To Newport, WA

July 1, 2024

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We've been on the road exactly one month. I think today was the best overall riding day of the trip. I say that regularly, don't I? Each day seems better than the last. This has turned out to be a much better trip than we expected. Overall, good pavement, light traffic, good weather (with a couple of notable exceptions!), great scenery. How many boxes can we check?

I'd say today was the cumulation of all of those things. We've done the ride before on LeClerc Road. I'm glad I wasn't swayed by the local lady's opinion that the main highway had less traffic. Today was optimal. There were just enough undulating climbs to make it interesting, but not difficult. Jacinto prefers difficult. I like enough effort for my dinner to taste good at night.

Anyway, today was a near perfect riding day. Jacinto doesn't exactly agree with me. He got caught in the rain again, a heavy downpour that lasted 15-20 minutes, at mile 20. By that time, I was in town at the Safeway. I heard one big clap of thunder, and thought that it would be a joke on me if I got wet before getting to the motel. I knew I was close, but I was slightly off route. End of that piece of the story is that I made it. The motel lady tried to talk me out of my room. Did I really need two beds? I would sure like two beds. She left me in room 5. We have lots of space. The bed is soft and saggy - just like last night. Jacinto and I are of the age that our bodies complain after a subpar sleeping experience. I was really hoping for a nice bed tonight. I will be happy that we have the big room. I told Jacinto perhaps the other bed is firm.

The internet isn't good here. I went out side to eat my chicken in the little grassy courtyard and noticed a tandem couple checking in. Hmmm, I squinted, trying to see the details of their bike. I didn't want to bother them during their getting to town routine. I could see couplers and a Steer Stopper. It looks like a nice bike.

I sat and ate chicken. There were crows hanging around - but they weren't going to get the best of me! I stayed right with my food, and kept the bag closed. I was watching Jacinto on Strava. He was on Pine Street, but wasn't arriving. Where was he? I called. He said, I'm here, but I don't see you. He was at the Antler Apartments around the corner. Here he came, just as the tandem couple,Mike and Sue, came out of their room. Of course they perked up when they saw Jacinto on his loaded bike. We ended up having an extended conversation about both of our current tours. Mike figured out that he and I had corresponded previously - he had my email contact! It is a small world sometimes. To make it even more interesting, their tandem is a Rodriguez, the exact color of Jacinto's. They also have a Rohloff hub.

We are having bicycle overload today. Another bicycle friend, Sylvia Halpren, is camping in Sandpoint, after attending a recumbent rally. She is driving over and we are going to dinner.

Look at us be social butterflies!

A painting on a window in Ione caught my eye.

The view of the red bridge isn’t as good with the trees growing in the way.

I know I’m in serious snow country when I see mail boxes protected from the snow plows. Some people are practical in their efforts.

Washington’s answer to Stonehenge is still here.

I was stopped when this couple rode on past. They asked if I were okay, but didn’t chat.

Our Lady of Sorrows church on the reservation. I like the bell tower.

I had to blink twice. Yes, these are buffalo!

We had a two bedroom room at the Antler Motel. There is a touring tandem riding couple here also. They were busy getting in their room. I didn’t approach them.

Today's ride: 53 miles (85 km)
Total: 1,031 miles (1,659 km)

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George (Buddy) HallI stayed at the Antler Motel in 2021 on my Northern Tier ride. At that time there was a Mexican restaurant catty-corner across the street. Seemed like a nice little town.
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5 months ago

Kelly IniguezTo George (Buddy) HallYep, that's where we ate tonight. It was a busy place. Jacinto has a box of leftovers for breakfast in the morning. He's happy. Tomorrow is Coeur d'Alene and then a rest day. Our first one after 12 riding days.
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5 months ago