It rained yesterday – so a good choice to take a rest day. It was dry this morning so I guessed I avoided the rain for today. Unfortunately, I had three showers today. The first I mostly avoided by making a lunch stop under a canopy in Howell. The second and third were while cycling on Interstate 84. Probably the worst spot since trucks would spray as the passed

However, first start at the beginning. From Brigham City there are a few choices to get to the Snake River Valley. I figured either via Tremonton or more directly from Brigham City. I initially thought of going to Tremonton yesterday but decided against it because that meant more interstate riding. In the end, I really liked my valley route. It was longer and still had 17 miles of I-84 – but I saw interesting Northrup Grumman sites and that part of the route was peaceful and quiet.

Morning from Brigham City. Overcast but dry.

Last chance to stop at 7 miles.

The Transcontinental Railroad was completed at Promontory with a golden spike. Also a big deal for Corrine for a while.

Large Walmart distribution center along the way.

Corn. After this the route became very quiet

Artemis – looks like a rocket project

Large solar farm nearby

Golden spike

Rocket display

A little before the first storm. This was an even smaller road

Condos for calves

Howell after the rain. I found a covered shelter by the school and used it as an excuse to eat some lunch.

After Howell the road turned to gravel. Still good riding.

At 42 miles I reached the interstate and would follow this for the next 17 miles. The first order of business was to climb Rattlesnake Pass. Interstate grades are not particularly steep so this wasn’t too hard though I was getting tired so walked a brief stretch near the top. At this point I got my second rainstorm of the day and it some small hail as well. I was going pretty slow and a car even stopped to check to see if all was OK. Yes, just another 10 miles to Snowville. After a bit the rain storm stopped again though I was going slow. When I was ~2 miles from the exit the rain came back much harder and colder. This meant the trucks didn’t give as much room and I got a blast of cold water as they passed. The wind also picked up. I got off and walked the last mile along side of the road.

When I reached the exit I made my way to Black Pine Inn. “Sorry we just rented out last room”. I must have looked dejected and they already worked on the “what next” question. They called the local RV/Campground a mile away and said there were bunkrooms available there. I headed there and was happy to find a bunk room and even a portable heater in the room where I could dry out and warm up. Happy to reach this town at end of a longer day than expected.