Day 10 – June 13 – Chief Timothy State Park, WA to Winchester, ID – 59 Miles

What do you do for your son when he turns 17 while on vacation?  You might take him to a scenic overlook to take in the wonders of God’s creation.  You might also make him ride his bike to that scenic overlook even if it means a climb of over 2000 feet within a distance of 8 miles all near the end of a 59 mile ride.  Happy Birthday Joe!

It was physically the most challenging day yet.  We awoke at Chief Timothy Park, an Island in the Snake River, and made our start before 9 AM.  We were both running a bit slow already from the long day on Tuesday.  We opted for a shorter day with the goal of reaching Winchester, Idaho.  Clarkston, WA was just 8 miles down the road so we opted for having breakfast there.  When we arrived in Clarkston, the only establishment near our route that was open for breakfast was a Mac Donald’s.  We both downed a hotcakes breakfast while we went over the maps for the day’s route.

The route in Idaho has several alternatives, some more dangerous traffic wise, others more challenging regarding the terrain.  We were feeling stressed by the constant whirr of cars and truck as they sped by.  Even with a generous shoulder, the constant attention needed over your shoulder takes it toll.  We opted for the more safe but more physically demanding route.  It would take us from about 700 feet above sea level to over 4200 feet above sea level in 59 miles.  This included the intense 8 mile climb over a series of seemingly endless switchbacks.

To make matters worse, the breakfast at Mc Donald’s turned out to be our only meal until we reached our destination.  Not good planning on our part, as we relied on groceries and restaurants in some of the little towns on the route being open.  They were all closed, out-of business.  We found one smoke shop that had canned soft drinks, chips and candy bars.  Before our big climb we knocked on the door of the local soil conservation district office, to ask to fill our water bottles.  They graciously obliged.

Despite all the challenges of the day, some self imposed, others unanticipated, it turned out to be a great but extremely physically challenging ride.  We made it to Winchester, a town of 308 people, around 7:00 PM. We made it to their only restaurant just 5 minutes before they closed.

How did Joe feel about his birthday?  Joe is a positive person. Today was like every other.  He notices the fragrance of the blooming autumn olives, he appreciates the stark contrasts of the deep dark green field of wheat with the brilliant yellow of another crop.  He is interested in the call and the sight of unfamiliar birds. He finds humor in many things, including road kill and the prospect that we might be near the top because it looked so far down from where we had come, we weren’t.  He is awed by the sight of one of two golden eagles soaring high on thermals, suddenly dive on prey and then take off carrying a snake.  Joe did not complain. He expressed his fatigue, once, maybe twice.  When we got to the top, he stopped, looked to the west and told me,  “Dad you need to get a picture of this.”

For these and so many other reasons, I am honored to have him as my son.  Happy Birthday!

Tomorrow we have planned another “short ride.”  I think this one will not disappoint.  It should be about 43 miles about 90% down hill.

PS no internet wifi or even Verizon 3G connectivity in Winchester so I’ll have to wait until at least Thursday afternoon or evening to update.