John Wayne Trail 2014: Day 5

After a 15 minute drive out of Warden, I found myself at a nice farmhouse owned by a sweet Danish couple. I took a shower and slept really well. The next morning we had a great time getting to know one another.

Slept in a comfy bed where farmhands stay during busy times

They were the founders of "Stockrose Farms", and had all sorts of interesting information about the area. For example, the factory in Warden is one of the larger producers of french fries in the nation! Also, we talked about the difference between dry farming and irrigation farming. I was also introduced to some fun traditions.

My wonderful hosts

A traditional Danish breakfast: bread and butter with marmalade

That stuff burns going down but it is supposed to be good for you

Antique farm equipment

Upon returning to Warden town center, I started south. I was told that many bikers get hit on the highway to the West of the town on their way to Othello. It was better to take the state road south through all of the farms. The ride went very smoothly and I made it to Othello in no time.

The Warden supermarket and Subway

Nice park in Othello to rest in

After a snack, a midday rest, and a quick lunch, I took of for Vantage. I did this section of Washington on the highway for two reasons. First, the trail really rough through this section of Washington and I was trying to make up miles from earlier in the day. Second, the old bridge across the Columbia is fenced off because it is supposedly too rotten to cross. I chose to bypass all that and ride straight to the I-90 bridge. I was sailing East along the side of the highway when I started feeling a breeze. Over time the breeze became stronger until, about 5 miles from the gorge, I was riding into a gusty 30 mph headwind. I worked incredibly hard to maintain a very slow pace, a very frustrating day!

Do you know the muffin man?

Without irrigation, this region is pretty dry

Where is the fire?

Now imagine 20 mph winds in your face

Now imagine 30 mph winds in your face

The Columbia river!

It got quiet down in the gorge

I had assumed there would be a way to cross I-90 on foot. When I got there, I found no such path. So I waited until there were no cars in sight and booked it across the bridge. I would never suggest this to anyone but it worked for me at the time. I arrived at Vantage just as the sun was setting and got a campsite, paying at the gas station for it. It was windy on this bank once the sun went down. My tent would have blown away if I didn't store things in it. I was excited to see some old friends in Ellensburg the next day.

Looking past vantage toward the fire