Today was a day to trust the route, trust the line displayed on my Garmin. There were a few times where I was asking if this was still a trail. Some of these trails were my own doing when I rerouted to get me to my campground, none the less, don’t get me wrong I was loving it.
The deer (bow) hunters and grouse hunters were up even earlier than as I saw my fair share of vehicles pulled off to the side of the road but other than today was a day spent mostly alone.
The highlight of the day was a stop at the Delta Diner. I had noted this spot early in planning and wanted to make sure I got to it before they closed for the day at 2:00. Lucky for me I got a good start on the day and made good time as it turns out they were closing early to celebrate one of their long-time employees who was working their last day there. The diner sticks out for its looks but also delivers a bit of an elevated menu based on the classics. I went for the blue plate special of the day steak and eggs with a large side of hashbrowns and then ordered a BLT sandwich that I saved for dinner later that night.
After visiting the diner, I didn't see another person until camp. Miles of solo gravel, logging roads, abandoned trails, ATV and a little pavement with nothing but blue skies above me. Nearing the end of the day I ended back on the UTV/ATV trails that were deep sand and had me pushing the bike. At mile 42 I decided to jump off the route, I had run out of water and decided it was best to try and make the best time I could to camp. It wasn't a bad trade off as it was all gravel roads from there
Camping at Perch Lake I setup at the back of the campground. There was someone camping to my left and an elderly couple were setup to my right. Gun shots continued to echo so I figured either someone was shooting on their land or there was a gun range nearby. I figured the elderly couple would be good neighbors but after I got my tent setup, they promptly broke camp and left. Turns out my neighbors to the other side were the folks out shooting and upon their return at dark they were all about the party. I am a pretty easy-going person and after they had partied for a bit I walked over; I think the expected me to complain but I just wanted to see if they'd give me a couple of beers which they obliged. I popped in my headphone and dozed off to sleep.
