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Day 12 - July 30

I overslept this morning and didn't start peddling until 7:30. I just moved into the central time zone so my body clock was still set at 6:30.  Not that it matters. I find myself collapsing at 9:30 most nights when it is still bright. There are about two extra hours of daylight up here relative to Zimmyville, so sleeping is not sunset dependent.

I set my sights on Tettagouche State Park 62 miles away. Unfortunately a 10 mph wind developed early and lasted all day.  It is getting late in the day and well short of goal so I check out a National Forest campground. I have a lifetime pass to National Parks that set me back 10 bucks. That is the best senior deal on the planet and it is available to anyone achieving 62 years of age. There is a nice kid behind the counter that just graduated from civil service school.  Rather than just saying that they have no sites available and that there are no showers - a must for me - he launches into an unintelligible blast of verbal diarrhea. His explanation would have made an IRS lawyer proud.

Moving on, I pull into Temperance River State Park still well short of the goal but spent from fighting  the wind. Once again, no room at the inn. I ask the desk ranger in training if they have biker/hiker overflow. I already know the answer to this courtesy of a conversation with Ranger Amy last night. Mr. tact replies "for a lack of planning on your part?" I use every ounce of restraint to keep me from launching myself over the counter and punching him in the face. I patiently explain the headwind to which he replies"I'll check with the boss." Senior Ranger quickly rationalizes that I am tired and tells the junior chipmunk to give me an overflow site. I want to flip the kid off or at least stick my tongue out but think better of it.

The day ends well with a huge plate of pasta at the Bluefin Resort across the street.

Total mileage is 51 including a very worthwhile backtrack to Bluefin.

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