By morning, I started packing up with all the enthusiasm of a new
day ahead. But then, out of nowhere, my legs decided to cramp up,
reminding me of all the fluid I lost during the night. After a moment
of contemplation, I chose to stay put for the day. Honestly, even if I
had pushed through, I could tell I wouldn’t have had the energy to
truly enjoy the ride. Some days, it's just better to listen to your body.
It was miserable weather, so I stayed cooped up in the tent. The
camp owner’s refusal to accept payment for a Coke was a small act of
grace on a grey day.
I could tell I was on the classic Europe-to-Asia cycling route, as I
have seldom come upon as many cyclists, all drawn to this Europe-to-
Asia artery. At camp I met a Chilean cyclist with a dog and his
German companion, and later a lone walker. We shared stories,
laughter, and the quiet understanding of those without fixed
destinations.