Over the Rockies and Cascades Range and into Seattle
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Well we finally made it to Seattle. Technically Bothell, but right next store. Over the Rockies and Cascades Range and into Seattle. We road over 680 miles today to go from Bozeman, Montana to Bothell, Washington. We passed through three different weather systems to go here. The day started out cold and wet in Montana and Idaho. Then as we go to the Columbia Plateau in Washington state it was hot and dry. Finally as we crossed the Cascades Range it was very suddenly cold.
We woke up early this morning with a goal of no more hotels. It seems like and easy task, Seattle was only a 11.5 hour ride away, according to google maps anyway. As we were starting we say clouds and fog creeping over the Rocky Mountains but we had already set our goal. So we put the bikes in gear and hopped for the best.
Th Rockies were a steep going up and even steeper going down. I wouldn’t mind the steepness if they didn’t insist on putting tight bends and curves in the middle. Going up and down in Montana was fun and we figured they would all be that easy. However going down the mountains in Idaho was crazy. Long, steep, curvy, and a giant drop off the side if we messed up. But it did smell nice. Not sure if I’ve ever scene that many pine trees in my life. Didn’t see any potatoes growing, so not sure what that’s about.
Driving through the Columbia Plateau reminded me of South Dakota. Just fields of grass as far as the eyes can see. Since there were no trees or mountains in the way, the wind just pounded us for a couple hours as we kept trying to push forward.
Crossing the Cascades was exciting and contained some breath taking scenery (see photos below). We crossed through the Snoqualmie Pass to get through the mountain range. Lots of ups and downs and twists and turns. The experience beats any roller coaster I’ve ever been on. Technically there are no upside down loops on this road, but we also didn’t have the luxury of being attached to rails.
After the Mountain range we got to deal with fun interstate merging and construction. But after going up, over, and around mountain range all day, this was nothing.
Now we get a few days rest before we go back the other way… or maybe its easier to just stay.
Morning clouds and fog rolling over the mountains
Morning clouds and fog rolling over the mountains
Morning clouds and fog rolling over the mountains
North west Montana
North west Montana
Trying to beat the wind
Rockies in the distance
Rain coming to ruin my morning
Rain coming to ruin my morning
Montana rest stop
Filling up in Montana
Filling up in Montana
Driving through Montana
Driving through Montana
Clouds in Montana
Crossing river after first Mountain
Going up the Cascades Range
Going up the Cascades Range
Going up the Cascades Range
Top of the Cascades Range
Going down
Driving down
Driving down
Selfie while crossing the Cascades
On the Snoqualmie Pass ,Crossing the Cascades
On the Snoqualmie Pass ,Crossing the Cascades
Sunset on the Snoqualmie Pass ,Crossing the Cascades
Sunset on the Snoqualmie Pass ,Crossing the Cascades