Over half way to Bend, Oregon

We (SonjaM & Myself) got an early start this morning. As she lives farther from the US Border than I, we agreed that she should leave earlier. So with text messages frantically going back and forth, she finally left at 4:45am and I followed 15 minutes later. The Peach Arch Border crossing is 45 minutes away and soon we united in Blaine, WA. We were anxious to get some food and nothing was open at that early hour except the usual fast food places which we passed by. With great luck after 60 miles we happened upon this Deli



At first it appeared to be closed, but it was open and it appeared that we were their only customers on this fine summer day. It's a great feeling to start out in the dark and see the sun coming over the horizon as you are riding down the highway.

While we do not usually opt for freeway riding we had to make some time so we decided to take I-5 down to Everett then head east on Hwy 2 towards Leavenworth where we would stop for our lunch break.

We decided that this ride to Bend, Oregon would not be a ride of endurance, but rather a ride of discovery where we would stop often for photos (if safe) and enjoy he scenery at a slower pace. If we noticed impatient vehicles behind us we would slow on the straight stretches, and wave them by. We wish to travel at our pace, not a pace imposed by the tailgater.

We had a minor glitch with our radio system but managed to get them working, finally. It is so nice to be able to talk to your riding buddy.


(Skynomish, WA: No Tell Motel)

We had a relaxing 2 hour lunch break in Leavenworth . While Sonja told me that she was not a shopper, she was happily looking for a new bikini which already had some "enhancements"


(don't you like her new look?)

After a few twists and turns we stopped to admire the scenery in Yakima Canyon



We started to really feel the heat after Leavenworth and by the time we reached Toppenish, WA it was over 40c . We were sweltering in all our gear. All the locals were riding in Shorts and T-shirts.

Tomorrow we leave for Bend, Oregon . See you on the road