TDN Day 1: Platte Center to Tilden

We are nervous to say the least. Not sure what to expect, not sure how to judge the degree of difficulty - can we do this?

Checking in: Well, got the gear loaded, talked to a lady from Thermopolis, Wyoming, forgot my headphones in the bag, now buried with all the other stuff... I guess we head out.

First stop in Madison: What a nice breakfast break at the fairgrounds. We are doing ok. Interesting roadside trash: a trowel?

Onto Tilden: Beautiful countryside. This isn't bad. Flat roads, 54 miles, we're doing ok! Overcast and not too hot. I think we are going to make the first day!

Tilden: We arrived! Oh but wait, we still have to put up the tent and shower. All we want to do is lay down in the grass. Found a spot to pitch the tent. Heading for the showers... hmm. Cold water and a couple pieces of plastic between the shower stalls. Oh well, we're in it now.

8 p.m.: Nasty storm rolls in. Horrendous lightning. Have to head into the community center. Storm doesn't pass, make a dash to the tent to retrieve a sleeping bag and pillow. That's all that's going to make it in. Sleeping on rock hard gym floor with 200 people. 100 are men snoring. We maxed 4 hours of sleep. Not sure if we will make day 2. Horrible, horrible overnight.

6 a.m.: Breakfast, air up and head out.