There has been Internet connection problems, yes we are still in America were connections should be ever so easy. Just like our ride from Cascade Locks to Packwood should have been ever so, well not easy but doable. Since our day was to be long, 104 miles with 8, 456 feet of climb, it was to be an early departure. So about a 5:30A leaving time was set. We had a metal bridge with a grid type crossing to be ridden over. Four of us walked up the bridge the day before to check out the surface. It's not my favorite but it was the only way to get to the other side of the Columbia River and into the State of WA! Margarita Party! Yes, it did rain the night before giving it an even more unhappy start for me. So dressed in rain gear I approached the bridge, it was just fine! A little bumpy but not at all bad. Off we went with great anticipation of our signature ride day! The rain started early and the temperature dropped. I got really very, very cold and it didn't look like it was going to clear up. Our guides had told us they would prepare lunch and meet us at about mile 50. What a surprise to see all at about mile 40. The reason, the pass road we were to take was closed due to fallen trees and snow. Well, how should I feel? I'm soaking wet, very cold and tired. They are giving us a warm van, dry clothes, hot chocolate and grilled cheese sandwiches! I couldn't climb in that van fast enough. One of the riders, Mike, went through all the luggage to help me find 3 of mine for my dry clothes. Thank you Mike! Yikes, what a day. After a 3 1/2 hour drive, we had to go around the mountain, we made it to Packwood. And that's my 'the hard day that wasn't'.
No pictures today.
Since we didn't have internet last night I'm doing 2 in 1 tonight. Today started out with a 19 mile climb, construction confusion and an avalanche area! The construction and avalanche areas turned out to be just fine. It was a bit cold to start so all warm clothing was worn. It really was a lovely day. There was threat of rain but didn't really materialize. Then there was a wonderful 19 mile downhill which ended with 5 of us going to lunch. After lunch we even had a tailwind! We road through the orchards of Yakima, just so pretty. There were cherry trees and what looked like crab apple trees. We got in close to 4P and Susan is my roommate. It was a longish ride of 74 miles but very enjoyable, a favorite of mine. Only a few pictures, it just didn't happen.
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| The morning start. |
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| Mt Rainier is hiding once more |
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Well, it looked good when I took it.
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| Cindi with Judy looking over the bridge at the water fall above. |
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