kettle falls, washington

Finally . . . the highest pass in Washington. And it's done!

Sherman Pass, the highest pass in Washington, is now behind us. 5,575 feet of mountain that we don’t have to climb again. Sherman Pass is beautiful but even more so now that it’s a completed part of the ride across America. Marvin Gaye sang it, probably just for us, "Ain't no mountain high enough."

The ride was about 43 miles. The weather was cooperative, the scenery was great, the climb was not steep, and we made decent time. The ride down the mountain was very cold at the top and warmed as we descended. In Kettle Falls, it was shorts and t-shirt time. We ate supper at T. J.s Bar & Grille. The food was good and plenty of it which is generally what we will find at all of the Mom & Pop Restaurants as we travel.  

Becky and Kevin have returned from Idaho with their repaired vehicle and Becky will be riding with us in the morning to Ione which is about 53 miles from here. 

Among my notes of encouragement I chose two this morning: one with artwork from some children and one that included eight 3x5 cards. The first card was a personal note of encouragement from a family I have know for a long time. On the additional seven cards were written Bible verses and bicycle quotes:

Proverbs 16:3 - “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.”

Proverbs 27:9 - “A sweet friendship refreshes the soul.”

Proverbs 16:9 - “In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.”

“You are one ride away from a good mood.” -Sarah Bentley, British cyclist

"Nothing compares to the pleasure of riding a bike." -John F. Kennedy

“I may not be rich and famous . . . but I have a bike and that’s enough to keep me happy.” -Anonymous

“We travel not to escape life, but for life not to escape us.” -Budget Travel

Six days we’ve pedaled and we’ve covered approximately 329 miles. The views have been spectacular, the weather has been mysterious (since we never knew what to expect), the people are very nice and encouraging, and I am more excited about pedaling America this second time than I was the first. I told Margaret that I remember the joy and excitement of finishing the 2009 ride at the Atlantic Ocean in Maine. It was such a sense of accomplishment and joy. Now, I’m feeling that same joy all over again but it’s at the start of the ride. And the flat tire, wrong road, sleet, rain, cold, and miles of climbing, do nothing to dampen the joy of riding this all over again . . . and we're not even out of Washington yet! It's like a celebration of the upcoming finish every day. I still find myself saying, “We’re going to Maine” probably because in my mind I'm already there. That’s the battle cry of the ride. So come what may, the focus is the finish. 

For all of you who are praying, I’m grateful. For all the cards, notes, texts, emails, calls, and even doodles, I say thank you. I trust that God will use this pedaling crew to encourage you as well.

Encourage one another.

We're going to Maine!