Sunday morning after breaking camp in Concrete we headed for Newhalem. We rode along the Sakgit river which is relatively flat with gentle rises. The river is milky to blue/green in color. You could smell the pine trees along this forested route. The highlight of the day was arriving at a scenic overlook and finding an iced down styrofoam cooler containing bottled water, Gatorade and a couple of sandwiches. Obviously someone had forgotten to put it back in their car. Manna from heaven - the cold water was greatly appreciated on this warm day. We camped in the Northern Cascades National Park. We have been enjoying the produce of this area; Rainer cherries, Eastern Washington cantalope and the apples. Total miles rode 42.

Monday morning we were off to an early start to tackle the challenge of 2 mountain passes and 75 miles of riding. It was 42 miles to the top of Washington Pass at 5,477 feet of elevation which was 5 miles after climbing Rainy Pass at 4,855 feet of elevation. Unfortunately there was a big dip between these 2 passes - more climbing. One of the blessings on this tough and challenging climb was 2 older gentlemen from Seattle stopped to give us encouragement "it wasn't that bad". However, they understood flatlanders from Florida on a tandem have a tougher challenge of climbing. Of course to every 42 mile climb there must be a similar downhill to enjoy. In this case Tim kept the bike under 42 mph. As we reached the lower flat parts of this descent we blew the side wall out of a brand new back tire. We were thankful it was not as we were descending. Also this day reminded us how grateful we are to have the motor home carrying the bulk of our 80 lbs of gear. Thanks to Gus and Michelle McMann our drivers. We camped in a nice KOA in Winthrop. The town is a replica of an old western town - Annie Oakley would be proud. Total mileage for the day was 75. The total ascent climbed to date is 8,099 feet.

As we will be in remote locations of Eastern Washington we expect limited internet access, therfore we will update when we can.

THANK YOU CONTRIBUTORS TO THE AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY.

After a successful flight from Orlando with all of our gear and bike arriving with us we were picked up by our biking buddies, Bill & Janet. Fridays tune up ride was a short 15 miles. As Tim's sinus infection was getting worse. Needless to say we gave him lots of meds and chicken soup. For the 1st day of our adventure we started by dipping our back tire in the Fidalgo Bay- too bad it was low tide at the time. We covered thirty one miles today and Tim was feeling much better. We biked along flat lands admiring the farm fields of hay, potatoes and wheat. We stopped in Sedro-Woolley and visited the local town museum. The ride into the campground was on great roads with a shoulder and not to bad with traffic. And the sun was shining brightly this afternoon.
HAPPY 50th BIRTHDAY, SEAN MOLONEY !!!!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO SISTER CINDY ALSO !!!

We are getting ourselves ready to go. The tandem is all packed in the box and ready to go on the plane. Many thanks to our good friend Brent Whitehead for helping to pack the bike. 2 days until we fly out. A special thank you to all who have contributed for American Cancer Society. More later when we get to Seattle.