Today was all about
negotiating Sherman Pass. A daunting 5575 feet
with steep roads and narrow shoulders, today was a butt kicker!
It was up and at it early in
order to hit the pass while it was still cool. Colville was shrouded in mist and
fog which gave it a fairyland effect. From Colville it was on to Kettle Falls where the real Hills began.
Taking it slow and easy, it was a steady climb. The countryside was gorgeous and
rich with huckleberries.
At 4 miles from the top I took a lunch break eating my
fill of huckleberries which were as large as blueberries. A bike can stop where
motorcycles and autos can't, so anytime I saw a good patch I just had my
fill. Huckleberries go for $50 a gallon
in this part of the country and I could've easily collected $100 worth in a
matter of an hour.
While taking a break in a very desolated part of the highway to the pass, I took a close look at this pole. Something large had been scraping its claws on it and this left me with an eerie feeling. I was glad to be on my way even though my legs were screaming in pain.
"A dedication to the youth who built the roads and
trails, the fire lookouts and dams and who laid the foundation for growth in our
nation,"
About halfway up the pass I
encountered a historical CCC camp that had been damaged by a storm that
had come through about a week earlier. Trees were uprooted, broken off, and
cabins destroyed. It must've been quite a storm!
After 26 miles I finally
reached the top, totally exhausted, legs shaking, with my lungs gasping. After
a short rest, it was a 15 mile run downhill. To my chagrin, Republic, my
destination for the night, sat atop a very steep hill so my last peddling of
the day was exhausting. Tomorrow it's off bright and early to attack yet
another pass. Wish me luck.
