Walla Walla, Washington

Today, I entered Walla Walla, Washington. After a brief 30 mile ride, I stopped and got a bike tune up, and a shower (as my primitive campsite last night had no amenities short of cold running water). As I move east, more careful planning of my schedule is required. For example, the day before yesterday, the road had 82 miles between gas stations, so I have to plan both rations (especially water) and campsites carefully. Now, the additional wrinkle of preparing for the mountain climbs (up to 3000 feet this week, and nearly 7000 in the subsequent week or two) makes careful planning even more important. Hence, my short ride today positions me well for my climbs tomorrow, and hitting Idaho the day after that.

The terrain is dryer and reminiscent of the west I remember from my summers in Wyoming. The horse ranches rest in the dry plains, nestled between mountain ranges on both sides. I'm not hitting the big mountains, quite yet, but it brings back great memories.

I've been following the heat waves of the east and midwest with some interest. Fortunately, the weather here continues to be great, as I am spared the heat and humidity plaguing the rest of the country.