Around 4am I went back to switch out the clothes (I got distracted) and was just over $1.00 short. Now I had to go get quarters up at the gas station. Not a big deal normally but this time I have to put on long johns, thermal t shirt, reflective vest, etc. so I don't get hit and I can stay warm. (It is what is is. Part of life.) I got the quarters and took care of the clothes. Everything was good.
As it got closer to morning I thought it'd be cool to get a picture of the sunrise at the Huffman Dam. I left late and thought I was going to miss it as it was getting pretty light. At one point I saw the light reflecting off of a cloud behind me and took a picture of it. However, something just seemed off about it, but I just couldn't place it. I continued riding and it kept getting brighter but it still had not dawned on me. It's about 4 miles to the dam and I had ridden just about 3 when sunlight started reflecting off buildings. Hmmm... At this point I stopped, turned around and wouldn't you know it, there was the sun peaking over the rooftops. It was actually pretty spectacular. It was then that I remembered I always came down to the dam to see the sun set and of course the sun always sets in the west.
I figured since I was almost there I'd at least finish the trek. I went to get on my bike and my front tire was flat. HA!!! I sure am glad I put long johns and all my cold weather gear on! (It was 5 degrees) The icing on the cake was that I had brand new hiking boots on. So I was able to break them in. Yea for me! On the bright side, it was a beautiful, cold sunny morning and I did get an awesome picture (see below)! Plus, I couldn't have asked for a better day to go for a walk. It would've been nice to make it to the dam but oh well. It also reminded me why I like the morning. Seeing the sun come up and things coming to life is just amazing. I think I'll be doing it next week too!