Prior to starting our ride today, Garrett and I knew it was going to be a relatively hot day, and hot it was indeed!
We departed Cashmere around 7am, and rode toward Wenatchee. The first two hours of riding were comfortable in terms of temperature and topography. Riding along the Wenatchee River before its confluence with the Colombia River was pleasant as traffic was sparse at this time.
Beyond Wenatchee, we rode along the course of the Columbia River via WA-28 which was newly paved for the most part. Immediately after Trinidad, WA the highway (WA-28) ventures away from the Columbia River valley. This translated to a long, gradual climb out of the valley that bended left, right, slightly right, then left at its top. By my estimation, it was approximately 2 miles in length. Rightfully so, we stopped for lunch in the shade at a rest area on top of the valley.
Following lunch, we set out for Quincy, WA. It was here where we would begin our stairstep route of south, then east, south then east etc...
By this time of the day, WA-281 (also newly paved) was relentlessly radiating heat from 8+ hours of direct sunlight. We rode at a steady pace accordingly. Beyond WA-281, we followed a frontage road that ran parallel to interstate 90. In short time, I was struck by the juxtaposition of all the traffic noise on I-90 and the near absolute absence of any traffic on this frontage road. Undoubtedly, the next 13 miles afforded us the least amount of traffic during our trip thus far (4 cars, 1 semi, and 1 tractor).
At this point in the day the temperature was in the mid 90's. We often took breaks, rarely in shade when we did encounter it, and drank one bottle of water about every 40 minutes. If ever you visit eastern Washington, don't be fooled by the expansive irrigation systems and cultivation: it is a very arid land!
After a long, hot, and tiresome ride, we arrived at MarDon Resort, which is situated on the Potholes Reservoir. Shortly after checking in to our camping spot, we dined at the restaurant adjacent to our campsite. Our meals were most satisfactory after a day like today. Following this, we set up camp, cleaned up, and began to turn in for the evening... which I should resume. Goodnight!
