Some Updates

Whew...what a week.  We're all getting MUCH better on the bikes, but we still have a ways to go.  Yesterday we did our first century - 115 miles in one day - and I promptly passed out (not before I got to swing around some of the cutest little girls in the whole world at a friendship visit).  At our lunch crew stop, a little dog came running out to visit us:

We also got to see some cool Wind Turbine farms out in the middle of the country (Matt Henry, if you're reading, this is for you):

Today we went a measly 75 miles from Pullman, WA (home of the Washington State Cougars) to Spokane, WA (home of Gonzaga, whatever their mascot is).  We had our first police escort into Spokane which was pretty cool.  We've got a much needed off day tomorrow to recover and work all the soreness out of our legs and rear ends.  It's still hitting me exactly what we're doing, but I'm so thankful I decided to do Journey of Hope.  I've only been here for two weeks, but I already feel like I've known these guys forever.  That's all I've got for now, I'll post more when we get going again.  Have a good week everybody.

P.S. - get ready for some pictures of ridiculous tan lines.  I already look like a raccoon.

First Days

Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you Mt. Ranier:

What a gorgeous view...but I'm getting ahead of myself.  The first day getting out of Seattle was a little hectic, but once we were out of the city, we got moving quickly to our destination for the night, Enumclaw.  There we had a friendship visit with the Ashley House, an amazing organization that helps children with disabilities.  It was 45 miles from Seattle to Enumclaw.  Our next destination was all the way in Yakima, a steep 125 miles away.

 To get to Yakima, we would have to pass over two mountains, climbing more than 7000 feet.  Wow.  I think we're all feeling it a little bit right now (I'm currently watching a groggy team struggle to get out of bed), but we'll be ready to go in a little bit.  The views we experienced in Mt. Rainier National Park were unbelievable - here's a sampling:

Today we have another 75 miles to go to Richland.  I'll post more pictures and updates when I have time.  until then, take it easy.

Arrival

I've been extremely busy since arriving in Seattle.  After assembling my bike and trying on my uniform (looking super sexy), I've been in meetings forever.  It seems like we've got a really solid team - we've got a great group of guys.  A lot of guys I've met are uncannily similar to people I know from home and school...anyway, we got a chance visit to the flagship REI store - a behemoth of a store - and are about to go to our first friendship visit.  I'll post more when there is more to post.

Headed to Seattle

I'm super excited about heading out to Seattle tomorrow morning to start the adventure of a lifetime.  Goodbye east coast - I'll see you in about 2 months!