Bing Crosby’s nuts


Descending route 27 for about 10mins at 45km/hr, I rolled over Snake River and into Garfield County. The sun was out, the clouds were few and I found myself removing layers in anticipation of a great day of riding. Having done 125kms the day before, another 125kms today would get me to Walla Walla; sweet onion country. But, as we all know, what gets to go down, has to work to get back up.

The next 15kms took nearly 2 1/2hrs to climb. It may have been sunny and the wind may be been slight, but those 15kms into Dayton kicked my ass. With another 30kms to Walla Walla, I called it a day. I was spent. The kind lady at the Dayton Chamber of Commerce was quick to tell me that the camping at the Lewis and Clark Trail State Park was beautiful. Well, it wasn’t particularly spectacular, but that made no difference; I needed food and sleep, the view was immaterial.

While searching for wood for a fire, I came across a handful of chestnuts. Inspired by the knowledge that Bing Crosby is Gonzaga University’s most celebrated alumni, chestnuts roasted on an open fire seemed apropos. It may have been, but those things a disgusting; they taste like bad potatoes. Tossing the remainder into the woods, I was soon fast asleep, the rustling trees my only bedfellow.