Beyond My Doorstep: John Wayne Trail 2014: Day 6

My campsite in Vantage

I woke to a beautiful sunrise the next morning, took a shower in the camp bathroom, and began my ride. I was told that the trail had been closed from the river to Ellensburg so I chose to take a back road north from Vantage over the mountains and into the city.

A sunrise view of the gorge. It was drained for damn repairs.

Cool place! Brings back memories...

There was about 1 mile of easy riding. Then, the road climbed west over the mountains. The climb was miles long. I was glad that I started pretty early but the asphalt still got pretty hot. As I approached the top of the ridge, I began to see windmills (and feel the wind). I also got to see the cascades across the valley. Through the haze, those mountains looked so green! It was a welcome sight.

Miles of uphill riding out of the gorge

Happy little bunny

Getting close to the top!

There had been a fire here but flowers were beginning to grow

View along the ridge

Entrance to the wind farm

First views of Adams and Rainier

Riding down into the valley was very nostalgic because my wife and I lived in Ellensburg during our early college days. Everything was familiar and full of memories. I visited all of the old haunts, said hello to some of my favorite professors at CWU. I visited the first two apartments that we lived in. I stayed with an old friend from college. Thanks Sue!