It's a Dry Heat

Wow. Today began nicely enough, Across the street from my motel in Yakima, there was a separated "Greenway," for bikes and peds. It took me all the way around the city, followed a river, and it was early, so the temperature, while slightly chilly, felt great. From there I headed out a few side streets on the east side of town past beautiful vineyards, and hooked up with highway 24. I had heard that morning on the news of a huge fire north of Sunnyside, which had 24 closed down on Friday, maybe part of Saturday. I also read about a restaurant, the Silver Dollar Cafe, that had burned in the fire. The local news said the roads were open, so I went for it. Scorched Earth! It was black on both sides of the highway, mostly to the south. The road itself was nice, big shoulders, smooth pavement. So far so good. I did go by the charred foundation of that cafe, that was sad. And as I would realize later, it might have been a great place to get some food. At one point there was a hand painted sign that said "Mule Poo, Back-Ordered." I wish I had taken a photo.

Thing is, from Moxee to Othello, or Connell (I think) There are no services. There is no shade. There are no shoulders once you turn north to go into the Saddle Mountain Wildlife Preserve. Still, The distance remaining looked OK. A little farther than I had hoped to do in a day, but, no mountain ranges, right?

My last bit of good news (possible life saving it turned out) was a rest area located Just before he refuge. Grass, water, restrooms! What an Oasis. I briefly considered camping there, because if I continued, it seemed like I'd be riding into the hottest part of the day, not a good idea. Still, only 36 miles to Othello, and a little further to Connell... I ought to be able to cover that right? Well, yes, but not the smartest thing I've tried. Once you turn east again, the road is as straight as you can imagine, and, it goes uphill. Not a lot, maybe 2-3%, but combined with chip-seal, no shoulder, and headwind, it was pretty difficult. As it got hotter, my speed kept decreasing. In two places, my attention wavered just enough to dip my wheel into the soft gravel off the edge of the pavement. I somehow didn't go down though, and was able to steer to a stop. I fantasized about someone offering me a ride. I started to get worried. Finally it seemed like I needed to stop every mile. I started worrying I might be getting into a bad region, medically speaking. I had water, though I was pacing it to make sure I didn't finish before I knew I had a destination within reach. There was eventually a ridge in view with some trees, the first possible shade I had seen in many miles. I got on the phone with Linda, and we decided I'd just make those trees, and then figure out what to do from there. Turned out to be an orchard, and I pulled in, there were sprinklers going, so I could drench my head cover without using drinking water. I dug into the trailer and got out my "camping food," and made myself a tuna sandwich of sorts. I could feel myself getting better as I downed it. After some time hanging out, I decided I felt good enough to continue, though Connell seemed depressingly too far. There was a sign, "Othello 10 miles," and though it was five to seven miles out of my way, I decided that would be my stopping place. Eventually, there was a really nice downhill. So strange to get back up into the twenties after forty miles of six to eleven miles per hour. Then, a left turn, and, uphill... well, by this time I was feeling better so I knew I could manage it. I even consulted a librarian to scope out the motels. On the way into town, my second Oasis: A taco truck! I stood in the shade and had two pork tacos. Then I asked the woman behind the counter how far to the nearest motel. Long blank stare. Finally, "Do you know where Main Street is?" Finally, I think maybe she was just trying to think of the words in English, but the way she explained it, It sounded like I was still many miles from a shower. Of course, one more hill up Main, I tried to find the Cabana Inn, but once I saw a Best Western sign, I was just done.

I think, tomorrow might be a short day. I need to make sure my routes have more towns. Some forests will be nice too. There is a campground not too far out, I'm going to think that over, and maybe make tomorrow be a little more safe and fun. Now to find some more food.