OB/GYN She’s Podiatry), and their teenage daughter from Westchester NY. Nice people.

A short drive later the crew were taking bikes down while we were fitted for helmets.

Our course was an 8 mile run around the north side of Lake Aranal and return.

I don’t know why, but since this tour was around a lake I assumed it would be relatively flat. I was disabused of that notion within the first quarter mile.

The road went up.

The road went down.

And I know it will sound strange but I’m certain that there were more uphill segments than downhill segments – both out and back.

Anyway after about 3 miles we stopped to rest bones and muscles not used to this type of activity.

Back on the bikes we continued on – occasionally riding thru a town that reminded me of Lowman or Garden Valley or New Meadows.

You may notice that I always seem to be third in line behind the guide and Jesse. This was a common order – at least on the first half. However every now and again someone would intrude on our order to mix things up a bit.

Shortly before we turned back we came to a stretch of unpaved road. Our guide had warned us about it and suggested that most people choose to walk their bikes over that stretch – especially when it’s extra muddy like today.

I’m not saying that most people are wimps, but we have our standards.

At the turnaround point we stopped for a rest and photos.

Then it was time to head back.
Just on the other side of the mud we stopped for pineapple and water, then it was on the bikes and on the road home.

I don’t want to say that I smoked everyone.
But I think there was a bit of friendly competition on the way home.
At one point each of the men held second position (behind the guide).
Of course, it only matters who is there when the race (sorry, the tour) ends.

Modesty prevents me…

While they loaded the bikes the rest of us stretched, toweled off,

and boarded for the return trip – to savor our victories, drown our sorrows, and reap the rewards of a morning well spent.

Back a the resort it was immediately into the shower, then into a swimsuit, and off to the pool bar to join the rest of the fam for lunch and general wet frivolity.

The water for this pool is fed from a warm water artesian spring.
It comes out of the ground at somewhere above 110 degrees and flows thru a series of pools so that by the time it reaches the main pool it is a comfortable 90+ degrees.
After spending time in this pool Cheryl dragged me up a level or two to see how warmer water would feel on worn muscles.

I can’t say that it helped the muscles but it sure felt good. For a bit.
Eventually we had enough of a good thing and wandered back to our room for a nap and a bit of blogging.

This being Christmas Eve the resort hosted a dinner to celebrate. So we dressed up and joined the festivities.

The food was good, the deserts were special, the music (a solo sax player who left a bit to be desired – even considering his questionable choice of instrument) was disappointing.
But you can’t have everything.

So we toddled off to bed, to sleep, to dream (of sugar plums of course).

Tomorrow we gather at our room to enjoy present-fest.

Till then,
R