August 11, 2013
Day 11: To Walla Walla, Washington
I slept until 8:30 and left the motel at 9:50, still feeling tired. Fortunately today is shorter and flatter than yesterday.
I left Umatilla heading east on US 730. The first 7 miles had no river view but afterwards was 20 spectacular miles along the river. The cliffs re-appear, but the road stays remarkably level. And I had morning shade from the cliffs to my southeast.
US 730 crosses back into the state of Washington a few miles before it connects to US 12.
Turning east on US 12 takes me away from the Columbia river for good. Now I follow the Touchet river upstream. I don't understand how there can be so much irrigation from such a tiny river.
Traffic was heavy all day. The highways have a decent paved shoulder but the experience was hardly serene.
After a few miles I entered the golden rolling hills of the southern Palouse. I enjoyed the open views. Thin clouds appeared in the afternoon, so the temperature didn't get much above 90F. That's good because shade is rare.
US 12 becomes a divided highway in Walla Walla. I took the downtown exit and pedaled around downtown Walla Walla (942 feet elevation). Most of it is very charming. The town seems fairly prosperous. With a population of 32,000 Walla Walla is the biggest town I've seen since Springfield, 10 days ago.
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I got a $60 room at the Travelodge east of downtown and had a high calorie dinner at a Mexican restaurant. But mostly I just want to rest as much as possible.
Today had 20 spectacular miles along the Columbia river, followed by a scenic transition to the southern Palouse. The terrain is gentle and the weather wasn't as hot as it could have been. It was a good day.
Distance: 59.7 miles (96 km)
Climbing: 1448 feet (439 m)
Average Speed: 12.4 mph (20 km/h)
Today's ride: 60 miles (97 km)
Total: 584 miles (940 km)
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