After putting up yesterdays blog post, a fellow came over and chatted for a while. He said that this spot on the Columbia was a great spot for Walleye and Smallmouth Bass fishing. He was interested in my adventure so I texted the URL for this blog over to him.
Mom and Charlene have been tracking my progress on a map. They sent me this image of it this morning.
This morning before setting out on the bike I decided that I would eat a big lunch in Umatilla, about 30 miles distant.
As I arrived in Umatilla, I was looking for a grocery store and a place to eat when I made one of my frequent wrong turns. In front of a cafe, I noticed two loaded bikes and wondered if those were the two guys headed to Maine. I rode across the street just as they were coming out. Indeed, it was those two fellows. It was about ten and they were just starting their ride to Walla Walla. Their names were Scott and Richard, we briefly chatted, and among other things I found out that the park drunks name was Dan. After just a couple of minutes we exchanged phone numbers and they went on their way.
Since Scott and Richard said the food was good,I decided to eat in that cafe and devoured a huge omelette. I must have been hungrier than I realized.
For the afternoons ride, I wanted to reach an RV park on route 12 about 25 miles south of Walla Walla. Just before getting there I ran across Scott and Richard again, except this time, they were just finishing lunch. Just up the road we bought some oranges from a nice Spanish speaking fellow with a road side stand. Scott and Ricard’s destination for today is Walla Walla. Since I start earlier than they do, I told them I would text them when I got to town.
The RV park is right on the now much smaller Columbia River. Vincent, the owner of the park made me sign about 6 pages of a legal agreement and then said, “How does twenty dollars sound?” I replied, “It sounds fine if it will keep you in business.” Apparently he has had issues with some tenants and is working hard to keep up the place that his mom and dad created.
Today I put in 61 miles so that makes a total of 371 miles.
That wasn’t the Columbia River. Most likely the Wallula River.
I talked to you at Crow Butte camp grounds about fishing and you sent me a link to your Blog.
I’m enjoying reading about your trip.
Thank you for your articles. I find them very helpful. Could you help me with something?