Day 47 - Final Leg to Seattle, WA

Day 47 – Thursday: August 01, 2013, miles ridden today: 272.0

A - Sandpoint, ID
B - 49 Degrees North

C - Gifford Ferry
D - Grand Coulee Dam
E - Chelan, WA

HOW! - Neat Totum Pole in Chewelah, WA Park

OK, packed and drove to Starbuck’s for my morning OM+C+T, and to update the Blog to Day 47. Done! I'm now current...

My attempt today was to stay off the interstate highways. I achieved this by following Larry Wannabe’s suggestions and winging it with a map and GPS. Great day: took Rt 20 north from Sandpoint, ID to Newport, WA then to 49° N (name of the Ski Area up on the mountain) and headed for Chewelah, WA. From there I called Walter to confirm tomorrow’s plans.

Inchelium - Gifford Ferry: Where I going, other side

Schedules? 

Where I was, other side

Columbia River

I then pointed the bike in the direction of Coulee Dam (worlds largest concrete structure, built in 1941). Stopped to take this picture:

The View I wanted to Capture

Soft Gravel

...then stowed the camera and didn’t get 15 feet when the inevitable happened. My front wheel sunk in some soft gravel and I tried to recover by giving it some throttle.  Down it went:

Oh No! The Picture I Did Not Wish To Take

All it did is eject me like Rocky The Squirrel! OK, I was somewhat prepared for this, though my recovery rate picking it back up unassisted is 50/50, I unloaded the bag on the groundside to gain some advantage; positioned myself (remembering to put kickstand down) I successfully walked it up on the third attempt. Repacked my gear, checked everything for any damage (none) and off I went.

Coulee Dam, completed 1941

Lake Roosevelt Created by Coulee Dam

Stopped at Shaw’s Fruit Stand on Rt 174 near Coulee Dam for a snack. They were all interested in my trip, and advise for Walter is if he wishes to retire on the Peninsular is to consider Squim, WA.

 

More Dams

Looking West - I'm in Trouble, Going to Get Wet

180° View of the Weather

Arrived at Jim’s house in Chelan, WA soaked. The black cloud was waiting for me when I arrived in Brewster, WA, 25 miles east. Oh well, Jim I owe you man, a warm dry cover over my head, you’re the best! Like Motel 6, you left the lights on. Although you deny it rains here at your East WA residence, I offer you proof from your front door it does :) I called for a pizza delivery and drank (2)of Jim's Rainier Beers and I’m all done in for the day…

 

Sunset from Jim's Front Patio looking over Lake Chelan

Lata’