Surprise!

Day 3 - July 2, 2008

I got up at 5:30; once again ate like horse. And this time it was Oatmeal, which draws the parallel closer. Packed up and hit the road.

The ride was challenging without being overly draining. We climbed 3,000 feet but at a pitch that was manageable. Occasionally we reached the 6-7 degree pitch of the day before and I had to struggle with my biker’s version of PTSD. But soon the incline would again moderate.

After clearing the pass I enjoyed a 13 mile downhill and delighted in the speed of riding 42 mph.

When I reached the bottom the road split; I turned into the parking lot where a couple of Sea to Sea vehicles were waiting. No sooner did I enter the lot than a familiar face approached-Michael! He had driven out from Seattle to a nearby cabin owned by his host family-Jack and Mary Ann Byeman. They gave me cold water, two giant Payday candy bars, and some world class beef jerky. Elements of grace. Take, eat, remember and believe that people care about me and what I am doing. Thanks for caring and praying.

We arrived in Ellensburg fairly early. Temperature approaching 100 degrees. As I write I’m sitting in the air conditioned hallway of the school at which we’re camping. The ride tomorrow looks a bit easier, which is a good way to get used to the heat.