Mood:  not sure

The good news:  Loup Loup, elevation about the same as Stevens Pass, 4,000+, was fairly short.  Twelve miles from the bottom to the top.

The bad news:  It started out very, very steep, about an 8% grade, for half a mile.  then after 3+ miles of climbing, there came 8 miles of 6 % grade (non-bicyclers, that is steep, especially with 50 pounds of gear). 

My strategy?  Make it up the first 1/2 mile, then rest.  Ride until I think the 6% grade starts, then rest.  Then hope to do either two shifts at 4 MPH with a break.  Or four shifts at 4 MPH with four breaks.  Or anything in between.  Just get to the summit.  Half the water worked yesterday, so it should be fine today, too (not!).

Today felt like two inner persons fighting, sort of a good vs. evil internally.  One voice is saying "Any pickup will take you over the pass.  Can you believe how weak you feel?  Why punish yourself."  The other voice is saying "I will be your strength. Abide in me"  No kidding.

I barely made it up the first 1/2 mile.

It is amazing to me that in second gear, low range, my bicycle could propel myself and my load up a pretty steep slope.  Just keep those legs moving.  Isn't that bird's song beautiful?  Ahh, feel that cool breeze.  Could I get in another mile before resting?

Good news:   I think I'm going to make it.  I'm not sure how much further to the summit, but I think I can do it.

Bad new:  I'm out of water.  It's hot.  There are no streams to replenish my thirst.  Who's dumb idea was that to bring half the water? 

I believe that I can make it to the summit with no water, without suffering health consequences.  If I start feeling bad, then I'll pull over and flag down some help.

After lunch, a little after noon, I start up thinking I have 3-4 miles to go, probably an hour of riding.  Within 1/2 mile there is a campground on the left!  Water!  No one is there when I pull in.  There is camping but not water.  Two travelers show up.  Neither has water for sale.  Back on the road.

Less than one half mile further there is a sign indicating that I am approaching the summit, and sure enough there it was.  It couldn't have been a mile from where I had lunch.  Now the worst case is that I coast downhill into Okanogan very thirsty. 

As I'm crossing the summit two bicyclers, coming from the opposite direction, reach the summit and pull over to a pickup.  I introduce myself, and guess what, they have lots and lots and lots of water!  Okanogan, here I come! (It doesn't take much to make me happy).

Larry and Joanne Talmadge live in Okanogon.  Joanne was an agent in my office in Everett before moving to eastern Washington.  They were gracious hosts with a blissful, shaded view of the Okanogon valley.  I had a spare tire delivered to their home, since I couldn't find one at home.  Unfortunately, it didn't arrive.  I decided to stay an extra day and hope it arrives tomorrow.  A blown tire with no spare would be a major problem.

The bonus is that Karen is coming over on Friday.  She'll stay with me at the Talmadge's home, then follow me to Colville, two days away.

My newest strategy is to jettison my camping gear to lighten up the load, then motel it to Boulder.  Karen will send the camping gear to Boulder since all the major mountain climbs will be behind me.  That is not to belittle steep hills or the Blue Ridge mountains, but it's the 3,00-4,500 hundred foot ascents that I'd like to be a little lighter.  My legs are getting stronger.

I can't wait for Karen to get here.  I miss her.

Will McMahan