Monday, May 19, 2008

Concrete, WA to Newhalem, WA 39 Miles

Before we left Concrete, WA Harold Hanson treated us to a barbecue dinner at one of his four airplane hangars. Then, his pilot, Jim flew us around the Cascades in Harold's 1954 Bonanza. Carol and I were in awe. Most spectacular was Mount Baker with its own halo of black cloud back lighted by the sun. Pam chose to keep herself on the ground, promising to take pictures, as she hollered to us, "If you don't return, I got dibs on the lipstick, I'll wear it to your funeral!"

We spent another day along the majestic Skagit River with its thunderous creeks, my favorite being Damnation Creek. We felt privileged as we arrived in Newhalem to our private bunkhouse with all amenities included. We cannot thank Pam enough for the work she has put into arranging lodging for our trip.

We are awaiting word on when Washington Pass will reopen. This promises to be our most challenging ride of the trip, 66 miles with major climbing and no services.

2 comments:

Hilary said...

So why are all these people so generous? They must be very excited and/or impressed with your undertakings. I mean, did the gentleman with all the airplanes know any of you three before this? And he took you up in his airplane and put on a BBQ? That's so impressive. you think it's mainly due to your HP? OR maybe (and this might be the same thing) you've just put yourself into the flow of life, and this is just what happens to people who willingly do that. I hope I'm able to do that when I'm in China. We'll see...

Renate Colvin said...

There seems to be a lot of eating going on. Remember, each pound has to get over Washington Pass!

Good luck. I am out of breath just thinking about it.

Renate