Date: June 5, 2015

​73.5 miles today to reach Elma. We left Illahee State Park early by climbing sharp grades up neighborhood streets. At the top of the highest hill, there were excellent views of both downtown Seattle and the Olympic Range with no clouds in sight. We slaughtered the first 40 miles and stopped to eat. The last 30ish led us away from civilization and deep into the backcountry of WA. We passed numerous tree farms, clear cuts, managed public land areas, and tons of land suggestive of lumber-use. This was the long push, with lots of sweat and grease involved. Finally entering the small town of Elma, a local man stopped to talk with us (a fellow cyclist). As we were mid-sentence with him, he began to tear up saying he had cancer and had found inspiration in what we were doing. He guided us to our stay for the night, Elma RV Park with a generous hosts who baked us cookies because we had called ahead about cycling in for the night. After warm showers, quick checks of tires and chains, we relaxed for the evening; I am spent from the day but man, I really feel amazed with Janna. The fact that I am married to someone willing to do this shit and live it up makes me incredibly awestruck. Just like that man earlier, I am inspired by her. Tomorrow to Centralia.