Yup, the fabulous rolling hills of the Palouse. What's so great about the rolling hills of the Palouse, you ask? The downhill parts, of course. (Please don't ask any more dumb questions.)
Our destination was the Hanging Tree Historical Monument. Why, you ask? No reason really. (Enough with the questions already.)
The monument sets on the banks of Hangman Creek. (I know you're dying to ask why they named it that. Don't.)
We could have easily gone another 50 or 75 miles, but our bikes were thrashed and needed a rest. Turns out the distance was just about right for them.
Since I knew we'd be doing a lot of climbing on gravel roads, I packed my rear panniers with ballast, for extra traction. Unfortunately, all the ballast disappeared at the campsite. On the way back, John smoked me up every hill. Just couldn't get any traction. (That's my story and I'm sticking to it.)
All the serious S24O'ers roll with bivvy's . . .
Those things look murderous to me and besides, I have a hard time being serious. Thanks, but I'll stick with my lightweight solo tent . . .
The two extra pounds buy you just a tiny little space, which is a slice of heaven . . .
Even though I had my panniers pretty well closed up before I went to bed, a mouse found its way into one. Which one, you ask? (Argghh!) The one with the food, naturally. Anyway. He was living large right up until the moment I opened up the bag and screamed like a girl. Looks pissed, doesn't he . . .
Chowed down on a leftover tortilla, some dried bananas and a breakfast bar. Midnight smorgasboard. Party time . . .
All in all, a great first overnighter. All the gear worked, just right on the food and water, weather cooperated and we took in some killer views. (The camera really doesn't do it justice.)
Where to on the next S24O you ask? Jeez, you just don't give up, do you.
6 comments:
Beautiful! I remember the mouse and the motorcycle book. I wonder if this mouse was inspired by your cycling antics?
Did you or John channel the spirit of Geo Wright? I suppose not since both of you returned home unharmed.
You just can't get enough of that course can you? Did you put a hay bale on the bridge...just in case :)
Now those are some beautiful pictures! And the video and the mouse were a kick, too. Long live S240 or whatever you call it!
EvilElf, yeah. John found a link to the history of the site and we were both pretty overwhelmed by the brutality of what went on there. Damn glad we got outta there alive. One and done, not gonna push it.
Good eye, SRV ;-) I stumbled across the spot while turning around there after picking up the straw bale on the bridge . . . the very last item on my Ronde van Palouse course tear-down list.
Thanks, Alan, and yeah, long live the S24O.
Nice....the pictures are so great too...I once lived in Moscow for an all too brief time...
Another Smart post from you Admin :)
Post a Comment