Sunday September 16

Breakfast at the Pine Valley Lodge this morning at 7:30. Better than most hotel breakfasts; lots of fresh fruit.  Looks like a nice day ahead.  Our ride profile is pretty similar to yesterday.  Lots of easy downhill for the first part of the ride followed by a big climb and descent towards the end of the day.

Here’s a property on the outskirts of Halfway.  It seemed to be a friendly little town.

When I first went by this fence I thought there were little bird sculptures on the fence posts.  Upon closer examination, I saw that they were living turkey vultures.  I watched them for about 5 minutes and in that time some didn’t change their pose at all, while some moved about or changed posts.  Wonder if they’re here every day?

Lots of nice old barns along the way.......

Couldn’t pass this sign without stopping for a photo.  Look closely at the horses in the gates.....

We stayed on OR 86 aka Hells Canyon Oregon Scenic Byway until about mile 17.

At that point we turned south and followed the Oxbow Reservoir (which is part of the Snake River).  While Highway 86 had been fairly quiet riding for us for the last few days, this road was even less travelled.

At mile 28 we crossed over the Snake River into Idaho and passed the Brownlee Dam and then (presumably) the Brownlee Reservoir.

We climbed a bit, but then had stunning views of the reservoir for quite a while.  If I had stopped to take all the pictures I would have liked to, I would still be out there.

Then the climb began in earnest - about 2100 feet over 7 miles.  Ugh!  Actually, it was fine and I like to think maybe I’m getting a bit stronger than when I arrived with very little training under my belt.  Our cue sheet calls it Brownlee Summit, but there was just an elevation sign.  Oh - and a stop sign full of bullet holes.  Welcome to red-neck country.......

About 15 miles of primarily downhill into Cambridge.  Not nearly as fun as yesterday’s final descent.  We had a headwind today, strong at times.  At one point I found myself having to pedal while my GPS showed a grade of -8%.

The highlight of tonight’s hotel might be that we have brand new pillows in our room; just out of the packaging today!  Hope they’re comfy!!  We are in the Mountain Time Zone now, so we’ve lost an hour.  And - we crossed a state line today, so margaritas tonight.  Time to get down to the trailer for drinks and dinner.......

Stats for the day:
92km / 57 miles from Halfway OR to Cambridge ID
3650 feet up, 3705 feet down.
Temps:  5C to 25C