Day 22 6/8/2012
Spokane to Baker City, OR
Back on the Road!
5 Nights in Spokane, along with one in Whitefish, MT made for a great visit with my Uncle and family. Much longer than planned, but nonetheless it was great. At the outset of my trip, I was not going to travel to Spokane, as I felt it would take me more West than I really wanted to travel. But last Friday I decided for the long haul to Spokane. Of course, I had no idea the weather would turn so poor. Lucky for me I did travel that direction. If I had stuck to my original plan, I would have been covered in snow up in Glacier.
Departed Spokane about 8:30am. Headed South on 195 en route to Lewiston, ID. First stop/shot of the day was this quaint little town, who's name escapes me. Perhaps Colfax??
After being “cooped” up for a week, it was refreshing to be back on the wheels. The weather was ok.
Actually, it was not raining, so call it great! Still rather chilly, probably about 50 when I left. Soon was outside of Lewiston, ID. Coming in from the North, one has a great opportunity to view the town in the valley.
It was more time, unfortunately, for more Garmin Olympics. Being “stalled” for a few days, I had the unit indoors and was plotting some routes, etc. I must have left it on, and it was dead. So dead, that it wouldn't even power up with the 12V adapter. Kept getting the message, “low battery”. Battery? WTF? I'm not wanting to use the battery. But this has also happened with my IPOD. If the rechargeable cells are completely drained, you need to “hard” boot it by plugging into a 120V source, to get it “breath”. I accomplished this by plugging in the Garmin to my Notebook. After a few minutes of “charging”, it was back. I was ready to head to Walmart, as I rely on this device heavily.
Leaving Lewiston, I picked up 95 South towards Weiser. This route took my through the “Hells Canyon” NRA. A very cool ride. Cool both in temperature and topography. Got a bit of rain, and it was overcast. A nice ride along the Snake River.
Finally around Cambridge, the sun apperead. As it was late in the day, it did little to warm the air, but it was great to see it.
Crossed into Oregon! A new state for my map!! This is just before I picked up I-84
Destination was Baker City, OR and arrived in town around 6:30pm. A bit over 400 miles for the day. It is only 7:22am, and soon will be headed west to the Pacific!! Perhaps I'll enjoy my coffee and wait till it warms to 45!! It has been chilly. Almost missing that Texas weather!!
Weather permitting, I will be camping on the Oregon Coast tonight!
