Day 17 - Dec 1

Today was another unbelievably tough day.  We cycled 73 miles and climbed 8,202 feet.  The worst part of it was the first part which was dirt road.  I think using the word is an assault to all other modes of transport on which vehicles and other mechanical things travel.  It was more of a goat trail.  No I don't think that works either because we came upon a herd of goats.  When we got right up to them they said in unison;  Naaaaaa.  Meaning they would not even travel on it.  It was more like a dry river bed that descended down the break between mountains.  The "road" was cut with deep revenes of wash outs.  The exposed rocks were huge boulders interspersed with sharper cousins.  It was a mess to traverse.  Adding in to the picture was the fact that it was a steep grade climb as well.  Oh such a challenge it was.  It was a gut wrenching, bone jarring experience that everyone should enjoy.  :)

I had my first flat on one of the steep climbs on the rock garden special.  It made for a great tire change experience.

Once we got back onto pavement everyone got excited but that was short lived.  That was because once the pavement came the climbing really started!  Yes it did...  Climb, climb, climb then descend a little, then climb again.  That was the order of the day.

Honduras is a very mountainous country.  I don't believe there is a flat spot in this country.  Either the road is going up or it is going down.  No flat sections...

We came to a coke stop and I had a coke and Penguinas.  You ask, what is a Penguinas?  It is a Latin America version of hostess cupcakes.  I don't even like chocolate that much but ohhhh were they so good.  I devoured them so quickly I think I forgot to chew.  :)

But hey, another of a monster day down in a beautiful mountain soaked country.  Life is pretty good!  :)

The town of Gracias where we are now.

After a long climb...  I am ready for a downhill.  :)

Some amigos saw along the way.

This where we are on the map.  Almost to Guatamala!