Day 4: Othello to Colfax, WA

Distance: 94 miles

Elevation: +3927 / -3034

Temperature: 85

Highlights:

1. We rode through a number of diverse areas:

* fields of spearmint and alfalfa that stretched as far as the eye could see.

* wheat

* cattle and cool rock outcroppings

* wheat - (anyone want to trade two wheat for wood and bricks?)

2. Riding through countryside with nary a car in sight.

3. We had a lovely lunch, al fresco, in the town of Washtucna. I will say, I’m not sure the welcome was quite what I would have expected, but you can make that decision for yourself.

4. The temperature today was much more reasonable, and we had a lovely tailwind to boot! This photo has nothing to do with either of those things, but I liked it, so it’s going here:

5. How do you capture the beauty and expansiveness of the Palouse region of Eastern Washington? If I were in a car, I would likely be doing the 70 mile speed limit, hoping to get to the next place of “interest.” But, being on my bike, I can’t get over how much is interesting, how much the landscape changes from mile to mile, or how big this country is and minuscule I am. Watching the wind blow the young wheat plants is like watching the waves at the beach: mesmerizing.

6. Cows aren’t used to seeing people on the road, just cars. Without exception, they looked up and turned to watch us as we rode by. It was hysterical. Maybe they wish they could ride a bike, too, since it’s better than the alternative. See, cycling isn’t that crazy when you consider you could be a hamburger.

This is not a cow. This is a mule deer. No one took pictures of the cows, but this deer just watched us ride by, and fills this spot nicely. I think she thought she was invisible.

7. Those two dark vehicles on the left are not government issue FBI/CIA forces. However, they are mighty powerful, and our lives depend on them!

Is there any sight that fills you with happiness and warmth the way seeing your SAG team does? How can you not smile, knowing they’re about to greet you and help you through this craziness?

Lowlights:

1. Lots of lovely sprinklers and water, but all full of pesticides and chemical fertilizers. Some of us may return to Ohio ready to go through puberty again, who knows, since we caught some of the spray, even while wearing masks.

2. The crop dusting was fun to watch, but, again, chemicals in the air.

3. Not beating the train, and having to wait on the other side.

Random Thoughts:

1.If you didn’t already, WASH YOUR PRODUCE before you eat it. The amount of chemicals on our food is insane. We watched a guy exit a field in a HAZMAT suit, which tells you pretty much all you need to know!

2. Be nice to cows. They notice you and care that you stopped by, and everyone likes being noticed sometimes.