Day 3 Murphy to Potato Bottom

Murphy Morning

Up early again, although we expect a shorter, easier day. Today is variously estimated but expected to be approximately 20 miles. The rain has largely been soaked up by the sand and dry air, isn’t enough to affect the ride. There is cloud cover again so expecting a cooler day than yesterday.

Descending Murphy Hogback North

The truck edges over to the down ramp on north side of  the Hogback, indeed the first 20m or so is steep, but nevertheless rideable and driveable, a few overhangs but no major difficulty, we are soon racing down toward the Green River. 

The Candlestick

Sand is again an issue, harder work and have to pay more attention, almost rear ended Elaine, never appreciated, had to take one into the dirt to avoid, my punishment for following too close.Travel is generally downhill/flat circling around the interesting feature known as Candlestick. A short break at Candlestick Camp and onward to Holeman slot canyon.

Holeman Slot Canyon

The cyclists stop to explore Holeman slot canyon, a cool feature worth a visit. The Camper heads onward figuring to wait for spotter if difficulties arise. We descend a small distance down the slot canyon, a bit tricky with bike cleats. A fair bit of mud is encountered and we decide we have seen enough.  

Green River

Back on the bikes we head to Potato Bottom, the camper is nowhere to be seen, travel apparently good. The sand eventually lets up and we enjoy a pleasant ride down to Potato Camp on banks of Green River.

Potato Bottom Cottonwoods

Potato Camp is much less desert like, cottonwood trees shade the camp, swallows and bats swoop over the camp. Very interesting that the bats were out in middle of the day enjoying some delicious insect hatch. We enjoy more watermelon and re-hydrate with a few beers.

The Ark?

Potato Bottom in the Rain

Our hanging around in the sun is disturbed by a very heavy rainstorm. Within a few minutes most of the camp has water running over it. Most run for cover in the camper, but the rain is warm and not uncomfortable, I take the opportunity to take a few photos.

It only lasts 30 minutes at most.

Purple Rain

The rain provides insight as to where to pitch tents, selection of spots is reduced from what seemed like a dozen when we arrived, to only 2 that were above the water line after the rain.

Dave makes the surprising observation that today and for that matter all of the last three days were all longer than any previous cycling trips that they had done. As they were leading the charge most of the time apparently they are quick studies. 

 A jeep passes by on a day trip to Candlestick, the young driver provides insight that our Camper cannot possibly navigate over the Hardscrabble hill. We decide that our driver has had enough sleepless nights and avoid sharing the young man's opinion with him. How hard can it be?

Potato Camp C Facility

The Potato Camp C toilet facility is located some distance from camp, taking the bike significantly reduces travel time, at night it is a long lonely journey.

A delicious pasta with vegetable and meat sauce is served up and fully enjoyed. It’s day three out, and the 9 dozen beers we started with have dwindled to a mere 8 cans as night approaches. Seems we planned well not withstanding an initial discussion as to volume of hydration beverages to take. 

As night falls, again there is debate about fly or no fly, it is removed after midnight and reinstalled a short while later as a light rain starts.