Day 8 Lewiston to Kamiah

 Today was a day of highs and lows, topographically speaking. When departing Lewiston (named after Meriwether Lewis), near the confluence of the Snake River and Clearwater River, we were at the lowest point of elevation in Idaho, 710 feet. From Lewiston there’s no place to go but up. So, we climbed. The first climb out of the valley was an 8 mile climb up a grade that averaged 6%. We were kept company by the burbling sound of the Clearwater River headed toward the Snake.

There were some impressive wooden railroad trestle bridges through the cliffs enclosing the road. The Great Northwest Railroad uses them. I’ve included a picture of one of the bridges. Averaging about 5 mph, it took us close to 2 hours to climb our way out of the valley. And when we reached the top of the pass, we were at our highest point of the day at 4102 feet.

While climbing we were surrounded by stands of tall pines and cuts of limestone. We passed a few signs enticing tourists to mine for garnets, opals, and fossilized wood. Rockhounding is a big thing in the Gem State.

We spent a good part of the day cycling through Nez Perce tribal lands. Meriwether Lewis noted that the Nez Perce were the most friendly and helpful of all the tribes they encountered during the journey of the Corps of Discovery. Near starvation in 1805 as they were heading west to the Pacific, the tribe introduced them to the Camas plant, which is prolific on the Weippe Plain. The bulb is edible, and while L&C, along with their men complained of excessive flatulence, the plant sustained them in their time of need.

I remain in less than top form due to a lingering head cold, sore throat, and chest congestion. So, any idea I may entertain about speeding through the day is quickly put to rest, as I’m conserving as much energy as possible to stay both reasonably healthy whilst pedaling 95 miles per day. Over the previous 3 days the plan appears to be working. Regardless of my circumstances, it was a beautiful day on the bike, with temperatures in the 60’s, light wind, and partly cloudy skies. Again, the pictures don’t do it justice, but hope you enjoy.

Cheers!

JK