Today we cycled through the Cold Springs Canyon on our way out of Washington. It's beautiful and a reasonable trip but once again the heat was scorching and we had a dry head wind.
We crossed the border into Oregon with no problem but the gear and kitchen trucks got held up for over an hour.
Something to do with weight and fuel surcharges in different states. I again took advantage of a swim to keep cool.
The area we are cycling through is technically desert which means VERY HOT DRY during the day and cool evening. I'm only really enjoying one of those....I'll let you guess which one...and am seriously needing to do my rain dance again for some relief.
It is an amazing way to see the country. You get the change in scenery but also the sounds and smells of each change in the wind.
And came across a town call Holdman which consists of a grain elevator, a water tank and the school that closed 20yrs ago. I was advised of all of this by the guy running the elevator AND water tank. The water source is a mountain spring that has been supplying the farms in the 50 mile area since it was settled.
I really enjoy all the encouragement and messages you have been leaving. I read them just before bed to give me sweet dreams and smiles. THANK YOU for caring and reading these ramblings.
An interesting comment was left today. A lovely offer from someone in Boise ID. Apparently she doesn't know me very well as she offered to get me anything I might need. Now I have a lot of time to think of things I might want/need as I pedal along each day. Tempting to come up with a really fun list and see how she does!
25 comments:
The kids and I listened to your cheery voice on the radio yesterday, just before we went in the Aquatic Centre for their swimming lessons. We had put in a tape at home so Art could listen to it later (he was out biking). You sounded very chipper! And it was great to hear your voice. Way to spread the word!
Heather WM
I think you really need a rubber chicken to strap to the front of your basket. It can double as a whacking device later in the day.
HI Gayle, I look everyday to see your blog. What an amazing ride. Strength and endurance for your second week. Our family attended the CRC in London in the 1950's. My brother George is on the ride with you somewhere, going Sea To Sea as you are.I hope that you are now getting some better sleep and that the cut on your foot is healing. Great Pictures.
Corrie van der Kuur
So Gayle, what do those old worn-down (I'm asuming) mountains sound and smell like?
I like Holly's idea of a rubber chicken or maybe a rubber lizard.
[Aside: Hey, Corrie -- Did your parents live on Park Ave in London in the late 60's and have a tiny dog? (Sorry Gayle. . .you know me. . .I have to know these things. . .:)]
By the way, Sunfest has come and gone in glorious sunshine and London's gearing up for the Bluesfest this weekend.
Steven Truscott was awarded $6.5 million and his wife, Marlene, $100,000 for her persistent work in pursuing his case to justice. Unfortunately Lynn Harper's family still thinks he's guilty and so her brother vows to try to block the payment. (Just some news from your old neck of the woods. I'm thinking you probably don't hear much about Canadia down there. Do we even exist? Actually, you guys are "up" there -- on the 45th p or so; London's not quite at 43)
Please give the Opas and yourself a hug and say "hi" to some former students of mine, Heidi and Denise Bentum, (if you can remember). I can't get my comments to stick to their site for some unknown annoying reason.
God bless and keep you all.
PS: That last one was me. (In case you couldn't tell.)
One of your pictures is a great photo of Wallula Gap -- famous in geology and history. But the smell THERE -- that was the paper factory -- sorry.
You're in our prayers -- it was a treat to meet you and now to follow along vicariously in your adventures.
You know, I think I love reading the comments left here as much as I love reading your blog. Especially Margarets - I'm learning stuff too! Hot as the dickens here today but probably not as hot as where you are. I noticed you're wearing a different safety vest than all the others...hmmmm....how did that happen!!!!
My baby turns 12 on Thursday. Sleepover party tomorrow night with 4 boys. I know it's not cycling across the country but it's my own little trial. By the time it's over I might actually wish I were you!
First organizational meeting for the London arrival next week. Let me know if you have any stellar ideas about what you want when you get here (besides your own bed)
Oh..and be kind to the person who made the lovely offer in Boise. She obviously doesn't know you that well or she might have put some caveats on it. Nothing too weird or wonky eh!!
Hugs
Heather and Ben
Gayle,
Some of us loving to follow your blog don't know who the opas are. Could you introduce them to us? You've got great pictures on your blog.
Just so the suspense doesn't get too intense, let me help you out here. The opas are Ralph F and John VS. You may know them better as dwarfs, but they only attain that status when the other five join them and Snow White in Grand Rapids;)
(I know you're thinking I must have too much time on my hands, but I'm just taking a break from trying to clean my house out -- don't you know it needs it! and what better pastime/addiction could there be than checking up on Gayle?)
Happy birthday to Tween Ben. Sign me up for London duty, Heather.
Again for Theresa and Hannah who won't know all the inside jokes here in Gayle's hometown of London, Ontario, CA. We have eight riders from our church, London First CRC, that are riding in C2C. Collectively we call them Snow White (Gayle) and the seven Dwarfs (although I'm pretty sure Gayle is actually the shortest). The three that are doing the whole nine week tour are Gayle and two retired gentlemen - John Vandersteen and Ralph Fledderus (both also have blogs)and Gayle (who is not of Dutch heritage) has affectionately begun calling them the "Opa's" and it seems we've all fallen into the same habit. The other five Dwarves will be joining in Grand Rapids for the final two weeks and we'll make a point of introducing them then (one is Margaret's husband)
It appears I too have way too much time on my hands and check Gayle's blog way too often. I should be cleaning my house but can't find the motivation Margaret has!
Glad to know that others are also praying for our Gayle and that she is making fast friends along the way. God's kingdom is vast. Praise the Lord!!!
Thanks for the help with the opas. I, too, am hooked on Gayle's blog, as is my daughter Hannah. We enjoyed meeting her in Kennewick, hearing her testimony at our worship service, and are glad she has a great church family supporting her. We're sure she'll have hundreds of new friends by the time she makes it back home!
Gayle I understand that the Tour De France race teams have been reading your blog and that they are interested in have you join the tour. Apparently they need someone to lead the peloton. The racers feel you would be great to draft behind especially with your recent mountain experience.
I think you should hold back a little then sprint for the finish and you could have a new yellow jersey. You could also set a new trend with all the racing bikes sporting baskets.
I hope you are able to enjoy your daily ride.
Clearly Gayle's blog is the happening place to be. I bet the other riders are getting jealous of all the attention.
Either that or all of Gayle's friends have no lives.
ttfn
...art
I'll go with the latter!!
Ooops! Sorry, Theresa and Hannah -- I thought you were two London locals who were just having a senior moment (bad joke) -- but I guess there are more Theresa/Hannah combinations in the world. Didn't mean to confuse you further :[ Oh! And, in case you don't know, opa means "grandpa" in Dutch. (Thanks, Heather, for clearing up my pathetic attempt at clarification!)
So Gayle, you'll be happy to know that as of today you can legally buy yellow (as opposed to white) margarine in Quebec. Woo hoo! (It's a slow news day. . .)
It really is great to get a glimpse of the vast rider/cause support. Hope your ride was swift and beautiful! Bonne nuit, aux opas aussi!
HI Gayle! Thanks for updating your blog so often... we've been checking each day if we can. Great photos! We're impressed with your perseverence through the mountains!
We continue to pray for strength for all of you, and may the wind will always be at your back! (it has to be, right, you're riding eastward...) :-)
Gayle: I've been following your blog every day along with a lot of the others - trying to whittle down to maybe 10 or 15 (it takes too long to read them all every night) I have to say yours is one of the most fun and not just because of what you have to say. The comments are a riot as well. Between Heather F.(my sister) and Margaret I split a gut tonight. (Heather frequently makes me do that)
Stay safe and may God continue to watch over you.
Blessings,
Janette F.
See Art!! My sister thinks I'm funny and that I don't need to be reigned in.
Maybe Margaret and I need to take our act on the road!!
Hey Gayle! I love all the pictures you post. I think I would be too busy taking pictures rather than biking if I was on the tour... Just ask Hannah and Erin how many pictures I took in Quebec City and Ottawa (which was awesome by the way). By the way, I'd rather be in the dry heat you have than sleeping in the muggy heat we have here in London. My hair was way to frizzy today :). God Bless your next ride! I'll try the rain dance for you... or better yet, I'll pray for it!
> Heather said...
>
> See Art!! My sister thinks I'm funny
> and that I don't need to be reigned in.
[cough]biased[cough]
Besides, your second conclusion does not necessarily follow from the first.
...art
ps: Hey Kirsten, are you done with season 1 of Lost? If so, pass it on to Heather. (not that I'm continuing the intra-comment conversations or anything like that...)
Art:
Exactly what I thought when I read it. I only said she made me laugh, not that it was always appropriate. However, only rarely does she really need reigning in.
And as for her and Margaret taking the show on the road - I'm not sure the world is ready for that.
Janette
Dear Gayle, I am a member at First and we have never met. I'm not very good with navigating the world of computers, however I am thouroughly enjoying your impressive pictoral journey. (had no idea "wildlife" be so raw)!I'm hoping I've done all the right "things" to get these words of encouragement to you. Can't imagine I'd ever try an adventure of this magnitude, but thanks be to our Mighty God who knows the bigger plan for all of us. My prayer for you and Ralph, and John is one of safety, encouragement, good health, fellowship and "big bucks". Hope to meet you in person when you're back. Judy
Woah, I'm away from the blog for a day and a half and an entire community is built in my absence. You funny kids. Yah, Heather, sign me up for the London arrival too. And, Art, deacons don't need reigning in, do they? And Janette, good to see you. And Margaret, hooray for the news. Also, Rogers is helping out the people with iPhones in Canada, if you sign up before August 31, it's cheaper.. something is $30 then. Plus the Industry minister is uber-ticked about charges on text messaging, and demands an explanation from Bell and Telus. Telus the reason. Just so you know.
Also, lizards are great.
PS - Judy, you can meet Gayle in August when they ride into town. It will be a great day.
Hello Galye, I came to your blog via a link on Art Mulders blog, hello Art from Beacon alum--Andrea Knevel-Mulder. Gayle I have been sucked into your blog by all its incredible renderings of your experience and the incredible photos--my family of 5 LOL at your wildlife photos onSunday night. Thanks for your witness and our prayers will continue for you and ALL the riders. Greetings to Heidi & Denise & Louis B.
Well it's good to know my blog is good for something... ;-)
Howdy Andrea.
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