Mood:  energetic

Karen and I gave our goodbyes and thanks to the Talmadges for their hospitality.  Around 8:30 AM, we departed for the town of Republic (population 900).

Our strategy today was to have lunch in Tonasket, about 35 m/l miles into the trip.  Immediately out of Tonasket, I had to cross Wauconda Pass in order to reach Republic.  Neither I nor almost anyone I know has ever heard of Wauconda Pass.   Yet it is steeper and higher than the better known Stevens and Snoqualamie Passes.  I was to test my new theory of jettisoning the camping gear, thus lightening the load.  

In bicycling, a person or persons that support a bicycler(s) is called a SAG (no that does not stand for Stage Actors Guild, Californians).  Karen drove as SAG for me, stopping at  predetermined distances, and provided fresh water and food.  Since the climb was often steep, I would be in a low gear, generating a top speed of 4 mph.  An hour of climbing is physically taxing, so Karen would find a spot 3.5 to 4 miles ahead for me to rest and replenish. 

The  ride went well.  Whether my legs were getting stronger, or the lighter load made it a bit easier or the good Lord watched over me, the ride went as planned.  It was fun for me to have Karen along.  She was a very good and supportive sport, but I wouldn't say that she would consider being a SAG as fun.

 In Republic, I had arranged to stay at the home of some bicycling enthusiasts, Boyd and Diane Hewitt.  Although we had never met, they laid down the welcome mat, provided a delicious dinner, and we had interesting converstaions.  Boyd is a foreman at a local gold mine and it was very enlightening to hear how the gold is mined and processed.

Having lived in Wyoming, along the path where I will be traveling, they were aghast at the thought of me jettisoning my tent.  There were vast distances where there were no motels or places to stay, but camping was available.  So it looks like the tent is going back on the bike as I leave Colville.

Tomorrow, we have the pleasure of scaling Sherman Pass, The highest pass in Washington.  Karen would provide SAG support again.  We intended to stay in Colville, about 60 miles away.  After Colville, she would head home, and I would venture east alone.

Will McMahan