Kingston to Vantage, Wa; then Vantage to Sequim, Wa.

After helping Sandy celebrate her birthday, we all departed Kingston for our next stops. Sandy & Ann headed to Ellensburg, Diane headed back to Sequim, Wa (at 5:30 AM!), while the balance of us headed for Vantage, Wa.

Wanapum State Park in Vantage is a lovely campground just off of I90, that looks out over the Columbia River. Unfortunately in the afternoon the wind picks up and never quits. The winds were so strong that Kim and Barb, Tam and Deb were reluctant to have their slides out. For us, the wind buffeted the RV continuously. Since we had experienced this at the same campground on the way out, we all decided that a second night here was just not worth it. We were all ready to be home.

So the next morning, we all said our goodbyes, and headed out. Kim and Barb headed for Portland to see friends, while Tam, Deb, Leslie and Paula headed for Sequim.

What a fabulous trip everyone!! Wonderful scenery and super adventures with terrific people. Thanks everyone!!

Hiking the Pulaski Trail out of Wallace, Id.

 Today is a day that is threatening light rain, so we decided against biking in favor of hiking the Pulaski Trail out of Wallace, Id. 

If you don't know the history of Ed Pulaski, or the pulaski firefighting tool that is still used today, check out either the book or the PBS movie entitled 'The Big Burn'. Ed Pulaski was instrumental is saving many firefighters during this 1910 blaze that leveled the town of Wallace and burned much of the Silver Valley.

The Pulaski Trail is a two mile hike in each direction, which is slightly challenging due to it's climb. We made it though. There was moderate traffic in each direction, but we had ample opportunities to enjoy the lovely scenery. The trail follows a creek the entire way. Check out our photos:

We made it back with sore muscles and the sense of accomplishment. Tomorrow we all begin the trek to our next adventures...

Kingston to the Black Rock Trailhead: Wildlife Hunting!

 Today was the day to see wildlife! We biked from the campground in Kingston to the Black Rock Trailhead with our eagle-eyed Kim and Sandy in the lead. We wanted to see moose!

Alas it wasn't meant to be. We saw osprey nests and an eagle, but no moose. We thought we would be more lucky as this area of the trail has lots of water and lily pads that the moose like.  It was a nice ride though. Check out our photos:

Harrison to Plummer

 Today we biked from Harrison to Plummer -- the western most part of the Trail of the Couer d'Alene. We drove to Harrison in three cars, nine people and nine bikes. Sure has been helpful to have Barb & Kim driving their truck. This allows us to put three bikes in the back of the truck, and still provide room for their two bikes on the bike rack.

Parking is limited in Harrison, but we got great parking spots behind the ice cream shop we planned to frequent after the ride.

The ride to Plummer is slightly uphill the whole way, so muscles were tired once we got there. We had our 'delicious lunch' at the Native American monument to the Vietnam Veterans, and then took the fun ride down the hill. Check out our photos...

Then it was load the bikes and go enjoy the ice cream. Of course there are no photos of the ice cream -- it was consumed too quickly! After the drive back to the campground, we again enjoyed a shared meal. What great traveling/biking buddies!

The Route of the Hiawatha

We've been watching the weather this week to try to assure we spend as little time in the rain as possible. So today's ride is the Route of the Hiawatha. This graveled trail is advertised as 15 miles in one direction, with 10 tunnels and 7 trestles. It's a magnificant trail with glorious scenery. With our e-bikes, we rode in both directions.

Paula and I have done the trail at least 3-4 times, and never get tired of it. The only thing that's tough is cleaning the bikes afterward. You see, the tunnels all have water in them, and it's easy to get rather dirty.

Thanks to Barb, Kim, Ann, and Sandy, we only had to take two cars to the starting point. We fit three bikes in the bed of Kim & Barb's truck and their two bikes on the bike rack. Sandy & Ann had their bikes on their bike rack and had room to carry Diane, Leslie & Paula. What a gang!

It's a slow going trail due to the surface and the views. But check out our photos! It was worth it.

Me at the end of the day, loading bikes. Don't look too closely for dirt!

And Colby and Queso were so glad that we all came back to the campground!

And on the way home Kim and Barb spotted a moose on the righthand side of I90! This is considered good luck in this area. Good on you, Kim & Barb!!