Out Of The Grey (Day Four)

Again we awoke to rain but this time a true downpour battered our tarp in the Bickleton schoolyard. We lay in wetness until dawn broke behind the leaden skies. Packed up in the rain our resolve was momentarily tested as we headed back to the Bickleton Market and Cafe for some hot grub. We arrived just short of the 7am opening and huddled under the awning of a nearby building. The cafe was worth the wait - hot drinks, hot food and free cherries!
As we ate, we reviewed a pictoral history of the local area. They have a strong connection to their pioneer past. The sky cleared and locals came in, remarking on the unusually strong downpour of the past night.
Warmed, drier, and with brighter spirits, we descended to the Yakima valley and spent the next several miles jealous of the productive farmland - goats, horses, cows, chickens, hops, corn, grapes, wheat, and cherries.
One bratwurst stop later, we crossed the Yakima just before it joins the Columbia and swooped into Richland.

Up The Klickitat (Day Two)

After a high oxygen induced slumber we emerged from our hiding spot with one goal in mind: Big Horse Brewery of Hood River. 17 miles passed quick and soon we were revisiting one of our highlight from the December journey. Sweet sweet beer...

Intending to cross the Columbia at Hood River we found the bridge closed to cyclists. The idea of riding along 84 to the next bridge was not appealing so we positioned ourselves strategically and put our faith in humanity. Soon enough Heather the kiteboarder and her dog Dakota pulled over to lend a hand. She gave us a quick lift over the narrow, metal grated bridge and we were on our way again!

The rest of our day was scenic as we continued under grey skies and a delicate mist that can only be described as "cherub's piss." We wound our way up the Klickitat, a very low traffic road that unfortunately lacked a shoulder in places. A rich mix of ponderosa, white oak, and big leaf maple populates the cracks of the hills sometimes spilling over completely.

We made our hobo den before the final ascent onto the plateau preceding Goldendale with plenty of light for exploration and bean soup.

Second day of summer (Day One)

After a day of rest and preparation on the solstice, we escaped Portland at a leisurely pace today. Under blue skies, along with many other cyclists, we rode along the mighty Columbia to Cascade Locks. Just before Crown Point, at a stop to admire brassica seedlings, we ran into a renowned PSU biology professor. Thanks for the departure photo Luis!
Many waterfalls (and miles) later, at the East Wind Drive-in at Cascade Locks, we found free and irresponsibly large soft serve ice cream cones which overfueled us three more miles to our Herman Creek outskirts campsite. There we traversed an exceptionally lichened boulder field to enjoy the golden hour, waving our hands at lazy clouds of mosquitoes.

Route Part One: Inland Mountains (Preliminary)

For our first ride this summer, we are headed to Montana! 
Here is the planned route.