Day 4 - shut da door

Day 4 – Belfair to Elma

Today was another one for the POPs record books.  We rode almost 60 miles from 8:30am – 5:15pm.  Not record pace by any means but the details of those almost 9 hours are impressive.  We once again did a lot of climbing – 1,913 feet of elevation gain.  We arrived in Elma pretty much on time and rode through a really nice town of about 2,000.  It is really peaceful and the train whistles make it feel like home.  The temperature has gone from 91 down to a beautiful 70ish….thankfully.  Once again we are riding during record heat – in the 90’s.  This time, I have made sure to drink plenty and keep up on the salt intake.  I feel good so am hoping I stayed hydrated.

We were stopped about an hour in to the ride by a guy named Charlie who was selling an interesting seat post suspension system.  We all tried it out and ended up getting two – one for Dad and one for Carl.  The system is pretty amazing and if it helps reduce their fatigue then it is money well spent.

While we were there we had an amazing opportunity to watch nature in action.  A mother duck and her ducklings were swimming in the pond and all of sudden the mother starting quacking very loudly.  Flying overhead was an eagle.  We watched this eagle make several attempts at getting one of the ducklings and finally it was successful.  We have the saga on video and will post it once we get home. 

Then we started riding.  It was warm…ok, it was hot, but we were riding through trees and all was well.  Carl and I knocked off the last 20 miles in about 90 minutes.  He was feeling well and I was just trying not to lose him.  He lived up to his nickname of Bolt.  The man can take off on ya and you have to work to catch up. 

Tonight we are staying with Michael and Beverly Koont.  He is the pastor at the local Baptist Church….and is also a culinary school graduate.  Yep, we had an amazing meal and are all stuffed.  He started us with homemade razor clam chowder and it was incredible.  Then we moved on to fried chicken and baked steelhead trout, rice, broccoli and for dessert either lemon meringue and a chocolate carmel pie that was amazing. 

Again, hour hosts are incredible.  They are friendly and so giving.  We continue to be blessed more than we deserve by the generosity of those hosting us. 

Today – I rode in honor of Patti Meese.  She has an incredible spirit, is very talented and great personality.  We miss having her in AZ but know she is encouraging those with PD in North Carolina and making them laugh and enjoy life.  Keep it up Patti.