July 18

West Roosevelt to Bingen, Washington

WIND and HEAT have to be the words of the day…

My map flap begins to flutter at 28 mph. This I have enjoyed testing from time to time during our previous 580 miles. I looked forward to this downhill waiting for gravity to do some of the work but after shifting down, down, and down again just to keep up the RPMs I realized the wind is not going to allow it. Head winds today would nearly stop you in your tracks. I noticed my map flap flapping vigorously…I caught a glimpse of my speed…8 miles an hour! We stopped to fix a flat on Jason’s bike and my tool pouch blew away. So far thtyhe count is 29 flats.

The group was outstanding in their effort today with their heads down into the relentless wind. We celebrated our long day and Drew’s birthday by going out to eat tonight. We are looking forward to a rest day tomorrow.

We are camped on a hill about 50 feet from one of the busiest rail lines I have ever seen. A mile long train runs by exactly every 30 minutes. The ground shakes under the tent with every set of passing wheels. This is not wilderness anymore.