Day 10 Monday June 12
1:11 am.
The light from the gazebo was still shining brightly over our tent. I looked over at Drew and witnessed his REM sleep–eyes moving rapidly to and fro under closed lids. He has been on alert most of the night. I, too, listened to all the sounds of the night. I reached for my phone to check the time–1:11. A deep sense of peace came over me and I breathed a sense of relief. Everything was going to be okay.
My mom passed in 2008. For as long as I can remember, we would have tea at four. I would share my stuggles with her and she would lend her sage advice. It gave me such comfort and strength to go forth and brave the world. I felt at such a loss when she went to be with dad. But I know each day without him, she was sad…that she held on for me, for Jake, for others…so we didn’t have to suffer yet another great loss. Since her passing, when I’m frightened or lossed, she shows herself…in numbers. 1:11 on the clock. 11:11. She also loves 4’s.
Dad passed in 2006. He is the Red tail hawk who soars from above, watching vigilantly.
Yesterday, we rode from Lewis and Clark Trail State Park Campground to Pomeroy. Such a lovely, sweet town. It’s Sunday. It was a short day. We arrived in town on a lazy Sunday afternoon. We stopped for a cool drink at The Baker’s Table and then on to the park. What an unScripted blessing. We sat in the park on a swing watching families play and enjoy the beautiful day. So many kids were enjoying the community pool. We watched them walk down the street wrapped in towels, giggling about things that 12 year olds find funny. Oh my!!
The park was flanked by homes and a couple from one of the homes strolled through the park and saw the bikes. “Where did you come from? Where are you going?” These are the questions we are most often asked. Such a fun dialogue.
We choose to stay in the city park after Drew reached out to the City of Pomeroy. We were to either set up in the northeast corner of the park or gazebo. All other areas where covered by the sprinklers which would go off at night. We chose the gazebo. We would be covered if it rained, had a little protection from the wind and we’re close to the bathrooms (which were super clean and amazing!) The northeast area was beautiful but close to a creek and looked like there were mosquitoes. Still recovering from Maryhill, I wanted nothing to do with mosquitoes!!
We were all set up and getting settled in when the gazebo light when on. Talk about feeling like you’re in a fishbowl!! While such a lovely town, no town can control what drives through it. And therein is our concern. Our bikes and all that is on them is our home for the next few months. We are feeling a little vulnerable.
So Drew sleeps with one eye open and I awaken when he falls asleep.
1:11. I know we will be okay. I relax and watch the earwigs, spiders and bugs travel across the tent outside the rain fly. The coyotes yip in the distance and the cat we saw by the merry-go-round is now defending his territory. Vehicles drove past and I listened for engine speed.. and then, the next event! Sprinklers next to the gazebo start to spray. I grabbed Drew’s arm when I heard the loud pounding on the side of the trash can. Quickly, the water followed up the path to where I hung my laundry to dry. I will always remember the sound of a rainbird against my cycling jersey. I couldn’t help but wonder if it kept the water from entering the gazebo. Ah, but there was an encore! The water sprayed from the side to over the tent as if it was raining!! How funny! Under the gazebo to protect ourselves from rain!! Needless to say, it was not the most restful night.
4:32 am. It is getting bright. And the birds…if they were in chorus yesterday morning, we had a full symphony today. It is indescribable!!
We have a system now after so many days on the road. Break camp, make breakfast and prepare the bikes for the day. Not a lot needs to be said.
We head out of town but keep finding amazing treasures we want to share. Have you ever seen a grain truck fill from a silo? I haven’t until now. We had our second cup of coffee at Twisted Wire coffee shop and headed down the road.
We had a bit of climbing today. We were both feeling good and it was so beautiful! At Alpowa Summit, we met Bernie. He is from Chicago and is spending two months to ride Transamerica. He wasn’t sure if he’d make it all the way to the east coast in two months. We saw him off and on throughout the morning, passing each other off and on. I’m surprised we get anywhere as I am so excited to capture something new, I have to stop and take a photo!! And I felt sad for Bernie. Something this magical is so much more sweet when you can share it.
Since we had a shorter day, we spent about three hours at a Starbucks so we could catch up on work. We are finding that the volume of footage captured between three GoPros and other cameras may be too much to set into videos each day, particularly with intermittent service. But catching and saving the footage is critical. So, our daily posts are most likely Facebook.
Today, we crossed into our third state-Idaho. When we were still in Clarkston, we came across a Costco. I had worn through my yoga pants I’ve had for years and needed to replace them (sun, wind, insect and temperature protection). Next, we needed lunch/dinner so we went to Main Street Grill on Main Street in Lewiston. On the way, we met Cookie Crane at Coldwell Banker Tomlimson Associates. So fun to chat with her. Just as we were finishing lunch, a powerful windstorm came up! Wow!! How the weather changes. Time to roll as we work our way to Hell’s Gate State Park. How the gales blew while we rode Ong the levy! We finally made our way ‘home’ for the night and set up camp. Four young deer grazed nearby. After a somewhat sleepless night last night, we are ripe for sweet slumber today.
So grateful for another day on this beautiful earth. Tomorrow, we will ride on!
