Day 6...Hermiston to Walla Walla

 Today we were officially christened ‘Interstate’ riders! Not as in riding on the interstate, but as in crossing a state line, with Washington being the 2nd of 15 states we will be pleased to visit.

Day 6 was yet again a day of riding through the vast breadbasket of the Columbia River Basin. Fertile fields of grain, fruit trees, and vineyards stretching as far as the eye can see, and at all points of the compass. We passed through 2 small villages, both with no more than 1500 inhabitants, and both neat as a pin. The villages had the necessary commercial establishments, a grocery store that also served as the pharmacy and the clothing store. They also had well designed parks for the kids and teenagers, with Athena having a skate park. And of course, They had a quaint tavern where I’d bet you could get a hearty meal along with your cold beer while discussing the weather and crop reports with your neighbor who lives 15 miles away.

The ride was somewhat akin to a roller coaster today. No 9-mile climbs, just rollers that kept you tucked for a brief descent, then out of the saddle trying to coax as much momentum as possible to crest the hill before having to really bear down. Other than having a raging sore throat and dripping nose, it was a wonderful day in the saddle. A good night’s rest with a warm saltwater gargle and I’ll be as good as new.

More to come…