Bring on Spring!

Great day for a ride, huh Chiva!

After spending several days in Snoqualmie recharging with Tove, David and their 5 kids and 5 dogs, Chiva and I caught a mini-van ride over the snow-covered pass to Cle Elum. From here we headed to Ellensburg and then south into the scenic Yakima River Canyon. With nightfall nearing, I made a concealed campsite behind a pile of stacked picnic tables.

Following a frosty night in the canyon, we proceeded to Selah, Yakima, Wapato, and Toppenish. At the local grocery store in Toppenish, a friendly, 77 year old man invited me to stay with him and his daughter. I figured I had scored shelter, dinner and possible even a badly-needed shower. When I arrived at his address, it was nothing more than an outdoor shed for his collection of semi-trucks. Fortunately, drinking water and electricity were available, and Walt told me I could pitch my tent between the trucks or even have the privilege of sleeping in one of the truck bed cabins. With the temperature dropping rapidly and the wind howling, Chiva and I hopped into a dingy, old black truck. Although the space was even sprinkled with mice feces (and therefore mice), I decided the pros outweighed the cons and got some needed shut-eye. Definitely a night I will remember!

Traversing the Yakima Indian Reservation from Toppenish to Goldendale has been without a doubt the most demanding day thus far. The stretch of road includes 50 miles of desolate, infertile country (remember this is a reservation) that climbs Satus Pass. After mile upon mile of climbing, me, Chiva, and bicycle/trailer finally reached the pass and cruised into Goldendale where I treated us to a motel for the first time.

Quick notes:

Fastest speed: 33mph (and that was being cautious)

Coldest temperature: 23 degrees F, Yakima River Canyon

Combined weight of bicycle, trailer, luggage, Chiva, and me: 350 pounds

Number of flat tires: 1

Added a GPS tracking feature that updates our exact location (see top right corner)

Time to pack up and head to Hood River, OR. Here are some pictures:

Rack on trailer installed by David Warmerdam. Thank you!!!

Chiva curling up inside the truck cabin

Chiva staying warm and comfortable with her coat

Walt the friendly truck driver from Toppenish

Water? Check. Food? Check

Conditions on the Yakima Indian Reservation (Cultural Center in the distance)


Can you see the tent? Can you get pass the guard?

Staying warm and ready to rob a bank in the Yakima River Canyon

Walt's Dog, Bob

Desolate section of Route 97 between Toppenish and Satus Pass

Gotcha!

Taking a break from climbing. A coyote was eyeing us in the distance.

Satus Creek

First flat tire right outside Toppenish

The hotel room for the night

Walt's 5 Star Accommodation Truck Shed

Glad to see this sign after a long day on Satus Pass

Lots of Basalt Rock in the Canyon

Enjoy the views Chiva...I'll do the work

Yakima River Canyon: ideal place for biking and rafting

Route 10 between Cle Elum and Ellensburg

Just south of Ellensburg

If you have any questions or comments, I would love to hear them!