Day 12: Kennewick, WA to Missoula, MT (355 miles)
After yesterday's blast furnace and mile after mile of blase scenery, today was greatly appreciated. It was a perfect riding day! We woke early, watched the sun come up over the Columbia River and then hit the road just before 6:30am to get a head start on the heat. Riding through the vineyards, orchards and fields of Walla Walla County during the cool
morning hours was very peaceful. We made a quick stop at Bev's diner for breakfast and then the real treat of the day began. We traveled US Highway 12, Idaho's Northwest Passage Scenic Byway, one of rider's top 10 roads in the entire country. Highway 12 is nearly 80 non-stop, uninterrupted gently winding miles that follow the Clearwater and Lochsa Rivers in the breathtaking land of the Nez Perce Indians. Two years ago we traveled Highway 12 (westbound down to Lewiston, ID) during our Lewis and Clark Harley Expedition and couldn't wait to ride this wonderful road again,
this time eastbound up to Lolo Pass. It didn't disappoint!

Sunrise over the Columbia River as seen from our hotel room.

A morning ritual is to stop for breakfast, about an hour after departure, in a sleepy little town along our route with other riders. We make new friends each morning we stop.

The views from the Clearwater River of the winding river and the road itself.