Further into Brown

From Hood River Oregon to Mary Hill State Park (Washington). 49 miles giving a total of 317 miles so far.

The first 25 miles were absolutely beautiful with many photo ops. So the first 25 miles took us quite a while. Immediately upon leaving Hood River we climbed to the Twin Tunnels bicycle path. There are great views looking down on the Columbia from the bike path.

Then we climbed to the Rowena Crest with further views and amazing riding.

From there the roads changed as we hit route 84 (4 lane divided highway) and the dreaded bridge across the Columbia to the campground. The Lord has been most gracious to us as we navigated both safely.

This has been a good day as we are feeling our bodies begin adjusting to the ride. We have much to be thankful for - easy or difficult.

 

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Hello Hood River

We made a command decision to stop after only 31 miles. We are now at the Hood River Hotel in Hood River Oregon. It's a neat little older hotel in "downtown" Hood River that reminds us a little of home.

Hood River Hotel Lobby

We need a bit more rest before tackling the more isolated portions of Eastern Oregon and Washington and stopping here made sense in spacing out our days for available services such as camp grounds and hotels. We also took a much needed nap this afternoon.

Stairway along the bike path

The Columbia continues to be beautiful as the surrounding countryside changes from green to brown.

Columbia is a busy River

Not quite as green

We took the opportunity today to shed a few pounds and mailed a small package of "unnecessary" gear home. We still have our towels and I must confess that I do enjoy my little towel. Our bodies are rebelling - we are older and have never carried this much weight. It becomes a balance between what we think we need and what we really need (risk vrs practical). Your continued prayers as we continue with this exciting adventure are so appreciated. It is such a privilege to have this time with my wife Marcia where our ability to function as a great team becomes so evident. She is indeed my soul mate.

We ate dinner at The Subterranean (113 3rd street). Dinner was absolutely perfect - Marcia had the best steak she's ever had. If you're ever in Hood River you would do well to give it a try.

Total miles 268.

 

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Good Bye Portland

Today we left Portland leaving the city by riding Steve's old bike route that he used to ride to work (when we lived in Portland some 35 years ago). It is still a great route - Beaverton Hillsdale highway to Terwillager. Terwillager winds down into the city through a park like setting with views of the city below and of snow covered Mt Hood to the east. From there we road the Sweet Water Bike trail through East Portland to the Historic Columbia River Highway. The ride was most beautiful with views of the gorge and falls. We also crossed some farm land with fruit stands with delicious peaches.

At Vista House - Columbia River Gorge

Diet is something of interest as we are now craving foods high in salt, carbs and protein. Today we ate a nice fat hot dog smothered in pickle relish, mustard and catchup and it tasted so good.

Today's ride was 52 miles bringing our total to 237 miles. Still hot but a bit more tolerable today - mid 80s.

Multnomah falls

 

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In Portland Oregon

Today is day two of resting with our friends Carl and Nancy. They have been great hosts - fed us well, drove us to many places for supplies, and toured the beautiful city of Portland Oregon. We are now well rested and ready to hit the road again tomorrow. Once more, we leave with feelings of sadness as we will miss our good friends but we also continue to be excited about what lays ahead. Our plans are to ride east through the Columbia River Gorge to Walla Walla then north to Spokane where we will again take a couple days off to visit family.

With friends Carl & Nancy - Mt Hood in background

 

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Day three

Today we left Big Eddy State Campground and biked to Portland. We were blessed to have a 20 mile ride on a bike path through the woods (Vernonia Banks Bicycle Path). It was shaded and cool which was very welcome after the heat we had experienced. As we approached Portland we had several wonderful views of Mt. hood with its snow covered peak but it was far to hot to stop and take a picture. We arrived at Carl and Nancy's where they comforted us with great food and wonderful hospitality. Total mileage 185 miles in 3 days! Please keep the prayers coming - we will need them as we head back into he heat.

On the trail and still in love

 

Fire weed? Summers over when it's done flowering

 

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Leaving the Pacific

Today was another hard day. Hot and a climb to1250 ft above sea level from sea level made it hard. There were also very few services along the 67 miles we road today. Kind of makes us wonder what we've gotten ourselves into. That said - we know that it takes a good week for our bodies to acclimate to what we're doing. The riding today was also very scenic without much traffic. Very nice. Today's route took us over the coastal range from Seaside to Big Eddie county park camp ground just west of Veronia. It's a great little camp ground with sites for bicycle campers - $7/nite.

We had a late lunch at a place called "The Birk" in Birkenfield. It is essentially a bar stuck out pretty much in no where. What a neat place - we were the only ones there and the treated us super. They also have great burgers and ginger ale and saltines.

Today's mileage brings us to 129 miles. Please remember us in your prayers as we continue in our grand adventure.

Hj

 

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Cape Lookout to Seaside

Today was a tough first day that served well as a reality check for us. Weather was beautiful but beyond that, we had a stiff head wind, several large climbs, and heavy traffic. Today is Thursday and still off season (tourism). We would not like to ride the Pacific highway mid summer. We did not walk any of our climbs however by mid day we began the practice of getting off the bike, and resting before resuming the climb. It is indeed a beautiful highway with several views of the coastal mountains and ocean - including Haystack Rock.

Total miles today came in at 62 miles - Cape Lookout to Seaside.

Steve with coastal mountains in background

 

Marcia with Haystack Rock

 

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