YAKIMA CANYON

Yakima Canyon

DATE:  Thurs, Sept. 15, 2011
HOME:  Nachez, Washington  Nachez Hotel
DISTANCE: 45 miles
ALTITUDE:  2000 ft.
WEATHER:  Perfect in the morning – headwind in the afternoon
OUR HEALTH: Bob felt more tired today – I finally feel really good.
NARRATIVE:
This morning’s ride in the Yakima Canyon was super – we’re in a high desert with sage brush the main plant, but going down into canyons where major rivers flow is beautiful.  And, Yakima Canyon did not disappoint.  All morning long we would descend 200 ft to the river and then climb back up 200 ft.  A fun morning.
Our fear was WIND.  Last night the small trees near our hotel were almost horizontal and huge gusts were expected today.  Being in the canyon as well as a tail wind all morning made the wind a non-issue.  Then at Selah we took a big turn and headed straight into it.  But, it was not nearly as bad as on the Lewis and Clark Trail.  Slowed us down but we made it the last 20 miles to Nachez in time for a late lunch.
Naches:  Population 660.  But, it has an upbeat feel to it as you ride down main street.  But the real engine of the town is the Hotel and café next door (real food – and delicious).  When we checked in the owner said she and her husband, in a delusional moment, decided to buy the hotel and renovate it.  They found themselves “wed” to the hotel so they bought the café next door, thus ensuring that they will stay “wed.”  Anyway, the hotel is funky but had a whirlpool tub and king size four poster bed – works for us!

Did not have wireless so Bob used my cell as a modem.  We then spent the time till the cell ran out of juice trying to figure out yet another re-route; the weather is supposed to be windy and rainy tomorrow and Saturday as well as COLD!  We're in pretty remote territory - with 60+ mile days we would still have to camp one night of the next 3.  Now, we were trying to figure out just what is available if the weather slows us down.  Life on the road.