tonasket, washington

 Solving the world's problems at The Winthrop Emporium.

Before heading to Loup Loup Pass, it was absolutely necessary that we go into downtown Winthrop to get cinnamon rolls. And, we also had to go to The Emporium to purchase important items like bicycle necklaces, stickers, and maybe a t-shirt or two. After the necessary visits in Winthrop, we headed up route 20 to Twisp, Okanogan, Omak, and Tonasket. It was some kind of a ride, too. I'll get to that in a minute or so.

We had to say good bye, temporarily, to Becky (The Kid), and Kevin. They had to head back to Idaho to pick up their vehicle. They just bought a 2021 Silverado and, on the way out here, it developed motor problems that required that they leave the vehicle at a dealership in Idaho. Today, they had to return the rental vehicle and pick up their repaired vehicle. Good news, however, they are returning to ride again. We miss them already.

The ride? Yes, it was something! Not far out of Winthrop we were soon climbing Loup Loup Pass. Like all climbs, we had to work hard to get to the pass. From the pass down to Okanogan we flew! What a great twelve miles of gentle sloping and winding road, beautiful scenery, and 35-40 mph speeds. We did have a tiny bit of rain and snow but the ride was incredible today. Phil even said, “Let’s get the girls to take us back up there and do that again.” Not a bad idea as far as I’m concerned.

Riding out of Omak to Tonasket, the wind was our enemy, blowing in our faces almost all the way. Had it been blowing at our backs, we would have doubled our speed into town. The wind can be your best friend or your worst enemy. Today it was the enemy.

Our home for tonight is the Bunkhouse Motel smack dab in the middle of Tonasket. Republic is our destination for tomorrow. All we have to do is climb Wauconda Pass (4,310’) and we’ll be almost to our home for the night. We only have to pedal 41 miles to get there so it may be a shorter day than today's 69 miles. From Republic, we'll go on to tackle Sherman Pass and, right now, I’m not even going to think about it, especially since it’s the highest pass in Washington State. How do you climb a pass like that? One foot at a time. That’s the plan.

In reading my Bible this morning, I was reading in 1 Corinthians 10 and that’s where one of my favorite verses lives, verse 31, “Whether, then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all for the glory of God.” Those are some good words and make for a pretty good life goal. Again, in Colossians 3:17, the Bible challenges us with these words, “Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him through God the Father.” Those two verses team up to be my goal in everything I do. Whether I’m pedaling, doodling, hanging out, feeding my chickens, or whatever I do, I want to honor Him.

Honor Him today.

Some very important things you probably need to know:

I got a great coffee decal for the car top carrier. Check it out.

My encouragement notes today were from Ryan (Rhino) another grandson and Ross Wise, our neighbor. Thanks for the encouraging words.

I found another Washington license plate. Somebody needs to teach these people how to secure those things.

I ate a pineapple sandwich today. Never had one before, not bad at all. Probably kind of healthy.

We're 69 miles closer to Maine.