I didn’t get a ton of sleep while at Shannon’s place due to the thought of Anders leaving and the semi trucks passing by on Highway 20. I think that there may have also been lingering caffeine in my body from the late-lunch coffee binge.
Anders and I ate breakfast at Shannon’s with Charlie and Craig around nine. I really appreciated them coming to see us in Eastern Washington. Friendly faces on trips give a certain amount of new energy.
The most difficult part of the day, by far, was saying goodbye to my son, Anders. My throat was hard and my voice broken as we had parting words. He’s in my heart and I will see him soon.
Have you ever pedaled a bicycle upwards for twenty-six miles? I never had.
The climb put me in an interesting headspace. These are fantastic experiences because they prompt living in the moment. Being satisfied with where you are is key.
Miles before Wauconda, a white pickup slowly pulled up from behind, a father and daughter seated inside. The girl reached out to me with a cold bottle of water and a smile. I popped the top and remembered that a random act of kindness is a universal sign of hope.
I took the hand of J. S. Bach for the final stretch (Brandenburg Concertos 1 - 6). Johann found note and timing combinations in those pieces that communicate a soft, calm energy.
Note: More classical music.
After cresting Wauconda Pass, I took a break coasting down to Republic. This wasn’t the steep decent that I’ve experienced on other passes, but a more leisurely downhill was just what I needed.
Entering Republic, I picked up groceries and obtained a room at the Northern Inn. I was pretty tired, and no one picked up the phone at the fairgrounds campground two miles out of town.
I stored my bike in the Inn’s conference room, dumped my things in room eleven, took a shower, ate and called Beth (wonderful).
Tomorrow will be another big test on Sherman Pass.
It was a special treat to see you two. We’ll catch up, in person, in a couple of days.
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