We started off the day with our typical enormous bowls of cereal and granola (our current favorite filler cereal is cinnamon Chex) and then headed off into the wind. It was quite the headwind, especially at the beginning, but we were comforted in knowing that today would only be 35 miles. So we took turns drafting, and made some good progress. At our water refill stop, we enjoyed the reaction of the old lady walking to her car when she asked about our trip. With more colorful versions of “from Vermont?? What in the world are you doing here?” And “Are you kidding me? I wouldn’t have made it one mile.” she shook her head, wished us luck, and drove off.
Just as the biking was getting a bit tedious, Aidan pulled over grinning, and we proceeded to drag our bikes through a ditch and casually ride through a wheat field.
It was really amazing to ride the last 10 miles into Walla Walla today. We had both been here before to visit Whitman College, and so it was one of the few places on this trip that we recognized! I’m pretty sure the last place I’d been previously was Kroka, which was on day 3 of this whole journey.
And we have a happy update from Aidan – he gained a pound!
Today’s break was on the quad at Whitman College, which was a perfect spot. We relaxed until we got hungry for dinner, found a park, then biked back into the main part of town to watch the Olympics. Unfortunately, canoe slalom (yeah, apparently that’s a thing!) wasn’t on, but we enjoyed seeing some gymnastics, boxing (actually I didn’t enjoy that one much) and swimming. I can only imagine how much they have to eat to keep up their training!
bikesoveramerica 
That picture through the wheat field is impossibly funny! You guys do not miss anything ey?? Following you step by step, with your infectious smiles, comments and joy. We all want to be like you when we grow up! Almost there Iron Team. Check Walla Walla post office in the hope of adding some pounds on Aidan hips. Happy ride,
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Blandine! We’re in Walla Walla now, and the post office says they don’t have your package. Do you have a tracking number for it? We would feel so bad to miss it, so kind of you to send us a package!
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Aidan Clara tracking number is EL 206606828 US sent from Babb Montana 95411 July 27th to Walla Walla 99362 by Priority Mai Express…….Hope they find it!! let me know
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Oh no! It looks like they sent it back – the express mail only gets 5 days there apparently. So sorry about that! 😦
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Wow! You guys are almost to the Pacific! That picture of riding through a wheat field made me remember goathead thorns. They are lurking from Washington to California on the edges of roads. They spread by a ball seed (tan, 1/4 to 1/2 of an inch or so big) that has a thorn in it that seems specially designed for bike tires. Their other name: puncturevine. West coast bike stores sell thin metal liners to go between the tire and the tube to protect the tube, or goo to put in the tube that will theoretically seal up leaks when you pull out a goathead thorn. I hope you steer clear of them! Happy pedaling!
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Yeah Aidan! 1#
Here’s to Cinnamon Chex!
Cheers!! 😜
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I’ve always loved the name Walla Walla, Washington! What a great name for a town. Maybe there should be a Verde, Verde, Vermont.
Hard to believe you’ll be in Portland in a couple days. It’s probably the most bike friendly city in America. There’s lots of bike path info on the web. And there’s no worries about crossing the I-205 bridge from Vancouver, WA to the Portland. Here’s a link to one of the many sites about biking in the city –
Click to access i-205-bridge.pdf
I wondered about that “shortcut” to Dayton, WA. Those shortcuts can often be anything but. But they make for the best stories. Just ask Robert Frost. Glad you didn’t spill on the gravel. Enjoy the Columbia river! Happy Trails! Al
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Wow!! I’ve been following your blog since you stayed with us on day 13. And now you’re almost to the coast. You are truly amazing people, who have had an absolutely fantastic adventure. Enjoy the ride down to Portland.
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Aidan and Clara, your parcel EL 206606828US is back to Great Falls Montana. Post Office in Walla Walla kept it for 5 days, until this past Saturday and sent it back “Unclaimed” Someone very zealous (and stupid) at the Post Office! I am heartbroken for you, and extremely disappointed.
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I love seeing those beautiful wheat fields around Walla Walla! I have also enjoyed your interesting and so well written blogs every day. thank you for that relaxing pause in my day! Keep up the good work… Anne Porter (a former Washingtonian, and Willie And Sam’s other Grandma)
Sent from my iPad
>
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Hope you get tons of those delicious Washington peaches.
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I’m so sorry you didn’t get Blandine’s box. Now I wish I had shoved more stuff into the box I sent.
Well enjoy the ride through great wine country and I bet you can feel the pull of the ocean.
Congratulations !! on all you have accomplished.
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