We tried to sleep in but were unable to past 8:30 so we packed up and checked out of the hotel, heading to the hostel to secure a spot for that evening.... After storing our bikes inside and claiming the futon, we walked about a mile to downtown Del Norte and posted up at Up Top Cafe for most of the morning, enjoying the excellent drinks and wifi. We ate our pastries/breakfast sandwiches at a corner table with Jeff and Gary, who arrived shortly after us and they once again commended our progress. A few hours later we went to the health food store and stocked up on some snacks and noodles, springing for the fancy ones so that we could feel healthier. They had a deli and we both got sandwiches for lunch, walking back to the hostel to eat them and stow away our purchases. After a nap-ish rest we went back to the coffee shop, got more drinks, and chatted with Will who was now there as well.

When the cafe closed for the afternoon, we walked to the far side of town to the normal grocery store and filled in some of the items that we were unable to find or afford at the specialty grocery store. We spotted Jeff and Gary biking the opposite way as we headed towards the hostel with our bag of treats and drinks. Ziven’s friend Josh was headed to the Sand Dunes and would be meeting up with us so, not knowing what to expect, we cooked some potstickers and ate them. Josh arrived at 7ish and we met him at the brewing company a few blocks from the hostel. He and Ziven ordered pizza and I ordered a desert pizza and we chowed down for our second dinner of the evening. Josh was going to drive to camp that night but, after checking out our hostel, chose to stay and sleep on the floor of the small house with us. We had to get ready quietly as most of the others were already sleeping but we tucked ourselves and Josh in and drifted off to sleep.

Ziven here; this was our first rest day and it was honestly much needed, as our bodies were pretty wrecked from the calorie deficit and constant pedaling. In addition to physical recovery, we also hoped to plan the next 5 or so days. However, Elisa and I spent most of the day anxious that we were making no progress, and only spent an hour or so planning. This first rest day made the two of us realize that it was nicer to have short days than “zero” days, as you then make some quantifiable progress. As such, we only ended up taking 2 more rest days, one of which was in part simply to see Elisa’s parents.

P.s. Josh asked if we needed anything, and we desperately needed some chain lube. He ended up bringing it which totally saved our butts :)