DAY 6--Washington Desert

Another early start. The last several days have been very hazy, especially in the morning, making the sun glow red. We figure some of this is due to the wildfires burning in Oregon and Washington.

Had many long ups and downs through desert spotted with vineyards and orchards. Saw pelicans flying along the river. Stopped in Paterson (the only town on the route) in hopes of refilling our water bottles, but found no gas station, and not much of anything else. However, there was a fire station, so we rang their doorbell and were greeted by a friendly young man who invited us in. Ate our peanut butter sandwiches as we chatted with him about the area-- the crops (all irrigated straight from the river), the fire season, the scenery.
Caught a great bike path that took us back across the river to Oregon-- this time on a wide concrete path with concrete walls! No panic. We stopped at the Oregon Fish Viewing room, where there are 4 large windows with water rushing by, and where the number and varieties of fish passing the dam are automatically determined.
Camped in Umatilla, again right on the Columbia River. Went for a swim to cool off (even though the bottom was very rocky).
Oh, yes, the heat rash has arrived.