Day 7: don't underestimate the locals

Another nice and clear night. I was able to see the stars and the big dipper. It was very peaceful with the lake nearby. However, the next morning I woke up not feeling well. Even though I slept for ten-ish hours, my stomach was in knots and leaving was the last thing on my mind. I knew I should have eaten better. Eventually I was on my way. Around the lake the road took me, until I hit a snag. Now the night previous, two gentlemen asked me if I needed a ride especially up the hill. Being as proud and stubborn as I am, I replied that I didn't need any help. BIG MISTAKE!! This was no hill; it was a mountain. The road snaked around the whole thing. I was forced to take a break often and go slower than walking pace. Hours later and 3300 ft later, I made it to the top. To my luck, there was a restaurant at the top. With my appetite gone and stomach still upset I tried eating a hamburger, but with no luck. After the break, onward I went. I made it to Groveland where there were many bed and breakfasts. I was also on the lookout for a bicycle. According to the internet, their was a bike store nearby! After many hours looking for this bike store and the locals telling that they have never heard of a place, I gave up and kept trucking. Before leaving the town, a couple of firefighters recognized me from the day before. The were amazed on what I was doing and told me to expect snow and rain for the night and the next day. After thanking them, I kept moving and eventually made it to Buck Meadows. It was a very quaint town with campgrounds, motels, and diners. Seeing that it was supposed to rain or snow, I asked for a price for a room, but too hefty for my liking. I unraveled my sleeping bag off the road in a tree shaded area. If it began to rain, then I would put up my tent, but it never came. I was fast asleep when I was awoken by rain drops. Hurriedly I put up my tent in the dark. All through the night I could hear the raindrops on the tent and what I thought were leaves falling the tent. When I awoke the next morning, there was snow on the ground. At least a couple inches. Now everything that I owned was soaked, because it was a very wet snow and I left my stuff outside under my rain fly. Still snowing, I had to put my sleeping bag and tent away with zero success. Luckily there was a diner nearby where I could try to eat something and get warm.
Song in my head... Back in the saddle by aerosmith

Don't panic. I'm with you. There's no need to fear for I'm your God. I'll give you strength. I'll help you. I'll hold you steady, keep a firm grip on you. Isaiah 41:10