Chewelah, WA to Republic, WA


Today got off to a great start with an amazing breakfast provided by our hosts in Chewelah, including eggs, quiche, and delicious French toast. Jax and I were on sweep so we waited for everyone to leave and then departed with Cool Train. We got slightly lost in the first few miles, but luckily we quickly got back on course and cruised for the first 35 miles. We made a lengthy stop at an organic market in Kettle Falls. It was so nice to be surrounded by so much wholesome, healthy food! I couldn?_Tt resist a pint of homemade organic ice cream?_"white chocolate with strawberry swirl. SO GOOD! A lot of people got rice bowls and fresh fruit there, which all looked delicious, as well.


We all knew that we had a mountain pass to climb, but it came a little sooner than expected. Soon after leaving the market, we crossed the Columbia River and began our ascent. As we made our way up, Jax and I preoccupied ourselves by talking about Dartmouth. I learned so much about inner workings of the school and different organizations, and we had an hour long conversation just talking about different foods that we love at school. We got to continue this talk while we waited for some of Cool Train to go to a peach orchard about a quarter of the way up the mountain. The wait was worth it, because they shared a couple of their peaches with us. These were probably the best peaches I?_Tve ever tasted. We continued on, and the incline was pretty gentle up until lunch. After lunch, the road definitely got steeper. Thank goodness for Jax?_Ts ipod!! Sherman Pass, at an elevation of about 5575 feet, is the highest mountain pass in Washington. Though the climb was challenging, I felt so good at the top. We had a mini photo shoot at the sign and then got to enjoy a 10-mile downhill. What more could we ask for? It was so nice, and there were great views as we rode down.


We got in at about 4:45, making it a long day. But it meant we got in just in time for the barbeque dinner provided by Carla, her husband, and another couple in their congregation. Today was also our last mail drop of the trip! We got our final influx of goodies and letters. Our last town meeting/town brawl was also tonight. There was no brawling tonight though, only joking and recalling our favorite parts of the trip for our hosts. I slept outside with Cody, Claire, and Kelsey. It was a good night--Claire, Kelsey, and I executed Operation Friendship on Fire, pelting Cool Train with candy and juice boxes (retaliation for earlier this summer), and we made it through the night without getting hit by sprinklers!!


-Sarah A.