Route: Kamiah to Lewiston, Idaho
Saya’s (age 6) quote of the day: “I wish I had no
nose.” Because of the strong rotten-egg
smell from the paper mill as we pedaled into Lewiston. (Factoid: the offensive odor comes from the
sulfer used to soften the wood pulp).
Today’s 65-mile route followed the lovely Clearwater River,
whose waters were sometimes broad and gentle, at other times foaming with
rapids. Ospreys and golden eagles called
out overhead, and wading sandpipers took off when we neared, soaring low
over the river. The clear azure sky
offered a perfect backdrop to the dense green fir trees that lined the
hillsides along the sparkling water.
Frequently, I wanted to stop cycling, pull out my camera and capture the
scene, but was frustrated because the road was narrow, winding and had just enough traffic to demand
our attention. Logging trucks stacked
with large wooden logs sometimes roared past, the pleasant smell of pine lingering for a few seconds after they were gone. We often had no shoulder or only a small
strip that was full of gravel and debris.
Whenever we approached a blind curve, Sho checked behind. If a vehicle was approaching, he called out a
warning, and we pulled to a stop to let them pass. My fear was that a truck might come rumbling
around the curve from the opposite direction, allowing no room for the two
vehicles and us to share the road. We
stopped frequently and stayed safe.
The temperature climbed to 99 degrees today, but the breeze
off the river and shade from the pine forest kept us cool enough to continue
all the way to Lewiston. We took several
breaks by the river, drenching each other with cold water before returning
to the road to pedal again through the oppressive heat, our clothes drying out quickly
and the drops of water evaporating off the hot pavement.
Here are some pics:
Highway 12 along the Clearwater River
Beautiful bluffs
Cooling off!
Taking a short break
Cooling off, part two
The temp as we cycled into Lewiston
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