Day 4: Prosser to Dayton, Wash.

We started bright and early this morning, on the road in Prosser by 6am, and quickly climbing in the hills between Prosser and Richland. Much of the morning we followed the “O.I.E.,” or Old Inland Empire Highway, which was mostly quiet. We could tell that the winds would be favorable to us today as we climbed and descended at our fastest pace of the trip yet. By 8:30 we were stopped along the banks of the Columbia for our second breakfast, and to get supplies for the long day ahead of us. It was still about 60 miles to Dayton, but there was nothing on the map between Pasco and Waitsburg, so we decided to bring everything we needed for the day.

Through the Tri-Cities we were mostly along the Columbia, and crossed over along the 395 bridge, then shortly thereafter, crossed the Snake River on Highway 12 and joined highway 124, which we followed about 50 more miles through mostly agriculture, then rolling hills. We stopped to eat our sandwiches under one of the first trees we’d seen along the road. We were worried about the highway but the combination of cooler temps, favorable winds, and low traffic made for mostly pleasant riding. In Waitsburg we joined 12 which we’ll follow for much of the next few days. Finally after 99 long miles we arrived in Dayton, where we’re staying tonight. Despite the long day, our early morning meant we still arrived by 3:30.

Tomorrow we’ll press on with shorter mileage toward the Idaho border and stay in either Clarkston or Lewiston.

By the numbers:
Miles traveled: 99
Total Climbing: 2850 ft.
Burritos consumed today: 0
Vineyards passed: too many to count

 Where we procured our breakfast, lunch, and water for much of the day in Kennewick. If you are looking for inexpensive beer and an enormous selection of frisbees, I recommend it.

 Stopped along the Columbia River. Bridge in the background is where we crossed over.

 Somewhere along highway 124 West of Waitsburg. Much of the day looked like this.

 Same as above. Ed is in there if you zoom in close. He wanted me to add this shot so you could see how far ahead he was.

Riding along OIE hwy into Benton City. These photos are not in order.