A wildfire had burned here not more than a few years ago, grey and blackened skeletons of pine trees were all that remained. A young forest, still only grass yet, grew up from below.
Speeding through the burned forest, the cause of the fire was evident at every viewpoint. Beetlekill. The bark beetles attack the trees, killing a host tree in a matter of weeks. They can take out an entire stand of healthy pines, leaving a standing dead forest waiting for a wildfire.
Still finding snow - the heat had gone down to a more manageable level high up in the mountains.
We started playing leap-frog, every few miles snapping photos and letting someone else take the lead.
Bernie getting a little off course
We rode on with plenty of beautiful views to enjoy.
Looking out over the Oknaogan National Forest towards Colville Reservation
The road was narrow and winding, descending down before a bit of tarmac.
Then, a much needed break for Shawn while we got attacked by horseflies
A little bit of road, with a welcome stop for gas and supplies,
and then back to the trail.
