We are directed back to Yakima on Route 97 and from the map it looks pretty straightforward. No chance of getting lost. Plus, I am curious to see the Bavarian town of Leavenworth, just 4 miles off our direction. I head out with a big advantage over Petr who stays in the campground until check-out time. I have at least a 3-hour advantage. The shoulder is wide enough to accomodate 3 cyclists next to each other so even though traffic is heavy (lots of big trucks) they don't bother me.
I get to Leavenworth and I feel like I took a wrong turn along the way and mysteriously ended up in Germany somewhere. The town is as cute as a button, a perfect location against the Wenatchee mountains for a Bavarian village. Even gas stations are dressed up like Tyrolean cottages. I spend half an hour roaming about the small center and then I turn back to continue my ride.
The Wenatchee National Forest is as perfect a bike route as it can get. It starts climbing slowly, but surely and steadily only after I have ridden about 30 miles, and after a while I hear the thunder of an RV approaching. I push Petr ahead of me and I stop at mile marker 40. I wish I could have reached Blewett Pass, which I know must be close by now, but I don't want to push my luck so I pack up the bike. 2 miles later, we are on top of the pass and I feel so frustrated by having been so close and not being able to claim my first real mountain pass. But that's not the end of the story. As with all mountain passes, what awaits you on top is a long, sweet descent, which in this case would continue for at least 12 miles and then on an off for another 10 or 15. I feel robbed of this opportunity and can't stop thinking about it for the rest of the day. I even dream about my 12-mile descend during the night. I'd give anything to turn back and do it over again....
We reach Yakima and we both have a feeling of déjà-vu.
Good-bye North Cascades.
This reminds me so much of the Dolomites!
Laura, when Petr caught up with her. She still wasn't too frustrated here.
The Bavarian shtick in Leavenworth.
The small center is really dressed up Tyrolean-style.
What did I tell you?
huh?
Am I right or what?