4 days in

I saw a USA Today weather map this morning that showed the country all color coded by temperature, and it clearly showed the whole country is on fire. So, can you explain to me why for the past 2 days, in a futile attempt to stay warm, I have worn all the clothing I brought, including my swimsuit? In hindsight, based on the odd looks I have gotten from other motorists, perhaps I should have worn the swimsuit on the inside.

Hello, my name is Naive. I thought we would have some modicum of leisure time on this trip. I really did bring a swimsuit, thinking it might be nice to dip in a pool at a campground at the end of a hot day's ride. Instead, we aren't coming close to the miles we need to average per day in order to finish this ride in time to get me back to work in the allotted 3 weeks. We are on the bikes at least 15 hours per day, but since the route includes all secondary roads, the miles are slow. Fortunately, it also means the views are spectacular.

I could easily take at random any 200 mile segment of the trip so far and think it was a dream weekend jaunt. I cannot believe how lucky I am to be able to see so many incredible parts of the country.

It is 2:30 a.m., and we put in 18 hours of riding today to try to make up some time. We have also had to break from the prescribed route at night to get inland for warmth (didnt work) as well as to go faster since we cant see any of the beautiful coastline after dark anyway. I am exhausted and will write more later. Right after I take a dip in the swimmin' hole.