In the desert

Distance covered: 76 Miles
Time in saddle: 6hrs 34 Mins.
Overall distance: 808 Miles
I slept well in the desert last night. Jeremy left before I got up.....don't you hate it girls when they leave without saying goodbye...only kidding. I decided to cycle alone today. It was good to cycle with someone, but I felt a little obligated and it was probably the same with Jeremy so it's best we travel at our own speed. He was a genuinely nice Guy and he's looking forward to meeting his wife in the East, I wish him the best.
The road was really long today, not that steep, although there was a nice early rise...no not what you think...a mountain of about 5200feet high, which wasn't too bad. At least I didn't have to go back down for anything today.
It has been incredibly hot today...I nearly took ff my duffle coat at one point. The straight road was really boring. It lasted seventy five miles without any bends, just straight. It's amazing what you think about when you are cycling. I thought about my mum and dad today. Funny how they just popped into my head. I like to think that they would have been very proud...mum in particular would have been very worried but still proud.
I have had my phone off for a couple of days. I've not been able to send any texts or receive a signal so I thought that I may as well save the batteries. As I finally approached my destination for today, Delta, a town in Utah. Yes another state out of the way, I turned my phone on and got a load of messages....fantastic. I can't tell you how much it cheers me up. Cheers everyone for your fantastic support. Mike, my friend who owns Viva TV rang me and had a chat. It's great to hear a voice you recognise. Everything is fine in the UK apparently and lots of people are watching the blog, that's good to know. Sometimes I think that there is only me who is thinking about it. I know that's not true but when you are cycling alone for a while your mind plays tricks.
I had a funny experience as I finished my ride for today. Just before entering Delta I stopped at a garage/shop on the edge of the desert. As I bought some food I went to the fridge for a can of beer, my treat for today. The young shop assistant looked at me is a concerned way. I thought that she was trying to recognise the accent. She then said"you are old enough for beer aren't you"I nearly kissed her. I told her I was fifty one. I couldn't believe it. Saying that I was covered in desert dust and had my helmet on. I suppose she could have thought I just looked rough.....what ever you think it made my dad.
As I am writing this I just received a phone call from Rob, a mate from school. Great to hear from him. I think that is a measure of true friendship. You don't have to live in each others pocket but now and again it's good to hear from them. It's the same with Graham Allen who now lives in Australia. I received a message from him and his wife Pat and it's very much appreciated. However old I get he along with Brian Calder will always be my closest friend...you can't erase history can you. When he comes home to visit England every four or five years it's as if he's never been away....somehow you just feel comfortable in their company. Every day is eighty miles nearer to home....I can't wait.