Halfway through the third day of our bikeventure, we sat in the rain under a giant Douglas Fir. We were cold, wet, at 4,000 feet or so in elevation and halfway up Washington Pass in North Cascades National Forest. We had already climbed for a day and a half. The wet road was too dangerous so we sat the storm out, unsure if the weather would pass, allowing us to make it our goal for the day.

The previous day, we climbed in the rain (and a little snow) out of the national park into the national forest allowing us to set up camp along a river bed, with water clear and blue, the color we hoped the sky might eventually turn. That morning we left camp at 9 a.m.

We waited under the Douglas Fir for an hour, after some avocado and dancing to stay warm, the rain subsided and we were able to continue uphill, the easiest way to warm back up again.

At around 4 p.m. the sky opened, the sun came out, and we reached the top of Washington Pass. We were truly excited. We jumped around, danced, yelled “YEOW!” (I bet you can picture it).

The first few days of the trip were a lesson in short term goals. It’s easy to set new year’s resolutions, or a big goal with a far off deadline, but it’s hard to touch base with those goals — figure out if you actually accomplished them. I’m really starting to believe in the power of short term goals. Each day I think I might set 20 short term goals. Reaching Washington Pass was a big one, but with such steep elevation climbs, each mile felt like a new goal. It was a new moment to get excited about, stay positive about, or focus on if your butt feels like a ball of rubber bands and your legs are burning more than you thought they could.

For me, the experience of climbing the pass put my body to the test, but not in the involuntary or stressful ways I am perhaps conditioned to from athletics. Crossing the pass felt like I was working with my body, the engine to the machine of my bike. The more I listened to how I was feeling, the more attainable the pass felt. It all required a big dose of positivity. Jackson has been extra encouraging, and the best possible teammate in positivitiy, one of my favorite parts of this trip.

Our positivity went a long way that day. When we crossed the pass, approaching a hairpin turn on about seven percent grade, it started raining (almost snowing) again. The rock faces all around us, reminded me of Katahdin’s Knifes Edge but taller, and each mountain contained the similar jagged peaks. However, there wasn’t much time to look at the mountains. We used all our energy to stabilize our bikes and maneuver the sharp turns while staying away from cars. Each time we stopped to let cars pass I felt jittery with adrenaline. After 15 miles we made it to to some level ground, the sun came out and there was a rainbow.

We made it into town and had a celebratory dinner (by a fireplace) and pedaled to some awesome bike-only camping at the Bicycle Barn in Mazama. Jim and Jan open their yard and facilities to bike touring folks. They have a solar-heated outdoor shower, composting toilet, and shelter for drying out clothes. These amenities we’re much needed after the wet weather in the North Cascades. We are so thankful for the generosity of people we’ve met along the way so far.

Last night we slept in Okanogan National Forest. Leaving our camp this morning, we were surprised to come up on a herd of 10 cows!

Parts of the National Forest are “Livestock Range Areas” Meaning (I guess)  you can just move your herd to a forest road and let them roam for a while. The cows came with us back to the main road and saw us off. A funny way to start the day indeed. This morning we eclipsed Loup Loup Pass at 4020′ elevation. The downhill was only enjoyable, with no cars and lots of zig-zaging turns.

Watching the landscape change from the giants — coniferous trees and mountains — in the North Cascades to the more dry and dusty hills in Mazama and Omak is exciting. Having an ever-changing horizon, while moving slow enough to take it all in, feels even better than I anticipated. Each bend or hill in the road provides a new experience. The feeling of being privy to it all, I can barely capture here.

Thanks everyone for your words of encouragement! We really appreciate it.