DAY 6

Day 6.

Newport Washington near the boarder of Idaho.

I left this morning from Beaver Lodge and have been riding along the beautiful Pend Oreille River. I am now in Newport Washington right on the boarder of Idaho. I was thinking to my self "How many pedal strokes will it take for me to go from coast to coast?" I calculated that it will take roughly 2 million! Thats a lot of pedaling. Doing it for such a great cause makes every pedal stroke worth it.

I will be traveling to Bonners Ferry on Monday, June 8th which is about 60 miles and then on Tuesday I will be traveling to Libby Montana which is 50 miles. I would like to go longer distances but with so few town in-between it makes it difficult. Once I make it to Libby Montana I will be heading to Kalispell Montana and then off to East Glacier Lake which will be right around 90 miles. I will keep you all in my prayers! More from the road coming tomorrow. God bless.

Pend Oreille River

I had the pleasure to ride along the Pend Oreille River.  It is incredibly beautiful and made the ride very enjoyable.

DAY 5

Day Five - Republic to Beaver Lodge near the Pend Orielle River.  

For the past few days I've been looking forward to catching sight of the mighty Columbia River which I haven't seen since a childhood camping trip taken with dad, mom and a car load of brothers and sisters.  After a white-knuckle descent down Sherman Pass on Highway 20 the River came into view and I crossed on a narrow bridge that had me looking back with some anxiety for cars bearing down on me from behind.

To the east of the Columbia is the town of Kettle Falls where I experienced a most unexpected welcome.  

DAY 4

DAY 4.

Heeding the advice of his little brother, The Pedaling Priest stands in front of the highest point in the town of Republic Washington, Church of the Immaculate Conception. The Pedaling Priest describes the work he has ahead of him both on the road and in the Catholic Church.

Day 2

DAY 2.

Where there's an uphill there's a downhill, right? WRONG. Over 40+ miles of climbing up Rainy Pass elevation 4855 today. Just when Fr. Hilton thought it was over he approached his long-awaited descent only to find out it was a 1-mile quick teaser before the next big climb straight up Washington Pass, elevation 5477. Cramps ensue and the Pedaling Priest is ready for a meal and some rest!

DAY 1

Day 1. The first 60 miles are now complete. Only 3,600 more to go! Father Hilton ends his first day with lots of rain yet upbeat spirits and a positive outlook.

HELLO FROM ANACORTES!

I flew from Denver to Seattle yesterday morning, loaded my crated bike and gear into a rental car and for two hours drove through the rain to the resort town of Anacortes and the gateway to San Juan Islands National Park.  I pray the rain isn't a sign of things to come!

Bill and Cindy Mahre are old friends who live in Yakima and they drove all the way to help launch me on my adventure.  Thanks Bill and Cindy!  Yesterday afternoon we assembled my bike and then had a wonderful seafood dinner together overlooking the harbor and watching the boats come and go.  Quite a change of scenery for a Colorado boy used to the mountains.  

We also checked out the beach where I'll this morning dip the wheel of my bike into the surf.  I don't know who started it, but it's an old tradition for cyclists crossing the Country to start their trip with the rear wheel in the Pacific and end with the front in the Atlantic.  I love tradition, so what better way to begin.

There's a Catholic church here in town that's absolutely beautiful.  I met some of the parishioners yesterday and they welcomed the pastor of Saint Mary's in Aspen to their community of Saint Mary's in Anacortes.  They're meeting me at the beach at 8:00 this morning in order to send me off with their love and prayers.  What a great way to start a journey!

Speaking of starting.  Time to pack my bags and head to the the beach ....

Love,
Fr. John Hilton