Stage 2 - A Glorious Day!

Saturday, June 08, 2013
Morton, Washington, United States
What a glorious day! After a pretty sunset last night, we awoke this morning to mostly clear skies, with sunshine warming our hearts as well as the air. We had to clean the Beach House before we could leave so after breakfast we divided up the chores – washing sheets and towels, cleaning the kitchen, vacuuming the floors, cleaning the bathrooms. While we waited for the last load in the dryer we played cards outside at the picnic table. A few clouds were forming but we could tell that as soon as we started inland the weather would be great. We drove back through Raymond to Pe Ell and started riding at about 11:30.

We followed the Chehalis River from Pe Ell east on State Route 6 through the foothills that separate the coast from the lowlands of Washington south of Olympia. This is lush land with abundant rain that keeps everything green. In years past lumber was a huge industry. It is still there, but not to the degree it once was. As we emerged from the foothills into the valley we were greeted with our first view (this trip) of Mount Rainier. We continued into Chehalis where Lea had lunch ready for us at the City park. The temperature was warm (mid 70s) and some local kids were having a squirt gun fight, while many other people enjoyed "Saturday in the Park" (anyone remember the c.1970s Chicago song?)

We mounted up after a good lunch and followed the Jackson Hiway south to SR 508, where we turned east and started up an oh-so-gradual grade through farmland (lots of hayfields). At one point we looked up to the south and there was Mt St Helens! When the sun shines in western Washington it is so beautiful! (Alas , but it just doesn't shine enough.)

Suddenly on a little nice downhill section we were jolted out of our wonderfully tranquil ride but “pop-whoosh” and Dennis had a flat tire! Ann rode on ahead while Dave stayed to “help” Dennis change the tire. Before the tire was changed Ann texted us to warn of a steep downhill ahead with a sharp turn and then steep uphill. Even so, we were startled when we were hit by a gusty headwind as we rounded that turn and headed uphill – it was almost like hitting a brick wall! But after the uphill we had some great downhill! While Dennis can drop Dave on the climbs, Dave has better gearing (and weighs more!) so he can descend faster. Top speed for the day was 44.7 mph!

As we neared Morton, we caught up to Ann, but all of us had tired legs, so we casually rode the last few miles. After showers and Mexican food for dinner, we are all ready to veg out for the rest of the evening.
Other Entries

Comments

Glenda
2013-06-09

Hey Lea! Good job taken care of those guys.

2025-02-10

Comment code: Ask author if the code is blank