Mood:  happy

Karen, in an uncharacteristically intrepid manner, is on her way over to Okanogan.  I am excited to see her.

Larry Talmadge has been a wonderful host while Joanne was working.  I met two of his kids and his brother.  We saw their place in Concunnely, and their previous cabin on Lake Concunnely.  What beautiful country!

 We met Joanne for lunch at this incredible retaurant in Omak called the Breadline.  If you are ever in Omak, do not, I repeat, do not, miss it.

On the way back to the Talmadge home, Larry says "I wonder if your tire is there yet."  Oh my gosh, I forgot about the tire (its amazing how good company, good food, and beautiful surroundings can cloud one's mind!)  As soon as we got to Larry's house, I called the supplier wanting to know why my tire had not arrived.  During the call, the doorbell rings.  It's Federal Express with the tire.  Wow.  See what a phone call will do!

Karen arrived around 5 PM, and we had another blissful dinner out on the Talmadge deck overlooking the valley.

We are going to test out the new strategy of jettisoning the camping gear.  Karen, as a safety valve, will accompany me for two days, until we get to Colville. 

I'll be back on the road on Saturday.  It is 30-40 miles to Tonasket, then a decent climb over the third mountain pass.  It is called Wauconda.  Starting at 900' of elevation at Tonasket, the pass is at 4,300 feet.  This will be a good test of everything:  carrying a lighter load (probably 35-38 lbs), I'm full hydrated and well fed and rested. 

Sunday presents the highest pass in the state of Washington.  It is called Sherman Pass.  It is 5,575' of elevation (don't sneer you Coloradans!). 

The original plan was to have a day of rest in Colville, and attend church there.  Since I took a day of rest yesterday, I do not want to attend church in Republic (the new Saturday night rest stop), get out near noon, then attempt Sherman Pass.  No, I think I'll do private devotions on Sunday.  Whether there will still be a rest day in Colville is still a question to be answered.

Will McMahan