Day 5 Newhalem to Mazama 96km!

Today started with a bleary eyed Louise, due to unwarranted bear worries. We nervously started our climb into the cascade mountains, the plan was to cycle to 16 clicks to the last campground before the pass, it took us 2 hours, that's only 8km/hr! The weather as we climbed got colder and wetter. But once we had set a rhythm it seemed "a waste" not to keep going. So on we climbed, hopeful that we could make it up another 3500ft over 35 miles. We had no idea, the cold and wet took it's toll but there was nothing to do but keep on pedaling. It got to the point where we had to stop to gasp for breath and ease out cramping legs each mile, but we couldn't stop for long because the cold would start eating us. More than 7 hours in the saddle, and a total of 45 miles climbing, I may never have a baby but I think I just gained some insight! At the top of the second pass, at 5484ft in the snow, we changed from our sweat soaked icy clothing to dry windproof layers for the 20 mile decent, traveling at 40km/hr I cannot tell you how cold it was, but we would stop to run and jump on the spot to try and return circulation to completely numb hands and feet.

Needless to say, after such a grueling day, we splashed out on a room in a Ranch house, they only had a King available, oh dear! Never has a hot bath felt SOOOOO good, and a picnic dinner on that king bed watching Shrek, was the absolute height of indulgence! Reflecting on the day Kerstin and I both agreed that it was physically the most demanding thing we had ever done.