DAY 6 – Umatilla OR to somewhere east of Walla Walla WA – 66 miles

More wind. And a lot of it coming from the side.

We watched the weather channel yesterday and saw that the winds are going to be pretty brutal in this part of the country for a few days. They were right. But, we’re pretty lucky because today’s hottest temperature was only 72 degrees and we mostly had cross or tail winds. And mostly flat terrain.

So we learned something new today ….. in Oregon and Washington when a sign says “ROCK” on the highway, the real meaning is “no shoulder and a rock wall instead”. Such an unfortunate situation to be in when you’re cycling along a “ROCK” area, you look in your mirror to see a WIDE LOAD truck coming at you in what was meant to be your 6” bit of shoulder. I learned that rock cliffs are hard and cold but useful to lean against when that big bruiser went past. That was the stressful part of our ride.

We had lunch at a real local place called the Seed House Saloon in the tiny town of Touchet where lots of Walla Walla onions are grown. The BLT with egg, cheese and, of course onion, was delicious.

The rest of the ride took us on backroads, past lots of farms and wheat fields.

A pretty uneventful day but gorgeous scenery. Mark got a flat that damaged the tire badly and Mcgyvered a solution he had read about by sliding a used energy gel wrapper between the tire and a new tube we were carrying.

We had to celebrate hitting 400+ miles by going wine tasting at Mark Ryan tasting room in Walla Walla. Someone’s gotta do it!

We’re finding people we meet are very interested in our ride. Everyone has been super friendly and helpful. We even met a guy at the Quality Inn in Goldendale who donated to our cause, since he has 6 daughters he thought he should…. Our hero for the day!

Finally, given that we left Oregon for good today, a thank you to most of the drivers there – semi truckers who crossed to the other side of the road to give us room. Drivers who stopped to let us cross when they had the right of way. If only all places had drivers who were so courteous and careful.

Lunch!
This was a NICE trucker
Does Mark’s vest even fit?
Bye bye Oregon!
Beautiful Oregon

8 thoughts on “DAY 6 – Umatilla OR to somewhere east of Walla Walla WA – 66 miles”

  1. Jeanette Stevenson

    You are having such a great ride hope it continues,such fab memories & lovely people along the way.Great pics again keep up the energy & go safely
    Love also to Sue & Brad how are they doing ,keeping you well maintained hopefully xxxx💕J

  2. This is Julie (Lisa’s sister) Will be following you and Mark. Be careful out there. The rockies are some climb. Breckenridge and Frisco are beautiful this time of year.

  3. Libby Donnell

    What an accomplishment!! Pics are wonderful and your stories so memorable. Be careful. Truckers back off!! I am honored to know you both and admire your perseverance!! Happy biking🚲❤️

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