Forecast better for today by about 10 deg F according to some rider's records which showed 111F/44C while we were out yesterday. Only expecting 99F/37C.
Hard as it may be to believe it was quite a difference. Got out on the road a little later and found it much easier going though it did get a little warm towards the end - got in around 1. Two things about highways in America, firstly they have as many trucks as we do and secondly the roads are cleaner. It makes Australians look dreadful when I think about the rubbish to be seen on some oz highways.
Our road has taken us alongside the Columbia River with railway tracks between us and the road. The vegetation is low growing scrub, when there is any vegetation. Shade of any size is welcomed with slower riding and the occasional stop. I do remember rides where I've felt like that at home.
Road works signs at one point alerted us to a flagman ahead and to expect delays. One lane was closed and traffic moved in one direction only taking turns. Letting all the traffic go ahead of us, rather than sit beside trucks, when our turn came we were amazed to see an entire freight train derailed next to us.
Hard as it may be to believe it was quite a difference. Got out on the road a little later and found it much easier going though it did get a little warm towards the end - got in around 1. Two things about highways in America, firstly they have as many trucks as we do and secondly the roads are cleaner. It makes Australians look dreadful when I think about the rubbish to be seen on some oz highways.
Our road has taken us alongside the Columbia River with railway tracks between us and the road. The vegetation is low growing scrub, when there is any vegetation. Shade of any size is welcomed with slower riding and the occasional stop. I do remember rides where I've felt like that at home.
Road works signs at one point alerted us to a flagman ahead and to expect delays. One lane was closed and traffic moved in one direction only taking turns. Letting all the traffic go ahead of us, rather than sit beside trucks, when our turn came we were amazed to see an entire freight train derailed next to us.
Some carriages seemed to have been ripped open like cans, I presume to get the cargo out. The derailment happened last Friday.
The rest of the ride was uneventful, and we got off the road to enjoy some shade a couple of times. The second time was at the Whitman memorial . Unfortunately the information centre was closed and we thought it too hot to walk about the site, fortunately our visit led us to finding a route to the hotel without going back to the highway.
Delicious lunch at local cafe, back to check in and refresh ourselves before another stroll for ice cream and a coffee. Quick trip to the bike shop - because we could - then washing done a delicious meal in the car park followed. We have excellent cooks with us who turn out just the right meals
That's it. Day is over and it's only 7.30. Certainly feels like bedtime so good night. . rest day tomorrow.
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