TUESDAY 21 JUNE

Day 6: Republic - Chewalah


Distance: 73.4 miles (Sherman Pass)


Woke up and Dave shot up the road in search of breakfast. Left for Sherman Pass, the final Pass on our journey over the Rockies. Really good climb - fast and steady with well organised breaks.


Reached the summit to find Rangers completing rock-fall prevention work on the cliffs bordering the road. Cars were being let through every 20 minutes. Chatted to Ranger, Brenda, for a bit then she let us through to take photos.


The work meant our side of the road was clear all the way down - no need to worry about passing cars.


We descended into Kettle Falls and Lake Roosevelt. The lake and surrounding area was very scenic. Would have liked to stay longer to explore.


Climbed out of the valley and over to Colville where we had our first junk food for a few days in celebration of finishing the Cascades. McDonald's strawberry milkshakes were incredible and well deserved - great times were had by all. (see picture below).


We met Chip, Ironman completer, outside of McDonald's and talked about some of the local triathlon and cycling events.


Headed from Colville down the 395 to Chewelah, a detour off the ACA Northern Tier Route recommended by Bob and Herb yesterday and a number of locals today as a shortcut. A steeper climb but a few miles shorter.


Rolled into town and met Matt Russell who directed us to the local town park and campsite, $10 again.