The float down the river took more time than originally anticipated. The rafting shop had closed by the time we hefted our tubes out of the water near our cozy cabin and warm jacuzzi!
What that meant is the early morning saw me “doing delivery” to avoid any cost overruns.
Weekday construction had already begun on the main mountain highway. I wasted precious time waiting for the Pilot Car escort.
But, we’re on country time here. No rush was needed. Questions of “How was it?” Where’d you go? “Oh!? That’s great! You definitely avoided the crowds in town! Sounds relaxing and peaceful!” met with an exchange of grins.
With delivery accomplished, I set my sights on a new route - the back road – to avoid the pending highway vehicle backups.
Sipping my mocha, I’m listening to classical music on the radio. The early morning sun sifts through the trees; its long tendrils shifting subtlety on the road surface.
Few cars are on the rode, no one is stirring yet on this Monday morning.
I begin my climb up the Chumstick Highway. Nice banked curves cause my mind to drift as the speedometer winds its way toward 50+ mph. No cars appear flowing in the opposite direction.
Just for fun, I call out the curves. Right 1 into a Left 2. Hmmmm…, would that be a Right 2 or Right 1 since the bank of the curve is so nice? Oooh, look! Definite up and coming Left 3 Long with cliff – the guard rail is a dead give-away.
My car meanders over the crest, the suspension giving the slightest breath of lift, and I begin the downhill run. Short sweet banked corners. I bounce off the Right 1 and into the Left 2. Ah? What’s this? (Oncoming traffic of the two-wheeled variety.) I swiftly pass them and note the upcoming curve. Could it be a Right 4 or would it be considered a Right 5 XL? As I move into the corner, I brake. Oh man!!!
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Clearly, (in my humble opinion) a Right 5 XL!