A new system
So I haven’t done this in a while and it took me a while to get everything sorted and packed. I didn’t hit the road until almost 0845, which for me is very late. I did get a pretty sunrise though.
Sunrise at my campsite
There was also a cheeky chipmunk that wanted to drink my morning coffee! Brazen little suckers.
The ride
Once I got going and outside of Bend, I pretty much had the road to myself. I followed the 97 all the way up through Oregon. Fortunately, it was a nice day, with none of the crazy rain/hail/thunderstorm of the day before. It was awesome to see the changes in vegetation as I went along. It was high desert then it changed to rocky barrenness, then, as I got further into Washington, green.
Comfort
Today was another longish day of about 350 miles and I was quickly realizing that Kymani was no Lucille in the comfort department! My knees, hips, and butt were stiff and achy and I started thinking too myself, can I do this? Then I got to the Wenatchee Valley and the pretty made me forget my discomfort. The road was twisty and fun and the scenery was beautiful!
The campground I booked was so pretty with acres of beautiful manicured grass. Of course this was a magnet for mozzies, and they were EVERYWHERE. The Wenatchee Confluence State Park is beautiful if you’re into a less wild camping experience. There weren’t many tent campers, but it was still nice.
The campground in Washington.
Border crossing
As I lay in my tent in Washington, I realized I’ve never crossed a land border as an adult. I’ve flown into foreign countries and I’ve sailed into foreign countries, but I’ve never driven to one. I had no idea what to expect except that no photos were allowed.
Another pretty sunrise
I figured it would take forever to get across the border so I left early in preparation of spending an hour or so at the border. Turns out I didn’t need to.
When I rolled up to the border at Osoyoos, I was the only one there. The border agent told me to remove my helmet, which I did. Then he stared at me without saying another word. I laughed and told him he probably wanted to see my passport. He looked at me like I was an idiot and nodded.
He asked me where I was headed and I said Alaska. He then asked me how long I was to be in Canada. I told him 9 days. He said that sounded right and some Americans had come through earlier headed to Alaska and thought they’d be in Canada only a day! Silly people. But, it was very quick to get into Canada. All that worry about how long it would take for nothing.
Speed limit
The very first thing I noticed when I crossed the border was just how LOW the speed limits were. I felt like I was riding for hours and not getting anywhere! That and I didn’t make a single stoplight. And, it got very hot sitting at all those lights!
I was staying at a hotel tonight to power everything up before a couple of weeks of camping. I also kept the mileage short because of the time I thought it would take at the border.
There wasn’t too much interesting in the ride today. There were a ton of fruit stands and wineries, reminding me of the central valley in California. I stayed on the 97 and stayed in Vernon. I got some cash, some bug dope and some more gas for my JetBoil and that was it. Tomorrow I head to Mount Robson!
Glad the rain stopped! Hope the scenery keeps you happy with not being as comfortable. Looking forward to your next post! I’d say be careful but you always are so just have fun and enjoy the ride!
Girl you know I’m doing my best! Thank you so much.
Hi Deb!
I received your first post in my Inbox, but the remaining posts went to Spam (how rude). I’ve moved them all over to my Inbox, with hopes that my computer will learn not to Spam any future posts. It sounds like a lovely trip so far. Keep safe and enjoying the scenery.
It’s been gorgeous, even when it’s raining! I’m so grateful that I am getting to do this. I bought a new sewing/embroidery machine, so we have to get together soon! I sure miss you.