Pedal Day 2 - Almost!

"Mountains are earth's undecaying monuments."

-Nathaniel Hawthorne

"Mountains could also be earth's undecaying tombstones!"

-Barry Shettel, after today's ride!

"How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time."

-Anonymous

"How do you climb a mountain? One foot at a time."

-Barry Shettel and Jonathan Wentworth

This day shall go down in infamy! TOUGH! Jonathan and I began pedaling at 6:30 this morning in Marblemount and quit riding at 5:00 this afternoon. We had only pedaled fifty (50) miles in 10 1/2 hours! ALL UPHILL! We were about seven miles from Washington Pass, elevation 5,477 ft., when Margaret came down the road and said, "It's 35 degrees at the pass and snowing. You guys need to get in the car." So we did. We almost made it to the top and will go back tomorrow for the seven mile climb.

Now the good news! After the seven mile climb we've got what must be about a 41 mile downhill to Twisp (pop 938). My plans are to sit down, hold on, pray some, and sing "Nearer My God to Thee." 

It's raining right now and here at the Idle-A-While Motel in Twisp, I hope it rains all night or at least until I fall asleep (which will probably take three seconds) because I love that sound. Hopefully tomorrow we will not have to ride in the rain. Our plans tomorrow are to be lazy in the morning, go eat a late breakfast, go back to the place we stopped, and ride out the rest of the day.

Would I do today again? Only if I had to do it to keep my family from being executed!

Was it a hard day? Don't know what it feels like to have a baby but I bet this was close!

Did you enjoy today? Do you enjoy root canals? I didn't enjoy the ride but I did enjoy the company, the scenery, and the sense of accomplishment. 

Did you learn anything? I was reminded that God spoke into existence an incredible universe of which earth is a major part. His handiwork is still absolutely incredible even when viewed from less than comfortable conditions. 

Did you take any pictures? Well, is the pope Catholic? I will put some photos on the post and maybe add a few more. Most of them are like post cards. You'll see.

"By faith we understand that the entire universe was formed at God's command, that what we see did not come from anything that can be seen" Hebrews 11:3.

Thanks so much for the prayers. We pedal again tomorrow: seven miles up and forty-one down!

"My gracious favor is all you need. my power works best in your weakness. So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may work through me" (2 Corinthians 12:8).