6/15-Pretty Warm & Chance Meet-up

Before I get into today, I have to tell you about the people who were on the other H/B site. They were a family from Chicago biking from Beverly to the Snoqualmie Tunnel and back to Beverly. It was mom, dad, and three kids ages 15,13, and 11. They’ve been doing bike trips every summer. Mom and the 11 year old were on a tandem. The other two kids were on their own bikes, and dad was pulling a trailer with 4 large duffle bags. It was amazing. They even offered to make me a s’more! I didn’t see them this morning, as I left before they were up. 

I got up a little earlier (partly due to the “crow alarm clock”) so I could do my strength workout. I’m trying to continue to do it while I’m on this trip…at least twice a week. I brought a resistance band with me. 

Even with the workout, I was on the road by 7:30. It was still nice and cool. When I got to Cle Elum, it was too early for the BBQ place, but they were also doing renovations at the trailhead. 

Back on the trail in Easton

Morning on the Yakima River

Cle Elem

There is a lot of train stuff at the Cle Elum trailhead

I had received a text from my friend Annette asking where I was. Turns out they were coming home (Spokane) from visiting friends on Bainbridge Island. They would be taking I-90. I texted her in Cle Elum to say I was 18 miles from the Thorp Fruit Stand, and would probably eat lunch there. 

I continued on the trail. 

A snack break at Turkey Gulch Picnic area

This was the “gate” section. Get off, open the gate, go through, park, and close the gate. 

This runs down to the Yakima River…why?

The posts were handy parking spot to close the gate. 

Mile by mile, I was making my way to Thorp. I couldn’t remember if the Thorp tunnels were west so Thorp, or east. They are west. 

Tunnel 47

It was nice and cool in the tunnel.

Tunnel 46

Looks like there was a pretty massive landslide

Today’s deer sighting…a young buck.

Hot open section before Thorp

Oh, no parking…any time!

Finally, the Thorp trailhead came into view. The road to the fruit stand wasn’t far. When I arrived, it was 11:45. I checked my phone. Annette said they would be there by 12:10! Yay! In the meantime, I got some ice cream. Annette and John showed up, and we had a nice visit. Who knew we could manage to meet!!!

Me and Annette!

They headed out, and I went in for some more food. As I was eating, three guys pulled up, all on Salsas. Chris, Bill, and Brody are riding to Couer d Alene from Seattle. They are staying in Ellensburg tonight, so I’m sure they’ll pass me tomorrow (not camping). 

From Thorp I had about 13 more miles. 

Crossing the Yakima River again

It was quite hot. I do t know how hot because my Garmin isn’t so accurate in the sun. But, it was hot enough that I pulled my buff up to keep my mouth from getting so dry. Thank heavens for the Da Brim too!

The route went through the CWU campus. I texted my son, Nolan (who graduated from CWU) this photo. 

After exiting the campus, the route picked up the Palouse to Cascades again at the fairgrounds. Now it was just about 5 more miles to Kittitas…5 long hot miles! Not much shade

Just stay in the track

Field of purple lupin(?)

I rolled into Kittitas to find that this trailhead depot building is also under construction. It is all fenced off. I went to the grocery store for some Gatorade, and asked about camping. The guy directed me to City Hall. At City Hall, they said Wilson Park is now run by State Parks. They couldn’t tell me if I could camp there or not. Neither could the sheriff. I decided, since it says camping is allowed at most parks and places along the Palouse to Cascades (except the Yakima Training Area), I can camp here. It’s not going to be the nicest campsite, but it’ll do. I’ll be up and gone early in the morning.

I think I’ll set up my tent over in that corner.