The Teyuna were ready at dawn, stuffing their few things into the overhead cabinets and even waiting in the bus itself from time to time.

It’s 2:22. I’m eating some stew, sitting and staring at the mostly packed bus. I’m told we have a 6 hour drive.

We’re headed to a national forest to disperse camp. With a 5 ton bus and all these people, what happens when we get somewhere sloppy or just too small?

On top of that I’m guessing the plan is to stop to get water and toilet paper, both understandably sorely missed when absent, along the way. As much as I get that everyone knows these facts, I am also wondering if this is being considered. In the frenzy of the make or break packing plus whatever else, I’m keeping my thoughts close.

We are nowhere near capacity. Good news.

We left at about 4 – there was just a lot to do – and made it to Arrowhead RV Campground. And resort. More to the point, it was in the right place at the right time and the expansive “primitive campsite” area was completely vacant. I mean you could for sure play several simultaneous football games and maybe polo. Our bus, pickup and 3 tents fit no sweat.

Speaking of heat, the first thing I did was bike through the long term campers. These guys have trampolines and fake deer next to their well heeled houses on wheels. Certified, straight up, bona fide americana

As cool as that was, my mission was to get back to the pool I’d seen on the way and hop in. Once immersed, the simultaneously reassuring and revolting clean toilet bowl smell, if you use the strong stuff, was all there was. No complaints: the maybe 2 minute swim was exquisite. And on the return trip, I raced some golf cart for a bit. My hardest hard coar extreme mountain biking madness in some time.

Then the dick manager drove up way too aggressively, shining his lights head on like he is looking for a fight. M L, who had already paid btw, was superb in how she handled the situation.

The drive was all good. Plenty of power. The 30 gallon tank and resultant miles traveled has a surprisingly linear relationship with the truck.

Still loud. Doh!

I had two times of nervousness. The first was when I smelled something which thankfully passed. The second was the engine at an RPM that was simply too high. Then there was an up shift and the expected sounds fully filled my ears.

At a toll booth, the attendant asked if we were a band on tour. Rock On!

The back shelves were completely useful.

Every now and then I used that huge mirror for keeping an eye on what’s happening back there. One time some of the passengers were relaxing and others looking out, taking in the scenery. The juxtaposition plus body positioning variety warranted a photo frankly.

Camp came together easily enough. We had plenty of water and toilet paper.

It is wonderful to have time again for writing.

To sleep in the sweet smelling outside air.