July 1

Sorry for the delay in posting this message but there was no wi fi connection at Paradise Lodge and this is my first chance to get back on line. 

 

Friday July 1 was a great ride.  We awoke to beautiful sunny skies and even a slight tail wind.  We rode 25 miles climbing a total of about 3500 feet moving from the dense forests in the lower elevations through the gradually thinning trees.  Beginning just above 4000 feet the snow began to be evident and as we reached the top at Paradise Inn, the snow was incredibly deep.  IN the parking lot the snow banks were at least 20 feet tall and all of the trails were still snow covered. 

We spent two wonderful days in Paradise and were met there by Kate and Ray, our daughter and son in law who then drove us to Boise. 

 

While watching the hikers head for Rainier, we got to observe one very dramatic snow slide and mud slide.  It was far from any of the hikers but makes one aware of the dangers on such a mountain. 

 

Our ride lasted 32 days, covered a total of 1461 miles and was fun.  We had one flat tire at about 700 miles and one minor mechanical problem that we were able to get fixed easily. 

 

Now we are in a “cool down phase” of our trip but the temps here in Boise are in the 90’s which is a big change from the snow in Rainier. 

 

Thanks to all who have followed this blog and I look forward to talking with you all in the future and where possible sharing some of the photos we have taken but not posted. 

 

Dave and Mary