Holy [insert favorite expletive here], Batman! What Happened to Your Shoes?

And then there was one

Of all the things to lose, a shoe is seemingly insignificant. I have another pair that I wear while riding, so it's not that one foot will go without; no, it's more the knowledge that I've carried these shoes on the back of the bike for 1700 miles, and now that I'm within a couple hundred miles of Portland, one of them decides to jump off. I blame Google. If Google Maps hadn't sent me up and down a few rockslides masquerading as "roads," my feet would be happy in their comfy shoes right now. So, if you're out rock climbing on the Washington side of the Columbia River Gorge, please let me know if you find a worn, lone, green shoe.

It was 60 miles this morning from Richland to the first place with any water. As the temperature climbed towards the high 90s, I was very happy to reach the Roosevelt mini-mart. And when I did, imagine my surprise at seeing a loaded bamboo mountain bike outside. Inside was David, from Tél Aviv, who is on a trip that started in San Diego, followed the Pacific Crest Trail, and now is bringing him to the East Coast. Having planned, but never yet realized, traverses of the US by plane and automobile, he's now actually doing it by bike. On a bike that he built. Completing the HLC and Red to Dead on his bike gave him inspiration that he could really make a go of it across the US.

Location of today's flat tire 

Google's idea of a joke (the 2nd sign says, "Primitive Road: No Warning Signs") -- 1st of many today! 

Columbia River Gorge 

Just below John Day Dam

Gravel the size of softballs 

In Biggs Jct, OR, tonight. If I open the window, I might hear the Santana concert across the river. Or maybe I'll be asleep.