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July 14, 2000 Hi Brenda & Bill, 71 miles, Baker City to Pine Creek, Ore. We had a great ride today. Temperature in the high 80s, though hotter in the canyons. We had a really pleasant 40-mile ride to Richland where we took 2(!) hours for lunch!! Actually we ate, talked to the locals, and also talked to a family heading home to Portland after 16 months on tandems all over the world and USA — mom, dad, son (16 years old) and daughter (11 years old). Skyles were their name, I think. Can't imagine doing 16 months on tandem and camping. We then climbed 7 miles at 7% grade — steep! But mountains are bare here so you could see where you've been and where you are going. I think that helps. Great downhill to Halfway, renamed recently to Half.com. A quaint, friendly stop. Duc bought new sandals since he left his in hotel in John Day. We're staying in a B&B by the Little Pine Creek. Nice but woman is not too nice — no ice, no coffee, no cooking, no mud. So we went to a nearby cafe. The guys played pool. Talk about a laugh. Love, Paula.