I try to stay away from hospitals but I got sick somehow. I think the windy day on dirt roads for 51 miles took a toll on me. I had stomach cramps and low energy on Saturday morning but I kept on riding up to Marshall Pass. I thought I could work through it but I was wrong – it kept getting worse. So, we rode back to Salida and I checked myself in at the Heart of the Rockies medical center. I’m thankful to all the friendly people that helped me: Lisa, Charles, Carley, Joni, Patrick, and Baylee. I got blood tests and an EKG and a saline drip. Patrick’s diagnosis was mild dehydration and altitude sickness. I was mystified a bit because I felt fine for the 7 prior days in high altitude. The Dr. said it’s probably the combination of fatigue and altitude.
So, we decided to rest for 2 days in Salida and modify the remaining route to stay on schedule.
As you know, I like to mention all the interesting people we meet on these trips and we met Amy and her Burnese mountain dog named Cooper. She has a second dog giving birth to 11 puppies today. She offered to drive us back to Salida or even borrow her car – amazing!
Sorry I don’t have more photos. Just this sad photo of me in the hospital.
Hope you’re feeling better by the time you read this Mike! I’m enjoying following along on your trip.
Ditto from Steve. Here’s to a quick recovery and forging ahead on your journey!