Wayne,

Yeah, the smoke was a little unpredictable around Omak. I wanted to go further west and ride over Loup Loup Pass, but it looked like the smoke was much worse in the next valley over. It's a small world; we were within 2 days of meeting up. Best of luck,

Buddy Hall

Hi Greg!

Interesting story you told about Cashmere. I enjoyed my rest day there, it's a nice little town. BTW, I'm currently carrying not just a computer, but 2 computers! I "inherited" Doc's computer for the trip duration when he headed home early cause his will process the video (mine doesn't have enough horsepower for that, but it's better for updating the journal). Amazing how much electronic stuff I have on this tour - oh well, the weight keeps me from being blown away by the wind. Best wishes,

Bud

Sandy;

I looked at the map and think that's an excellent suggestion! But at this point I have hotels booked and a plan to complete the trip in place, so I don't think it will happen now. However - because the fire prevented me from riding Rainy/Washington and Loup Loup Passes, I hope to return here some day and take a short tour that includes those passes. I think your suggestion could be part of that tour and would make for a very interesting week or so. Best wishes,

Bud

Thanks for the suggestion Michelle. I did look at that option (cause I do love a good second breakfast), but I probably won't do it because it would be a 5-mile detour off my route. Still, you never know how I might feel when I reach that point - so I'm keeping it in mind! Thanks,

Bud

Bud if you take 522 off of Highway 2 you will go through Malby, if you can try the Malby cafe for breakfast...haven't been there in a couple of years but the food is excellent. Only a couple more days are you are in the barn! Tailwinds!

Hi Bud,
I’ve been following your adventure and enjoying your excellent photos. You could consider going to Anacortes via Whidby Island. You would have to find a route to the Mulkiteo (not sure about the spelling) ferry. Then head north to Fidalgo Island and Anacortes. You can probably find a bike shop to ship your bike. Check out Racpac’s journal on this site. I believe they started in Everett Wa and backtracked to Anacortes for their west to east Northern Tier.
Happy Trails,
Sandy

Hi Bud, it's your Minnesota greeter here again. I'm so glad to see you're still persevering despite the fires. I took a Highway 2 diversion on my Northern Tier ride, though not because of wildfires.

I remember liking the town of Cashmere. Here's why:

I didn't carry a computer in those days so I always updated my blog in public libraries. The librarian in Cashmere, unlike many librarians across the country, allowed me all the time I needed. When I finished up at the Cashmere library, I went back outside with the hope that my bike was still there after 90 minutes of blogging.

Thank goodness, it was. Right behind me was the librarian who shouted "You forgot to close out your session!" I went back in and found she was right. Who knows what kind of crap the next person could have written on my blog -- all in my name. In fact, the next person could have deleted the whole thing. Thank you, Cashmere librarian.

I passed that sign 2 days before you, but wasn't planning to go on WA 20. I was going south, not west. I had sun at Lake Chelan but terrible smoke earlier in the day at Pateros.

Sis,

I'd be surprised if Doc only found 1 beer! Hopefully he will get home tonight - I've had to sleep in an airport overnight before. The airlines say it's "not their fault" if the delay is caused by weather, and you are on your own.

Bud

Thanks Scott! We don't have mountain goats or big-horned sheep where I'm from - kind of obvious, huh? But now I know. Best of luck,

Buddy Hall

You were right the first time, our mountain goats are white. This is a female big horned sheep, I think. Beautiful animal.

Just a few more days and you will have accomplished not one but two coast to coast bike trips!!! Despite being attacked by rabid dogs and enduring the pain of an impacted wisdom tooth! Absolutely an amazing accomplishment to say the least.
Doc’s flight is delayed due to thunderstorms and he has been stuck in Chicago for awhile. The latest update is that he should arrive at 11:30 pm. At least he found a hamburger and a beer:)
Sis
(who is better at spotting giraffes than spotting mountain goats)😂

Unknown- he left it a bike shop for them to pack and ship - there’s now a couple of competing bike shipping companies, so whoever that bike shop uses.

Bud

Congratulations George, almost there! Which organization did Doc use to arrange the bike shop bike shipping?

Bud, you had such a tough night. I hope things are better for you tomorrow! I’m sure they will be. Water is healing. Sorry you had to reroute due to the fires. Anyway, tomorrow is another day as they say. One week to go….you’re on the home stretch.