22 July 2012

Dillon to Jackson MT 49 miles (TransAm 3,177)

“Emergency Situation” I whisper to myself. Thinking about the fact that Gina will return home in a few short weeks got me thinking about all the things that will need to be done around the house before her arrival. Things like putting away my seven pairs of socks that have been drying in the second bathroom for at least as many weeks; sorting the unopened mail into an order that will prevent any unpleasant OCD outbursts; displaying my Big Girl capabilities by organizing and cleaning out the fridge … crap. Emergency Situation.

I vaguely recall someone saying something to me about this particular refrigerated item, something along the lines of “You won’t forget that’s in there, will you?” to which my half-listening ears instructed my half-fibbing tongue to reply “Of course not.” A situation such as this can only end badly. I’m here to confirm it has done just that. Ever wonder what happens to lettuce left in a salad spinner for 9 weeks? I can’t say that I have either but I can provide the answer to this question. It becomes this, also known as an Emergency Situation:

The good news is that it doesn’t smell nearly as bad as you would guess. I believe that’s because the rotting stage came and went several weeks ago and we’ve now moved on to the petrification stage. You and me both, salad spinner, for I am petrified at the reception this will get.

While assessing what to do about this Emergency Situation, deftly handled by sticking the salad spinner back into the fridge to be dealt with later (I mean really, the damage is already done), Gina was busy knocking off not just one mountain pass today but two. It’s unfortunate the Olympic Road Bike Racing Trials are over – I think Gina and Team TransAm could have seriously represented. I bet you could bounce a quarter off of Gina’s thighs. The reward for climbing over Badger Pass (6,760 ft) and Big Hole Pass (7,360 ft)? A proper soak in a proper hot springs with proper bathrooms and proper showers.