The scenery is spectacular but the past three days have been far from a walk in the park. Yes, we have been on several rail beds and that means the grade of the trail cannot be more than two percent. However sometimes the rail beds disappear because of burned out trestles or because private entities have absconded with sections of the trail. We have had to push our heavily laden bicycles up zigzagging sections and carry them up metal stairs. And then there are the pitch-black tunnels designed and constructed for Rockefeller’s Milwaukee Road line to get through the Cascade mountains. The tunnels are open for cycling but one must have a good light and plenty of confidence to maneuver through the bumpy surfaces. Pat takes them on with a frenzy while I push my bicycle.
The first tunnel we encountered was two miles in length. Upon exiting we were greeted to plenty
of rain that just kept on coming for the next three hours. Thankfully, our gear (yellow rain jackets, rain pants, helmet covers, gloves and hand warmers) did the trick.
Drenched as we were, it was also our first night to set up camp. Miraculously as we arrived at Lake Easton’s State Park, which is squeezed between an active rail line and Interstate 90, the rain subsidized. We set up our tent, inflated our sleeping pads and zipped our lightweight sleeping bags together. Our spirits buoyed, we found a lively café a mile’s walk away and were invited to join a fellow camper’s campfire as night fell. Unfortunately, the temperatures dropped to 42 degrees leaving us shivering in those bags. Now we know it’s cold in the Cascades in mid-June.
Saturday’s ride on the Palouse to Cascade Trail (from the state park) was full of gravel. It was extremely challenging for me to stay upright and not get caught in all of the ruts. The high point of the day was stopping at the former Cle Elum depot, which was once, one of the three crew change-over locations for the Milwaukee Road rail line. There we found several historical markers, describing the depot, and Smokey’s Bar-be-que, a diamond in the rough.
Since our Seattle departure, we have cycled 154 miles – not too shabby for we slowpokes. Once surrounded by lush forests, we are now cycling through rich green irrigated farm land, lots of wind and very few trees. The rest of the Palouse to Cascade trail promises more of the same climate, nasty goatheads which love to play havoc with tires and knowing the right password to get through the Army’s proving ground.
Pat is most definitely the stronger cyclist regardless of the weight he carries. We are dining on plenty of granola and Greek yogurt in the mornings, cheese or peanut butter sandwiches and fruit for lunch and every now and again, we locate a restaurant serving dinner. Finding coffee is now more of a fantasy than a reality.
Shevonne and Pat
Follow along as we spin our wheels
Deb
A highlight of my day is a posting by you two. The pictures are wonderful; the descriptions of 2-mile tunnels & absconded portions of the trail, not so much.
Bob
Thanks for letting me assist you today at Beverly Bridge to Wanapum State Park. It was really windy.
Shevonne
Hi Bob,
We are fully recovered and ready to get our wheels back on the road tomorrow. Thanks for all your assistance.
Michelle Godwin
No coffee or beer?! You guys really are troopers. Loving your blog!
Shevonne
coffee this morning with a bit of chocolate milk that Bob had in his camper. Yay campers.
Kate Dellner
¡Animo! Keep going! Spin/slog on 😃
Enjoying the blog and re-living my 2019-20 travels through the northwest and across country — twice. First car-camping and then in our 14’ teardrop camper! More lux than a tent for sure; less adventurous than your Way! You two are very inspirational.
Shevonne
Hi Kate,
Nice to hear from you. It has been our first trip ever to the state of Washington. We had no idea it was so desert like.
Donald Laughlin
Looks pretty exciting,happy trails.everything is going well on the waitsfield job .
Shevonne
Thanks, Don for your words of support.
Pat
Good to know, Don. Keep up the good work!
Kristine Korman
Beautiful descriptions. Hard work but I can see why you are doing it!
Manny
Love the blog. Keep the posts coming
Shevonne
Manny,
We will do our best.
Andrea
Hi you two!
You’re views are amazing. And I’m glad to see that you’re putting your equipment to good use. I told you guys those tunnels would make you question your religion lol!! Thinking of you and praying for kinder weather and warmer nights.
Shevonne
Hi Andrea,
Yes, we were definitely babes in the woods when we began this journey.Super to hear from you. We hope you are finding your way as well.
Karen pike
I love all of the pictures!!!! Keep posting!! ❤️🚲
David Morganwalp
Sounds like you are having a wonderful adventure. Good luck to you both.