4CT Tour - Day Nine - Saturday, June 14th. 08

Tour Day: Nine
Day/Date: Saturday, June 14th, 2008
Time Started: 5:00 AM PDST
Time Ended: 4:35 PM PCDST
Starting Location: Lacey, WA
Ending Location: Spokane, WA
Total Miles Today: 568 (70% Two Lane)
Cumulative Miles: 6509
Low Temp: 41F - Tumwater, WA
High Temp: 73F - Spokane, WA
Highest Gas Price: $4.29 Sedro Wooley, WA
Lowest Gas Price: $3.99 Spokane, WA
States: WA (13)

Just before I left this morning I checked the weather radar and found light rain along the coast of Washington and temps in the low 40's. That was enough to confirm my decision to forgo the Olympic Peninsula and, instead, head for the third corner. I dispensed with the mesh jacket and gloves and went with the textile Killi and warmer gloves.

After a short 130 mile ride I arrived at Blaine,Washington and collected the needed photo's and information to confirm the corner.

It is hard to read but this is the photo in front of the Blaine, WA Post Office.

From there it was on to the fourth and last corner, a "loooonnnnggg way off"! I retraced my route south down I-5 for a short 20 miles before I exited at Sedro Wooley and turned eastward. My route today took me over The Northern Cascades Historic Highway.

If you ever have the opportunity to ride this road, trust me when I tell you, it's "A Must Do"! A big thanks to Mike J for suggesting this side trip.

The well paved road has gentle curves that climb slowly to an altitude of about 5,500 ft or about half as high as the mountains that will surround you.

Throughout the ride you are almost always in sight of a river or a high mountain lake. This is Lake Diablo.

Scenic pull offs make it easy to stop and take in the stunning views.

It has not been long since this road was closed to traffic. Abundant snow still lines the sides of the road.

After coming down from the mountains I crossed a high plains (2500 ft) that appeared to be rich cropland. Apple trees were planted by the thousands. Summer wheat dominated the skyline all the way to Spokane.


Is it just me or can I see the faint outline of the curvature of the earth? While riding that road I thought I could see it.

I rode by two dams today. The first was Chief Josephs Dam.

The second was The Grand Coulee Dam. Both were in the middle of nowhere!

Tonight I am in Spokane, Washington. Tomorrow I cross into Idaho and Montanna. I look forward to my side trip up Chief Josephs Pass.

A couple of housekeeping notes:

This trip has been made bearable in the long hot, dry sections by the use of a 32oz Butler Cup. I was convinced it was butt ugly when I first saw it, but after crossing the desert, it's now my "best friend"! Sipping cold water when you need it the most saves the day!

My other "best friend" has become my LD Riding Shorts. Why? Because they work! I have had no pain in the posterior end after repeated long, hot riding days. If you have ridden a lot in hot, sweaty weather, you will know what I mean.

There! Now I feel better having shared those two tid-bits! LOL

To view my entire trip map page "Click Here"

To view the 24 hour SPOT map "Click Here"

“It is only in adventure that some people succeed in knowing themselves - in finding themselves.” ~Andre Gide~