Reasons why we didn't get to Spokane until 7 this evening

1. We left at 11 am, an hour later than planned.

•  Dad had to take his Chinese exchange teacher to the school then Max station, and didn't get over to my place to pick me up until after 10.
• We pre-loaded a lot of our supplies yesterday,  but we still needed to load such important items as our sleeping bags and bikes today. We have WAY TOO MUCH STUFF, by the way. Dad and I originally planned to ride self supported, but I'm not convinced we have the mentality to become minimalists. I, at least, over plan and therefore over pack. 
• Mom came rushing home in a panic over something. 
• Leslie took lots of departure pictures for us (thanks!). 
• Jim and I made Dad stop by Fred Meyers for his medication. He was going to just go without!

    
2. We stopped less than 2 hours into the trip for lunch at the Full Sails Brewery in Hood River. It was quite crowded.

3. There was a wreck.

4. We stopped and wandered in awe at the Country Mercantile. So much chocolate, my brain went into overdrive. Jim and I both left with home made ice cream. I'm going to enjoy the next week. Burning massive amounts of calories = eating massive amounts of calories :)

      After a late dinner, we're getting ready for bed. We have an early start tomorrow, but we're both more than ready to finally START.