After leaving Umatilla this morning, I crossed over the Columbia River back into Washington to take scenic Highway 14. It paralleled the Columbia River for about 75 of the 85 miles that I rode today. The first sign I saw on Highway 14 read “Next Services — 66 miles”.

As I left Dayton, Washington this morning, I saw a 300-foot high Jolly Green Giant. And no, I wasn’t hallucinating.

It was great to see the sun and blue sky today! It’s been quite a while since the weather forecast was for sun and near normal temperatures. I left Lewiston today refreshed after a day of rest and in a good mood because I knew I was going to stay dry.

We woke to more rain. I was not looking forward to another day of riding in the cold and rain. I had two choices: go back to sleep and hope the weather improves or get up, get going, and get it over with. The weather forecast showed a higher chance of rain in the afternoon, so I decided to get going. That turned out to be a very wise choice.

I rode sixty miles along the Lochsa River today. It was some of the most scenic riding since riding the Blue Ridge Parkway back in late May and early June. This was not nearly as strenuous either. In fact, it was all downhill.