Day 5, Rest day, Spokane, WA

We are staying in a dorm at Gonzaga University within walking distance to Starbucks, a supermarket/pharmacy, several bars and restaurants, and a brew pub. Go Zags! Rest day may be a misnomer; we have a lot of catching up to do.

Laundry needs doing, four loads total. How did we go through so much clothing in four days? All told, four, one mile round trips to the grocer/pharmacy for medicines, toiletries, sun screen, and "stuff." Bike maintenance also needs doing. We have gone over 300 miles in the last four days after all. We also walked to REI, a 3.4 mile round trip for some camping needs. Basically we walk everywhere, but it is nice not to be on the bike today.

So far, I think we have done well, but we have had some challenges.
Day one was the toughest so far. We started the day at an elevation of 30 feet and crested a pass at 3,015 feet. That climb began gradually at mile 51, and finished at mile 74.5. Total climbing was 4,117 feet. Some of the ascent was on I-90, which carried its own stress. We also fell on I-90, the front wheel caught in a sand filled rut on the shoulder, and we went down at about 13 mph. The bike was fine, and we got some minor road rash and bruises, but I found myself less likely to go fast for a couple days after that.
Day two was a great day. We watched the climate change mile by mile, and met some interesting people in local businesses we visited. We did have a gradual 16 mile climb near the end of the day, but that led to a unbelievable 9.6 mile, 1,851 foot descent into Vantage, WA. Can you imagine coasting at 25 to 30 mph (crosswinds) for over 9 miles?!! Total climbing 1,673.
Day three taught us the importance of staying hydrated. Low humidity and a temperature that reached 90 got us both into trouble with dehydration and hyperthermia. Fortunately our support crew was on the spot with drinks and electrolytes, so we were able to recover quickly and finish the day. Total climbing 1,946.
Day four was a gift. A tail wind almost the whole day, and temperatures no higher than 68. We only had two short hills to climb of about 6% grade, and there was that marvelous descent down Heartbreak Hill. Total climbing 1,677.

Tomorrow we go 76 miles to Sandpoint, ID, crossing our first state border. We travel predominately north east, and the weather forecast is for south west winds, sunny skys, and temperatures no higher than 68. Another gift? We'll see.

On a housekeeping note, we are having problems uploading pictures and video. We will soon figure it out, and you'll be able to see what we have seen.