I back scheduled events to arrive in Spokane just b4 my 1:30 dentist appointment om Monday.
I left Bend on Sat after a ride and shower Sat afternoon. I choose driving back highways scenic drive vs pedal to the metal faster route. My choice took 3 days of driving but what i saw was way better. I drove thru Prineville out to John Day then north on US 395 to Pendleton then up to Dayton, WA back up the Tucannon River then thru the Palouse to Spokane. What a wonderful scenic drive, like 539 miles and 29mpg up down and around.
Schools are back in session which dries up the tourist crowds which lessened the riders at Phils. I worked my way up to the top of Phils to ride down a new trail. This trail is in between Phils and Lower Whoops. Beats riding up the logging road. On my way down a stopped for a rider riding up as good riders do. He told me he met me in Sedona several years ago and is a friend of Garys whom I have encountered several times. Woody said that Gary is recovering from serious injuries suffered when he misjudged a jump. Woody said that us older people should not be doing what he attempted. We parted, he pedaling against gravity and me coasting. Another rider pedaling uphill. I stopped, he said he met me in Fort Collins years ago. Another visit.
A clean up shower at Snap and provisioning I headed north. Windy chilly day. Prineville is north and east of Bend, where I originally sought land. I experienced wind, exposure, and dryness as I headed east. I made a better choice of land over the Deschutes River drainage with tree cover, 60′ wells, and protection of the tree cover. I gave up views for security. Better deal.
US 395 is twisty and hilly w/ lots of open land to view over. I made Beech Pass outside the Malheur NF for the night. I drove back a logging road into the forest climbing to something. I found a wide spot on the road for camp. Quite night except for several hunter rigs that drove by.
Dry land populated w/ ranches, some alive, others memories. Big open spaces. I crossed into WA @ Walla Walla. I studied the road map looking for a stopping spot before Spokane. The Tucannon River going upstream to a USFS XG like 28 miles upriver. The bottom land was agriculture until the valley shrunk. The area has burned over time and recently this summer.
The XG was almost at end of road going upriver.
Quite XG, senior pass reduces camp fee by 1/2. $4 campsite w/ no water or garbage service. CXT outhouse.
Monday I drove into the Palouse w/ its dry land wheat farming. No trees just rolling hills and sky. Boggles mind on scale of space.
I passed several wind farms
The noticeable sound was from the blades cutting the air.
Making Spokane from the south. First stop was lunch @ Ultimate Bagel almost on Gonzaga’s campus. I stop there for lunch first day into to reconnect. While I was there one of the Zags coaches stopped for lunch. Mike Hart a recent graduated Zag visited. No conversation sharing happened. These guys ignored knowing fans. That’s one way to deal w/ notoriety. I engage people who ask about me.
Dentist visit reported no dental issues and compliments for the condition of my teeth. Kondo has been taking care of my teeth since 1990. Reconnect. I dropped my dental insurance as the coverage cost benefit didn’t make sense. I paid out of pocket.
Next I stopped for a visit at Mountain Gear. Dinner was at Geno’s which is owned by same people who own the Elk. Both are favorite places of mine. I drove out to my former neighbors’ house for the night and caught up in the local news that is mostly about the squabble about an easement. Tangled mess of emotions. Quiet night.
Tuesday was a planned after work ride w/ Les and Roger whom I worked with at the Boeing / Triumph plant. Bob joined. Les took off in the lead staying well ahead of the rest of us. Les lead us over to top of 7 minute hill then zipped down the hill and never looked back for the rest of us. When we arrived at the bottom Les was nowhere to be seen. He was too far away to hear our shouted calls. We are all big boys w/ our own bikes and rigs to drive home in. Les was gone. Bob showed us trails that were new to me. Lots of more trails in Riverside SP. Riverside is the second largest state park in WA @ 8,xxx acres and is right on the river just downstream of downtown. Wonderful place to ride. Down along the river much basalt has been exposed by the river’s erosion. Nasty shit. Bob and I enjoyed a post ride beer while talking about trails.
On the way to my former neighbors’ house I showered at Anytime then went next door for dinner and watched Felix pitch.
Chilly nights. I turn the furnace on and set it for a lower temp. The furnace cycled on and off responding to the thermostat. Quite comfortable.
Today I meet up with and ride w/ friend Steve from Sun Valley who is on his own road trip. Later I will join other former work buddies for beers and catching up. Tom is storing some of my stuff in his basement. I pay him a beer a year for storage. I will retrieve my PCT journal and a pair of Filson knickers.
Sunny day today w/ forecast calling for showers. Spokane is dead dry. I look forward to getting rained on. Schools should be let out so students can enjoy a rare event, like kids in the south when it snows.
Oregon’s spin on driving sober is interesting to me. Most people are into denial when confronted w/ a accusation. Cop pulls you over, you are asked if you have been drinking. No, officer you say. denial. This is an Oregon sign:
Oregon cop stops you. He asks are you driving sober? Denial. No, I’m not. Opps, should have said yes.
Shoulder pain is minor but constant. I am able to sleep which is most important. Riding doesn’t bother me any more than typing this blog. I am still using Lars’ created block and tackle system to raise and lower my bed.