A River Runs Through It

An early spring and good cycling weather saw me out on the bike in late March for a week of good roadwork.  That week was a false start to spring.  Seemingly plunged back into winter with many mornings seeing snow on the ground, strong winds, and frigid temperatures, the bike was configured back onto the indoor trainer for more than a month. 

Finally, the winds calmed, the rain stopped, and the temperatures are beginning to rise.  Unhitching the bike off the trainer, giving it a quick clean and check, I headed outdoors for the first time in a month.  Saturday's route would take me about 15 miles to the north and back through downtown Spokane for a thirty mile out and back.

Approaching Spokane from the west.

Spokane developed upon both banks of the Spokane (Sp’q’n’i in Salish) River centered upon a series of waterfalls as the river drops into the Spokane River Gorge.

As today's route brings me back into down from the west, I stop to take a few photos as I follow the river back into town.  Spring runoff always offers up enjoyable photo ops.  I reach the Lower Falls first.  Viewed from above on the bike path, the Lower Falls may look unimpressive.  That perception changes when the viewing angle switches to the Monroe Street Bridge. 

Lower Falls
with Monroe Street Dam in background.

Lower Falls viewed from Monroe Street Bridge.
(photo taken in February 2022)

Continuing upriver, I reach the Upper Falls.  The Upper Falls are bifurcated by an island as the river carves its way through the gorge.  Spectacular viewing especially in early spring when the torrent of water creates a spray that can soak pedestrians standing on the foot bridge above.  

Upper Falls from North footbridge looking west.

Upper Falls from North footbridge looking east.

Upper Falls from South footbridge looking east.

Finally, the waters calm as I reach Riverfront Park.  For those unaware, Spokane was the site of the 1974 World's Fair and marked my first visit to my Fair City.

Clock Tower in Riverfront Park.

From Riverfront Park, I turn south and make the 600 foot climb up the South Hill to return home.

Sunday looks equally promising and I expect to strike out on the bike again this afternoon following a scheduled remote game with Matt.  A return to our long-running AWI campaign sees another skirmish today.  Today's clash sees a skirmish at Drake's Farm.  Matt suggests this may be a tough one for the Americans.  Aren't they all?

Skirmish at Drake's Farm

Oh.  The solid painting session I anticipated in the last post, never materialized.