Day 33

71 Miles
Town was just a short few miles into my morning. Still weary and homesick I took my time eating breakfast and a Nutrageous bar. I stored another Nutrageous bar for later. They are the best energy bar I have ever had. Okay, so they aren't an energy bar. But they are really freaking good!
I took a few deep breaths and hoped for a better day. It started good. I was making good time over easy rolling flats.Even when I reached the big hills I found myself chugging up them with ease. The wind was at my back, until it wasn't anyway. The storms rolled in quickly. Even the previous day's storm didn't really compare. The winds pushed the rains sideways as it stung my face. The lightning sizzled all around me. And I loved it! The squishy of my shoes as water sloshed out of them  was somehow enjoyable. I pushed through the cutting rain leaning almost sideways into it. Thank goodness for that new tire. The sky was black and the thunder was barely audible over the pounding droplets on my helmet and raincoat. There were breaks in the clouds with an eerie glow of green. I watched the horizon for tornadoes and saw none. My adrenaline was so high that I wasn't sure a tornado would stop me from pedaling on.  I did try to take cover outside of a church at one point, but was almost blown away. I decided to just keep pedaling.
Eventually the rain slowed and I descended from the hills into a small town. I dried off and ate. I overheard people talking about 60 mph winds during the storm. I couldn't help but grin. I had found my mojo. I realize how insane it is that riding through an intense storm is what made me love my bike trip again. But that is what did. I wasn't afraid. I knew I could do this. There was nothing that nature could throw at me that I wouldn't try to brave it. I felt so pumped.
I set out again. I still managed to conquer hills with ease. The lakes along my route were gorgeous. I took in the surroundings and barely noticed the amount of work my body was doing. I was approaching my desired end point for the day when the lightning kicked back up. I had never seen lightning like this. I couldn't count to 5 without another flash somewhere on the horizon. The clouds were almost an emerald green. It was beautiful and mystical.
A woman pulled over and asked if I wanted a ride. I told her I was almost to where I needed to be and it was fine. She told me to be careful and seek cover. Lucky for me about 3 miles up the road I happened upon a C-store, which I incidentally never realized anyone called anything but convenience stores. The little store in Clitheral called Koep's became my haven. The rain came down in buckets as soon as I had opened the door to the store. I let the shop keeper know I may be there for a bit. I ate dinner of hot dogs and chips and soda. There was flash flooding and bigger storms expected to bust through. Bruce, the man running the store that night kindly offered to let me pitch my tent outside if it didn't clear up. I was thankful because all the motels and campgrounds were full. I was actually getting quite worried about where I'd stay. So his offer was especially appreciated. I had some nice conversations with the people there. I really liked it. Right about the time I was getting ready to set up my tent I received word that the storms would pass us and head south. The sun was out again. It was getting late. I questioned Bruce on the mileage to the nearby state park. He said about 10 miles. I looked at the sun edging toward the horizon. I could make it.
I was ready to leave when I noticed that my previous day's patch had not held. My tire was flat. I couldn't be bothered with a repair. I pumped it up all the way and set out. I stopped twice to pump it up again before I made it the 12 miles to the Glendalough State Park. The park signs said it was full. My heart sank. I ventured in anyway. The sun was just kissing the last bit of the horizon. It was really my only option at this point. I had to ask around. Lucky for me, people left because of the rain. It was a tent only campsite and it was nice to see so many people enjoying the outdoors without an RV.  I got a campsite close to the showers and set up. I showered away the days rains and mud. I smiled as I laid down in my tent. I fell to sleep quickly.