Day 10: Windy Point Campground

Day 10: Windy Point Campground

Well, thank goodness for cold medicine. Pam had a wonderful night’s sleep with help, but Matt had an awful time trying to sleep. Breakfast was complimentary, we loaded up on waffles and cereal. It was cold out-just above freezing at 6:30. However, if we waited until it warmed up, we would be waiting forever, so we packed up and got on the road just after 8. We were bundled up in our cold weather gear, and were comfortable enough. A quick stop for some snacks, and then we headed up the Yakima Canyon toward Selah.

There was a small rest area on the side of the road just before the canyon explaining how this road used to be the main link between Ellensburg and Yakima, all the way up to 2004 it was original 14’ by 10’ sections of concrete. Finally the state rebuilt the road with modern construction and it also happened to have been mostly freshly paved as we went through.

The ride turned out to be a very enjoyable ride and a wonderful way to start the day. The Yakima River cut a canyon through a lava flow (actually multiple flows over many millions of years) and made for some beautiful scenery. It also helped that we had a (gasp) tailwind for at least a portion of the morning’s ride, and mainly just didn’t have a headwind.

It was lovely to be cruising along through a canyon with the walls 500’ (?) above on each side and the large amount of water rolling down the Yakima River. The road climbs up and down a bit, but nothing steep or too high. Apparently, at certain times of the year, there are bighorn sheep in the canyon, but we didn’t see any. The river looked like great flyfishing, and we even passed an outfitters resort that specialized in flyfishing retreats. Of course, it was called “Red’s.”

We left the canyon behind and rode into Selah, where we were delighted to meet up with MaryAnn, who contacted us through this journal. Her sister’s husband works with Matt, and we met up for lunch. It was so wonderful meeting her; she is so knowledgeable about the area and some of the places we’re going to be heading through next. Not only did she get us lunch but she brought a patch from her work for us, Matt is finding the safety pins to proudly display it on our bikes. (To anyone that we’re passing near your neighborhood, give us a shout! We’d never turn down food or conversation J).

After lunch, we stocked up on groceries, and headed toward Naches. First we had to leave Selah through a serious of steeply graded hills but then we got out in the country, which turned out to be a gradual climb up. Along the way through the valley we saw several kestrels and two beautiful hawks. Then we climbed up towards Naches, but first we had a really steep descent into town. I maxed out at 37.8 mph, which is pretty fast for me (I think Matt went just slightly faster.)

In Naches, after making all the expected jokes about nachos, we paused for a snack and a refill on water at the city park, and then headed out on the old highway, meandering through apple orchards, waving at the farm workers busy harvesting the apples. Finally, we crossed the new highway, and we could see the next section of the ride, a canyon cut by the Teton River. We followed the swift-flowing water upstream, around bends and through beautiful lava rock cliffs.

The shoulder was narrow, and cars were zooming by quickly, but most gave us plenty of room. Although we were traveling uphill, we still maintained a great pace, and by the time we reached the campground, it was just a bit after 1630. We found an empty site, set up camp, and bundled up as the temperature dropped. It’s going to be a cold one tonight, I think. We might have to delay our riding for a little bit in the morning to let it warm up, we’ll see. Tomorrow is White Pass, and we should be getting a good view of Mt. Rainier soon. After the pass, it’s pretty much all downhill to Randal. Should be another good day of riding.

Side note- Pam’s knee is still bothering her, but Matt has taken the vast majority of the weight, and it’s helping. Hopefully her legs will get stronger and she can take more of the weight soon. Until then, Matt will just continue to be the rockstar and pull more than his share of the weight up major mountain passes. Also, Pam’s feeling better, the cold is on the way out, still a bit stuffy and coughy, but definitely on the mend. Now, we’re coming into the environment where her allergens live…a Zyrtec a day should help keep those at bay!

Internet is extremely slow cell phone connection tonight, no pictures until better internet.

Distance: 58
average: 10.5 mph
max: 37.9
climb: 2756 ft.
time: 5:28:20

Cold morning mist rising off this pond before entering Yakima Canyon

Yakima River 

Yakima River and the road climbing through a small pass.

Yakima River just before the dam, smooth clear water.

Valley between Selah and Naches

Apples, so many apples

Pam!

Tieton River was really moving next to the Windy Point Campground

Awesome cooled lava which formed these pillars along the canyon walls