Thursday, July 20, 2006

I can almost hear the waves...

total mileage: 3103!
time zone: PACIFIC
current location: Clarkston, WASHINGTON!!



Finally to Washington, my quasi-final state of the journey, except for occasionally passing into Oregon as I ride along the Columbia River to the Pacific Ocean. I have not come close to processing the fact that I have about a week left of my journey. Simply ridiculous. Maybe by the time I reach the ocean my unicycling skills will reach a pinnacle and I'll be able to unisurf.

Idaho was by far the most consistent beauty I experienced the entire trip. Probably helped that we were in national forests virtually the entire time, closely hugging wild & scenic rivers for days on end, and going slightly downhill.

Consider this a shout-out to the Three Rivers Resort, where one of the managers and her husband were both clowns in the Ringling Brothers Circus. Big time. It was my honor to receive free showers, a place to camp, and a free delicious meal courtesy of these fellow unicyclists. They also happened to know a guy who unicycled cross-country in the past, who lives in Portland (I'm passing through that area), and we're hoping to meet up. Fantastic!

Be sure to check out the newly-added link (upper right corner of website page) to read about the treatment progress of my Uncle Richard Pleau, who I dearly love and whose diagnosis of Multiple Myeloma inspired this ride.

Here's to a pacific state of mind...


SPECIAL THANKS TO:
Lara Smith and Don & Jerry Heidtman of the Three Rivers Resort, Lowell, ID
Lolo Hot Springs restaurant for the best turkey reuben sandwich I've ever scarfed down

15 comments:

Anonymous said...

Almost there, Grace! Sam and I wish we could be cruising up there with Mom, but duty calls. By the way, is it unicyclers or unicyclists? We love you!

Anonymous said...

Gracie-
YOU ROCK! You're almost there. Your ride is totally inspiring. I'm jealous that you've been through a few more National Parks than me. Don't dream of being off the bike too much.....it's not as great as you think. I actually kind of miss it. It was great to meet you in Tennessee? (Man...that feels like FOREVER ago)
Tom Rand

Anonymous said...

Hellllooo! Unbelievable that you are on the last leg of your journey!! You can do anything! This is definitely a "grandkid" tale...you know...where your grandchildren gather around you and you tell them wild tales of things you did in your youth, like riding a UNICYCLE across the United States. ("Riiight, grandma.") :) Lots of love from Uncle Richard and me.

Anonymous said...

OH BOY OH BOY OH BOY!!!
You're almost here!!!!
I'm so proud of you, can't wait to see ya

Marc said...

Yippee! Keep swayin' girl!

Anonymous said...

Fantastic Gracie! I'm glad you're going to finish your task and arrive safely home, but I'm seriously going to miss your updates! :) Jennifer L.

Anonymous said...

WOW You are Unbelievable! but very believable at the same time. You are almost there -- ocean to ocean -- please get someone to video tape that. Thank you Lord, for Gracie's willingness and perseverance, please continue to keep her safe as well as her uncle and all of those affected by Multiple Myeloma. You are an inspiration Gracie -- although this ride has made that so clear, you were an inspiration before you even folded up the inner tube seat or stepped toe on that pedal. peace out g funk

Anonymous said...

be careful with that columbia river, that was always the toughest stage for me in Oregon Trail.

More seriously, I'm really proud of you in that special way that only a guy with no connection to your achievements can be.

your favorite field hockey scoreboard technician/rugby coach,

Niko

Anonymous said...

You go girl! I am so proud of you...almost done!

Kristen Pleau

Anonymous said...

Driving in Eastern Washington on Friday I saw a woman on a unicyle, then Saturday I saw this woman AGAIN 100 miles away! I had to stop and find out "the story"-What is someone doing biking in 108 degree heat? After a short chat with Gracie and her boyfiend I got the low down! WHAT AN INSPIRATION! You go Gracie!!!! Great meeting you! Keep up the great ride-I was in Astoria today and told the ocean you are a few days away....Carpe Diem! Stuart from Portland.

Anonymous said...

Gracie-Way to go! Saw you-and the kid who looks like a bag lady-and tracked down your site. You are my hero!

Anonymous said...

Grace, the American field hockey community is right with you.

rhondajo said...

Gracie,

Just wanted to tell you how proud I am of you, sweetie. I know that this has not been an easy road, that it has had it's tough times, but I'm sure that reaching the Pacific Ocean will be an amazing victory for you and for everyone who is rooting for you, and who is waiting for a cure for all types of blood cancers. You are my hero....

Love, Aunt Rhonda

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