Day 7 – Ellensburg to Windy Point Campground

62 miles (100 km) – Total so far: 478 miles (769 km)

Time riding 5 hours 34 mins Max speed 33.5 mph Average speed 11.1 mph Altitude 612 meters asl (dropped to 340 metres at Yakima) Left 8:20 am Arrived 4:30 pm

The wind from yesterday afternoon had abated during the night and the ride through the Yakima canyon on a quiet Sunday morning was a tremendous experience. It is steadily downhill, with a couple of sharp ups thrown in for good measure.

Yakima town occupies a huge space, and compared with the riding either side of it, was uninspiring. Two large highways pass through it, and even though there were bike paths they were heavily potholed or in two cases just ended with a fence saying ‘under repair’ and left the rider stranded. It took probably 45 minutes to ride through the place and its suburb towns, to a supermarket for lunch.

From here there would be a steady climb, and to liven things up even further, the south westerly was back, strong as ever, and I was riding right into it.

Afternoon progress was much slower therefore, though the riding no less entertaining. Cyclists are far better on the old road up to Naches (pronounced ‘Nacheese’) than route 12. The South Naches road winds its way through orchards of apples and pears for about 15 kilometres to the town. By now the day was warm as well as windy. Time to stock up on dinner supplies, then into the wind again on route 12 as it heads up the White Pass.

But the pass is for tomorrow. I have stopped at Windy Point campsite and it’s a great spot. Best campground yet by far. The secret is that it’s a Sunday night. Last two nights as these sites and within a couple of hours of the city (Seattle) the places are packed, and probably impossible to get a place. There is no hiker – biker rate though, so it’s a $14 standard charge. No caravans or RVs but there is a family tent, with 3 cars, and they pay the same. It asks for comments in the honesty box, so I have written mine. Obviously won’t hear back, but it does feel a lot better having complained.

On arrival I was immediately invited over to my neighbours, Mike and Carol, for a beer. Tremendous hospitality. They are older Seattle campers who want to avoid the crowds and so don’t come weekends.