Friday, 11/5/10 - AM - easier to remember days this way

I figured the first thing this morning, I had to share a tiny bit of my adventure from late last night, well after the Starbucks closed and my computer had shut down.

I have found the key to non-pay camping. Churches! At this point in my life, this is probably the only time I would say "Thank God." In Mesa, a nice big baptist church along Broadway served as a makeshift Motel 6. An expansive parking with hundreds of parking spots, multiple small buses and outbuildings made perfect cover for Ol' Greenie and F.G. Superman. Additionally, in the rear of the property was a six foot concrete block wall (perhaps to keep out the non-baptists?) for additional cover.

Behind a trailer, on small rocks about the size that are used as a base for concrete walks, I set up Ol' Greenie and parked my steed. Almost immediately, a dog began barking and did not stop through the wee hours of the morning. Because I was very tired, it didn't bother me too much. It became a near din and almost pacific. In the morning I arose and photographed the hound by reaching my camera over the concrete block wall and whistling.

Almost immediately, a dog began barking and did not stop through the wee hours of the morning. Because I was very tired, it didn't bother me too much. It became a near din and almost pacific. In the morning I arose and photographed the hound by reaching my camera over the concrete block wall and whistling.

Staring at a small hole under the concrete block wall where I stood just a few feet away from him.

I really think he's making a face at me!

After leaving the church campground, I headed back toward the Starbucks in Mesa. I stopped at Albertson's grocery store and escorted F.G. through the aisles to find some fruits and veggies for some sustenance  and nutritive content for my gullet. Some bananas, carrots, and a pink grapefruit would suffice for now. In the checkout line, a gentlemen was ahead of me with a small load of groceries in a cart who offered me the opportunity to precede him in line. With a smile and a thank you, I jumped ahead in line, but not before offering him a $1.00 for two pieces of his wheat bread. He scrunched his nose a bit. I explained I didn't want to buy a whole loaf of bread and carry it on my ride. He agreed that it would be silly. He handed me two pieces of bread and sent me on my way without having to pay for them.

A quick spin to Starbucks (SBX or STBX) and I made my way inside and was greeted with a sweet "sing song" voice wishing me a lovely morning. I returned the greeting to the pleasant lass.

I have found the following fun to do when ordering food or beverages from anywhere. Once completed, I ask the server or creator the following, "Did you make that with love and care?" I highly suggest you consider doing the same. It is remarkable the responses and smiles you get.

With batteries all fully charged including my belly, I was ready to depart. However, I met a couple from Seattle, WA who were also avid cyclists. They provided me with wonderful information regarding websites for cyclists including Warmshowers.org - where people host touring cyclists for and provide, you guessed it, warm showers. Immediately I signed up for the service. Gonna start looking for a shower for tonight!

Well it's time to ride on into the east and I wonder what sort of adventures await me today.