I have a few times here and there over the years. They're usually closer to the road than I prefer, but they can be ideal: if they're a bit back from the road, if the grass is tended, if there's a large enough stone to hide your tent behind, and if there's shade (that's shade, not A shade). When all of those come together, it's about as good a location as you can ask for.

I'm impressed that you could find the bike path from the the Trace

When I rode it the other direction, I thought at the time that there's no way a northbound rider could see it.

“I don’t like graveyards.” - Classic!

I meant to ask you before: How often have you stealth camped in cemeteries?

I've want to try it at least once, but I've never summoned the nerve

Great journal Mark. I’m glad you posted it. And I’ll add a vote for wanting to know the final story on the flat tire. I had similar multiple flat problems this summer (although thankfully not on a tour, just day rides). Finally resolved it by replacing the rim strip with Gorilla tape, at the suggestion of a bike mechanic.

Great journal! Thanks for writing it despite your misgivings. I can only speak for myself but at least one person read and enjoyed it.

Like Kelly, I’d love to know what happened with your tire. I had something similar happen a couple of years ago. Went through several tubes and 2 tires and never did figure out what was wrong. I eventually replaced the tire and tube again and had no more problems. But the tour was a goner…it was day 1 and we had to abandon.

Ha! If the seal wasn't broken, and I was running low on water, I definitely would have drank them.

I still regret not consuming this:

https://www.cycleblaze.com/journals/littledebbie/day-74-havre-mt-to-shelby-mt/#6646_IMG_3946

I've finished your journal now - my sympathies to you on your flat tire issues. My husband had similar problems while on tour in southern Arizona a few years back. We installed a new rim strip (fabric) over the old rim strip, plus a new tube, and tire. That did the trick. Thankfully.

At the point you solve that problem, could you let us know the solution?

Also, as a protein bar eater, I'd be interested in seeing your bar spread sheet . . . . some of us like odd information!

Thanks,

Kelly

It inflated the tire fine (and was much easier than pumping by hand), but the pressure indicator was incorrect. Judging by squeezing my tire, I would guess it was at about 70 psi, while the pump said it was >300. It does, I think (?), double as a power bank so you can charge your electronics with it as well, but seemed a bit lightweight to have much of a battery.

https://www.amazon.com/Portable-Compressor-Rechargeable-Ergonomic-Emergency/dp/B0798SJDBD/ref=sr_1_8?crid=JUY1YMVDGHC&keywords=cycplus+portable+air+compressor&qid=1639023902&sprefix=cycles%2Caps%2C622&sr=8-8

How did the battery operated pump work? I've looked at those, not being as strong as I used to be. Reviews are mixed. So far, I've stayed with the tried and true.

I'm enjoying your journal - thank you for posting!

Tussock moth caterpillar

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Halysidota_tessellaris