SEA to SEA
Bicycling Together To Leave Hunger Behind

Today, Friday, July 18 was tough. It was an 86 mile day with a 3,272 foot climb. I love those down hills though. I finally got the bicycle chronometer working (like a speedometer) but also measures distances, time, average speed and such.

We had 49 miles of strict desert and head winds the whole way. There were no cattle, no irrigated fields, and little traffic. It was lonely, quiet, and hot.

Tonight we are sleeping in Snowville, a town of 272 people with an exit off I-84 and three restaurants. Perhaps that says something about our country and need for community gatherings. We are sleeping in the town park. There is a small room for toilets but no shower. We hooked up a hose and surrounded the backstop by home plate with a large canvas. Men and women took turns. Use your imagination as you crawl under the canvas flap and look up seeing naked men dancing under a dripping cold hose taking turns. From the squeals, the women had a similar experience.

Today, for the first time in a long time we saw clouds. There was a 10% chance of rain but not a chance. Night time temperatures drop significantly once the sun drops over the horizon to the mid-50s while late afternoon is in the low 90s. The highest temperature is usually reached by 5:00 P.M.

Progress covering the miles is being made. There were only eight flat tires and three people that fell. But, Arnie, a new friend from Michigan tore his Achilles tendon.

Sadly, he is off the ride.

Today we saw a Golden Eagle, Kestel, and many Turkey Vultures. I learned how to identify Turkey Vultures from a distance. They fly in the thermals weaving about in the sky. The other major characteristic is that their wings are bent upward toward the tips just like the new Boeing 787 called the Dreamliner soon to grace our skies. Several people saw and took pictures of Prong Horned Antelope.