Salmon to Challis, Idaho. Thursday, June 6, 2024.
You’d think I would know better, after all these decades of touring.
Today was going to be such a pleasant ride. 60 miles and 2,300 feet of climbing, sure, but following the Salmon River and with a nice tail wind all day.
I took my time leaving this morning. Chatted with Brandon, my Warmshowers host. Called the family of a friend, whose aunt had died. Tarried at lunch talking with the waitresses and patrons. I had plenty of time.
But then, with something as capricious as a wind shift, everything changed. Suddenly, the tailwind had turned to a headwind, focused by the walls of the canyon. I still had 35 miles to go, and 15–20 mph headwinds the whole way. No major hills, but a headwind is like a constant hill. I’d splurged on a deluxe hamburger salad for lunch, forgetting that hamburgers always make me feel logy. Used every one of my five bottles of water. For the last stretch to the motel, I was taking rests every mile, and barely crawling. Didn’t get in till 8:30.
The “easy” day turned out to be one of the most challenging of the trip. I should’ve known better. I try not to make these posts just a recitation of the days events, try to throw in some interesting photos or historical/cultural context. No time for that today. Apologies. Big day tomorrow.
Distance 60 miles, 1,464 total. Time 10 hours with stops. Elevation gain 2,279 feet
©️ 2024 Scott Luria
The Ends of the Earth 