It's Wednesday already and hard to believe that a week and a half has gone by on our Sea to Sea biking adventure. It has simply been amazing. From the time we left Seattle on Monday, June 30 the beauty of God's creation has been as stunning as varied. Dipping our bicycle tires in the Pacific Ocean and then leaving in groups to the cheers of quite a huge crowd sent chills up my spine. Here I was starting out on the journey of a lifetime and feeling a bit anxious about it, also eager to get going.
The first day was an easy trip to Sultan, no big climbs with the exception of a 500 foot hill. I had actually conquered my first challenge and survived. A big part of the trip was along a bicycle path along the ocean. What a view. In Sultan I had no trouble setting up my tent either. Surprise! Surprise! Looking to the east would be our next big challenge, Stevens Pass, a 4000 foot climb. I would definitely have to eat my wheaties in the morning.
Tuesday was definitely the challenge it promised to be. I was up at 5:30 and had my tent packed and lunch packed as well as ate breakfast by 7:00am. This would be a key to every day as the days have been so hot. To leave much later than 7:00 is asking too much from these old bones of mine. I hate the heat and would not survive riding late into the afternoon.
Climbing Stevens Pass is something I will never forget. The vegetation was lush douglas fir, and moss covered cedar, almost rain forest. As we climbed the Pass we pretty much got beyond the tree line and actually saw snow along the roadway. At a 6 percent grade, I ended up stopping every two km. to take a rest. Riding with Peter, Andy and Cynthia was very enjoyable. We have similar riding skills and stamina.
We arrived at the summit by noon and relaxed by the SAG wagon, a support vehicle that provides water for us. Going down the other side was a real treat. One thing I realized very quickly was not to see how fast you can go. Travelling around 70km and hour and have your wheel start to wobble is not the most exhilarating feeling. \i quickly learned to slow down a bit.
Following the river was a real treat. To hear the rushing water is something you can never experience in a vehicle. Some of us stopping to dip our feet in the ice cold water. In 97 degree weather it wasn't such a bad idea.
The next few days was absolutely fantastic. Leaving the lush forests behing, we encountered the dry interior to the lee of the mountains. The vegetation is primarily low bushes and sage brush and grasses. This whole area around Yakima is all part of a huge desert that receives less than 10 inches of rain a year. Going through Yakima Canyon was a real treat. There is hardly any vegetation at all, only mountain walls on both side and a river below. \It makes one feel quite small as I cycle through with the group. The verse from Psalm 8 comes to mind, OO Lord our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth.