Day 5 Tonasket - Republic 40 miles

Moral for today – Confidence ( believe in yourself)
 
Why 40 miles….combination of apprehension and logistics
 
Apprehension because it was climb that almost mirrored Saturdays, long climb 30 miles with and elevation gain of 4,200 feet.
 
Thankfully I could rely and draw on Saturdays experience and just focus on forward.  The trip was what I had hoped for a couple days ago.  The climbs were challenging and long but in between were plateaus  of several miles to reset and catch my breath.  Heavily traveled by log carriers.  Most drivers were respectful.

Ran into a road crew at about mile 24 took a break and talked to the guy controlling the flow.   He grew up in Twisp and has worked in variety of jobs, one of which was playing a role in a bicycle support group.  Claimed those jobs were like 20 hour days by the time you packed up tents, set them up in new spot and supported the group cycling.  Didn’t know that. He claimed that first thing this morning a Moose was like 30 feet away, hopped a fence and took off.  The only animals I have seen besides a few cows, pigs, horses, goats and an occasionally llamas.    But I do one observation,,,,,why are the dogs that chase you always on the uphill?   Two times today I felt like I had use the voice of Tarzan to stop aggressive dog chasing…….

After the road crew the ride was straight up 3.5 miles to the summit and then almost complete downhill to Republic.   I had planned a 6 hour day but was done in 4.5.  Cold and wet, showered, changed and got warm.  Took a nap.  Went out to grab a bite and do laundry.
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Loaded the wash machine and went a couple blocks grabbed some fruit and chicken tenders while doing laundry.  In comes Sedate!   Sedate was originally from Oklahoma and moved around.  Got married in 1946 and 3 days later the newlyweds were off a honeymoon bicycle trip from Olympia to Portland.  We shared the tenders and talked a bit.  Sedate is 101 years old and still maintains this place. AMAZING!!!! Just AMAZING!