Day 7 - August 6: Walla Walla WA - Dayton WA

31 miles.  2163 feet up, 1486 feet down.

Yesterday was a true rest day, and today was pretty much a rest day on wheels.  Short distance and a tailwind.  I stretched it out as much as I could but I was still in to the hotel well before noon.  And - I was one of the lucky ones whose room was ready when I arrived.  

It was a really, really pretty ride today.  We were away by shortly after 7 in order to beat a bit of the heat.  It was only 20C when we left.  I'm not normally a really early morning person, but I have to say that the light is spectacular at that hour of the day.  We took about 5 km to clear the 'burbs of Walla Walla, and then we were immediately in wheat country.  There were also a few fields of corn and other veggies but largely wheat; so pretty!  Interestingly, I didn't see any vineyards on this side of Walla Walls.  And an extra bonus - the roads we were on had very, very little traffic.  Chip seal, yes, but minimal traffic...........















SAG stop was at about 25 km.  We really hadn't worked very hard, but I will never turn down chocolate milk, fruit, and treats.  


  









I'm not sure why this guy had his full head covered, but he appeared to be able to see me.  Sun cover, maybe?  Someone later educated me - fly protection.








First sighting of one of these.  I'm sure there will be many more before we're done................


Look who I found just a few miles outside of Dayton.








And into the lovely little town of Dayton.  They hang pictures of all their high school seniors from the light posts throughout the downtown.  Although there are a lot of empty buildings, it's obvious that they're trying.  Also - very friendly people at every turn.







I wonder if the fire chief is also the mayor?














It seems to be a big deal that Lewis and Clark passed through here on May 2, 1806 on their return journey.  There is a statue of Sacagawea near the train depot.





We're at another very nice Best Western hotel.  I think we've been in BWs every night except one.  Dayton is a pretty small town and I'm not sure who their regular clientele is, but it's nice to have such a comfortable place to overnight.  And - a room on my own tonight............


The Ride:

Garmin:  51.08 km.  2098 feet up, 1415 feet down.

RWGPS:  52.2 km.  739 m up, 533 m down

Temperature:  20C - 32.6C

The Route:

Dayton, WA.  Population 2,448

Dayton has the oldest train depot in Washington, dating from 1881, and the oldest continuously used courthouse, operating since 1887.  In the 1980s and 1990s the town underwent a $3 million restoration program, repairing the historic depot and courthouse, and creating a National Historic District.  In 2000, about 13% of the population lived below the poverty line.  















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