Diphthong?

Over breakfast at Doxie's Diner in Wilbur, we met a local named Phil who regaled us with all sorts of information. Washington is the smallest state west of the Mississippi. It has more geographic diversity than any other state in the Union, ranging from rainforest to desert. The difference between daytime and nighttime temperatures is wide and makes for good fruit growing conditions. Phil called this the "diphthong range."

I'm not saying Phil was wrong, but that's no definition of "diphthong" that i've ever heard. Nevertheless it was hot yesterday and got into the 30s last night.

I seem to be collecting business cards. Yesterday in Coulee City a Mr. Everett Lewis noticed my bike clothes and gave me a card for his website www.horsesees.com. He has a video there about horse/bicycle/hiker interactions. I haven't watched it yet. He is passionate about the cause.

This morning as we left the Country Lane Campground and RV Resort, the owner, Bob gave us his card and said, "If you need any help in the next state or two, just call." Bob and his wife Linda are fine people. I cannot speak highly enough of their hospitality. If you are in Wilbur, WA, stay at Country Lane.

We stopped at Edna's Drive-in in Davenport for a greasy lunch. It ws about the only place open. The crowd included families in go-to-meeting dress. Even the children wore suits.

The napkin holders bore an inscrutable message.

I didn't go to church today for the first time in years. No excuses. There was an ELCA congregation in Wilbur. I have kept up with my daily Bible reading, prayed, and read today's lections. It's just not the same being absent from the assembly.

We wanted to spend the night at Fairchild Air Force Base (BJ is retired military) but the hotel was full and the campground bylaws do not permit tents. Military regulations! Hmph.

So, we've settled for the night at a motel in Airway Heights. The owner gave us an "I'm really tired and don't to go any farther" discount. Buddy's living in luxury.

While BJ showered I rode to WalMart to buy a watch, a bicycle computer, and another tube of sunscreen. Airway Heights seems to exist for the Air Force Base. The town has seen better days.

We rode 66.81 miles today through fields of wheat as far the eye could see.

Lunch Stop in Davenport, Washington

Buddy in the Lap of Luxury

Wheat fields forever