09/15/2012
It has been a month since I started my trek!
I arrived in Eugene yesterday. Let me fill you in on my days between Sisters and Eugene.
09/12/12
I left Sisters on a very cold morning around 0700 hrs. I bundled as best I could and bought a skullcap style head warmer to wear under my helmet. The air was full of smoke from the Pole Creek fire burning to the southwest.
I had a 14 mile ride to the McKenzie Pass (5300'+). It was not a steep ride and most of it was through a forested road. Near the pass, the lava beds became the dominant feature. The pass was at the Dee Wright Observatory and I stopped there for pictures and a .5 mile loop trail through some of the lava fields.
I was above the smoke at this point, but the smoke did obscure the view of the Sisters Mountains. I was able to see Mt. Washington and Jefferson to the north without a problem. The wind was blowing out of the northeast, so I had it pushing me up the pass and over the other side! What a blessing that was!
I headed down to the McKenzie River with wind gusts that pushed at me from the side sometimes. I had to be careful for the first few miles. As I headed down to the river, I came back into the smoke-zone (3-4,000'). The road passed through some meadows and an old road over the pass which was used by settlers for many years.
As I got closer to the river, the road became windy and shaded by all the trees. The temperature warmed-up and I was able to remove most of my warm clothing.
I got to the junction of Hwy 126 around 1130. I stopped at the Ranger Station to get a map of the local campgrounds. A couple of them were closed, so I am glad I stopped. The ranger even suggested one that I ended up using.
At McKenzie Bridge, the espresso shop and cafe was there and open. I was glad as I was hoping for a mocha and a sandwich. I got my wish and had both while chatting with the owner and her son.
I headed down-river and still had a tailwind! I stopped at Harbick's Store to stock-up on food for my camping stay. I also charged my phone next to the ice machine!
I only had another few miles to the Delta Campground (NFS). It was a primitive campground ($16) next to an arm of the McKenzie River. I found a good spot and set-up my tent.
I used a pump-style water station (they called it a hydrant) to fill my water bag. I then kept following the sun and placing the bag on the ground to warm it up. It did not get too warm as the sun was spotty among the tall Douglas Fir trees.
I took the nature trail and enjoyed the old-growth forest that survived years of logging in the area. The water was pristine and I could see all the plants growing under the water. It was peaceful and beautiful. I must have been the only one to walk it in a while as I kept walking into spider webs!
After the walk I found a tree with a nicely placed nail to use for my water-bag/shower set-up. I took a quick shower, hitting the important spots. I felt much better after cleaning-up. I only had an apple for dinner as the tuna melt sandwich I had at lunch was still making me feel full.
I saw a few trucks and one RV drive through my part of the campground but I think I was the only camper that night. I walked around part of the camping loop and did not see another soul.
Off to bed for my last night of camping. It was a quiet and dark night as the moon is in its last quarter. I think I heard a deer walking close to my tent that night. I knew I could sleep-in until 0630, as I was only going about 25 miles the next day.
09/13/12
Up about 0615 and started picking up. Another dry and cool morning. It was not as cold as Sisters had been, but it was cool. I had breakfast and got under way just before 0800 hrs.
I rode through Blue River and took a look at Sue O'Brien's house. I saw a car out front, but she had not returned by phone call from a couple of days ago, so I did not bother her. It was also before 0830. I rode past McKenzie High School and got back out on the main highway.
When I got to Vida, I stopped at the store and had some water. I called Nettie from there and told her I was getting close to her house. It was only another 4 miles to her place.
She was waiting in the driveway as I cycled down to her house. She was very welcoming and I was glad to see her. I missed her at last year's reunion. Nettie is a classmate of Dave's. She and her family have a beautiful home on the river.
She fed me lunch after a while and also invited me to sleep there that night. I had not made plans for the night as I was not sure of her situation and whether she had room for me. I was delighted when she offered and accepted wholeheartedly!
She called Phyllis Downey and left a message for her. We were hoping to visit with her and Bill. They just live on the other side of the river from Nettie. Phyllis is also another of Dave's classmates. She has some serious health issues and did not answer either one of Netties calls.
Nettie suggested we visit with Edna McClure (another classmate) who recently moved into the area from Portland. She was home and invited us over. This was Nettie's first visit to Edna's new house, so it was a bit of an adventure getting there, but we found it without much of a problem.
We had a great visit with Edna. She has a modular home on a hillside (1.5 acres). Nettie brought an apple cobbler and I got some ice cream at the local store. We enjoyed the dessert while chatting about old times.
We headed back to Nettie's in the late afternoon. Nettie started spaghetti dinner while I showered and did some laundry. Nettie's daughter (Holly), son-in-law (Kelly) and grandson (Luke) all sat down for dinner about 1900 hrs. We had a good visit and Kelly was able to give me some help with my route to the Whiteaker district of Eugene.
I couch-surfed on Nettie's couch and it was comfortable. Up about 0630 the next morning and started getting ready to leave. I was waiting until 0900 to let some of the traffic get off the road. Nettie got up late (for her) 0800, and I was making oatmeal. We had a nice morning visit before I left. I hope to see her at the reunion next week!
09/14/12
On the road just after 0900 and I had to wait next to the 'flagger' as the roadwork crew let cars pass in their due time. I had a tailwind pushing me into Leaburg, Walterville and Springfield.
When I got to Springfield, I stopped at a 7-11 to get some money. I also called my uncle as I did not call him the day before. It ended up that by calling him, the timing worked out so that I met 3 cyclists on their way to the Whiteaker area of Eugene for lunch! Sandy, Sharon and Jeff were riding from Springfield to the Laughing Planet, for lunch. Jeff invited me to tag-along which was wonderful. He knew the ins and outs of the Willamette bike path and got me to the Whiteaker Hostel by noon. I would have spent at least 30 minutes looking at my maps to decipher which path I should have taken.
All 3 waited for me to check-in and drop-off my panniers at the hostel. Then we went for lunch at the Laughing Planet (natural foods). When we were locking our bikes at the bike stand in front of the restaurant. Sandy said that the Kryptonite lock company does not insure their locks for 2 cities in the USA. One is NYC and the other is Eugene! Bike stealing capital of the pacific northwest!!
We had a great lunch. I learned a lot about them and we had a good conversation. I left them to continue their trip and I headed back to the hostel. Jeff told me about all the good restaurants in the Whiteaker area before we parted.
I have the lower berth of a bunkbed and then also share the area with a room with a double-bed. The restroom is in the bunkbed portion of the room. The double-bed room has its own door but has to come into my room to use the restroom.
No one arrived to fill the top bunk. The room is right next to the office, so I could hear the phone conversations as calls came in looking for rooms. I tried to get to sleep at 2100 hrs, but I could not help listening to all the conversations in the office. I turned-on the light because it sounded like a couple of late arrivals were going to use the double-bed room.
I was working on a crossword puzzle when five people came into the room (2130-2200 hrs). The hostel manager, the couple renting the double-bed room and a couple of their friends or relatives. The relatives and manager left and the couple went into their room. Thin walls and noisy neighbors!
They both took a shower and were in and out of their room and the bathroom for at least an hour. I woke up around 0330 to hear them having sex. When they were finished, the woman got up and took a shower at 0400 hrs! They were at it again as I was getting ready to leave this morning!
I am wearing ear plugs tonight! They have them at the front desk for free!
I left this morning around 0800, headed for the Sweet Life coffee/pastry shop and enjoyed a mocha. I then walked downtown to catch the shuttle to Autzin Stadium for the U of O game against Tennessee Tech.
I had a great seat right on the 50 yard line. It was in the 58th row, but it was right just about in the middle of the section. U of O destroyed Tenn. Tech and I left with 10 minutes left in the game (63-14 when I left). It was a fun time!! Go Ducks!
The transit station is right next to the central library, so I stopped to use the computer.
My blog has now been updated and I have 10 minutes remaining on the computer.
I will leave for Junction City (14 miles) on Monday AM. I will ride to Eileen and Larry's so that I can store my bike there while Dave and I sightsee. Dave will get into PDX around 0930 and with a 2 hours drive to Junction City, should arrive just before lunch on Monday.
All is well and the weather is still warm!
Aloha for now!
Saturday, September 15, 2012
Monday, September 10, 2012
Sisters, OR
09/10/12
Good day to all,
I have not been able to post since Hood River, OR., about 6 days ago.
I spent a few hours in Hood River and enjoyed the small town. I went to Mother's
Groceries (a natural food store) and said "hi" to Mother (Margaret). I got a good
grilled cheese sandwich for lunch, which I needed to climb out of town. Everything
in Hood River is either up a steep hill or down the other side!
As I started out of Hood River, on Hwy 35, I was going pretty slowly because of the
climb. I happened to look down on the shoulder at just the right time to find another
cycling buddy! I found Penny Penguin. (Dave named her). She was an abandoned penguin orphan, so I
picked her up, strapped her into place and we were on our way.
Adventure Cycling chose a very steep and scenic route off Hwy 35 just outside of Hood
River. I road past pear orchids and had a marvelous view of Mt. Hood to the south and
Mt. Adams to the north. I did not stick to the route that the cycling map suggested when
I recrossed Hwy 35. An addendum to the map said that the 35 was a viable alternative to
the 213 (?) which the cycling map suggested. Also, as I looked across the road to the suggested
route, all I saw was another steep climb.
When I got on the 35, a sign said 9 miles to Parkdale. When I got to a turn-off for Odell,a few miles up the road, another sign said 12 miles to Parkdale!! Someone had a wicked
sense of humor.
More uphill on a hot day. Fortunately, a large fruit stand was near the top of the climb.
I stopped and got two cold bottles of water. I drank one right away. I also poured cold
water on my bandanna and tied that around my neck.
The downhill brought me close to Parkdale. The sign at the turn-off said 2 miles to Parkdale.
Once on the road to town the next sign said 3 miles to Parkdale. Does anyone know where
Parkdale is?
Parkdale now has a large grocery store so I stocked up for breakfast and the next day which
offered only limited services. I also stopped at the local ice cream parlor and got an ENORMOUS
cup of ice cream!
The county campground was fantastic! Hot showers, flush toilets and the Hood River!
09/05
Another climb around the east side of Mt. Hood. The climb was not too bad as I started early.
The day became quite hot as I neared the top. Lots of road work on both sides of the mountain.
The downhill was interrupted by a "follow me" pilot truck that kept everyone to a slow 10-15 mph.
Oh well, at least I was not pedaling!
Just after the turn-off for Hwy 26, I found the limited services stop. It was a gas station with a small
grocery store. Again, I stocked up on what I would need for dinner and b'fast the next morning.
On the climb after the store, a cyclist passed me. Not very friendly, but he did ask where I was headed.
I told him "Timothy Lake;" he muttered something as he cycled by, but I could not understand him.
I came to FR42 which was the turn-off for the lake and the road became quiet and peaceful.
I found the campground and had a nice spot near the lake.
No showers at this NFS (now taken over by PGE) campground. I figured I could at least try to get
into the cold water of the lake, for a sponge-bath. Surprisingly, I was able to actually go for a swim in the
lake. The water near the shallows was not bad and I enjoyed the chill of the water as the day was another
hot one! I was able to rinse off the sweat and sunscreen, at least.
09/06/12
The night was a cold one and my air mattress decided to partially deflate during the night. I was up early and on the road about 0715. Back on FR42 with the expectation of turning onto FR46 in 10-12 miles. I found FR46, but the Ad. Cycling directions were confusing. The FR46 became a steep and long downhill very quickly. All the way down, I was hoping I made the correct turn, because there was no way I was heading
back up that hill. Whatever road I found at the bottom of the hill; I was going to take it (right or wrong).
Fortunately, I did take the right route and the sign at the bottom of the hill directed me to Detroit.
I got to Detroit around noon and asked about staying in a motel that night. The two motels in Detroit were
completely booked due to the road construction crews that were working on Hwy 22.
No worries, I phoned the RV park in Idanha to ask if they allowed tent camping and he said "yes." I stayed in Detroit long enough to replenish supplies and have a Hagen Daas ice cream bar. I met two cyclists who had stayed at Breitenbush Hotsprings the night before. They were just starting their day. They spent the morning scarfing up the chow at the breakfast buffet and then soaking in the hotsprings. They were headed for Crater Lake and then home again (Spokane). The gal had a Surley Long Haul and the guy had a Soma cycle. It was a hot day to be heading for Santiam Pass, but they knew what they had ahead of them.
I left for Idanha, which was another 5 miles up the road. I was in the shade for most of the ride and it was relatively flat. I made it to the RV park around 1400 hrs. I asked to stay 2 nights as my legs needed a rest. The manager (Basil) said I could stay a month, if I wanted. Too cold in a month's time, I said.
It was a very nice park. No one else tent camping but me. I had a freshly cleaned port-a-potty nearby, drinking water, hot showers and a laundry room! Who could ask for anything more? I was in a nice spot next to the North Santiam River. I used the river as my refrigerator. Nothing like pulling a cold Corona out of the river!!
09/07/12
Next morning, I slept-in. I headed for one of three buildings in the tiny town. There was a Cafe/Grill which was open for b'fast and lunch, a small grocery store and the post office. I got to the cafe before they opened so I penned 5 postcards and mailed them. The cafe opened around 0930. I had a great b'fast (3 egg omelet, potatoes and a bisquit)! I said I would return for lunch before they closed at 1500 hrs.
Went back to the campground and worked on a few projects. Headed back to the cafe around 1415 hours to order a take-out sandwich. When I arrived, the waitress was sitting outside. The cafe was closed as the cook had to go into town. Oh well. The grocery-store lady said she had one hot dog left. I took the lonely dog out of the rotisserie and added some sour kraut and mustard.
09/08/12
I was up extra early the next morning as I had the Santiam Pass to get over (4800'+). I was on the road as soon as it was light enough to ride (0615). I made it to the turn-off for Hwy 126 and Sisters around 1100 hrs.
I still had the pass ahead of me (6 miles?). The road was not steep, but very busy with RVs, semis and everything in between. I had one scary moment.
I wanted to take a break and I saw a very wide pull-out. As I headed for the dirt/cinder surface of the pull-out, my front tire hit a very soft spot on the dirt. It jerked my front wheel to the right, so my body was
tilting to the left and onto the shoulder of the roadway. Of course, a pick-up truck was coming behind me as this happened. I was able to upright myself and not fall, but it was scary seeing that truck coming while
I was leaning/falling in its direction. My guardian angel was watching out for me on that one.Thanks, Mom!
Got to Suttle Lake around noonish. I found a nice campsite and settled in for the day. There is a resort on the east side of the lake, so I cycled over there around 1500 for a late lunch. Caesar salad with salmon! Yummy!
The moon is in its last quarter, so not much light at night. I got up to take a 'pee' around midnight. I unzipped the fly and started over to the women's tree. As I was walking there, I heard the hoof beat of a large animal.
I must have scared a deer, I could not see it, only heard it as it scampered away. Scared me a bit.
09/09/12
I was able to sleep-in as I was only going about 12 miles to Sisters. I waited for the sun to warm things up and then started breaking camp. It was actually quite warm by the time I headed out (0900).
I had a tailwind into Sisters, so arrived around 10-1030. I cycled past the motel I had reservations for and headed to the east side of town. As usual, Sisters was bustling with the activity of the quilt show and folk music festival. I found a cycle shop, parked Sisyphos and decided to take a look around. The cycle shop had a half-price sale on some clothing, so I took a look. I found a jersey with McKenzie Pass and the elevation on it. Since that is the route I intend to take, I thought that would be a good jersey to have.
I bought it and asked the clerk about the ride to McKenzie Pass. He said it is better from the Sisters' side than the McKenzie River side. The river side has lots of switchbacks and is quite steep. When I asked him about the wind, he said: "Yes. One area of the road is called Windy Ridge." Of course!
I checked out the folk music festival across the street. It was good music with lots of people enjoying the tunes. While in the tent, I heard a siren, but did not think anything of it. When I came out of the tent several minutes later, I saw reason for the siren. There was a big 'header' of smoke just southwest of town! A forest fire had started about 1045.
I became worried about being evacuated and could not enjoy myself, as I had hoped. I had a couple of pieces of vegetarian pizza for lunch and watched the sky get darker with the smoke. I checked-in at the motel about 1300 hrs (early). My room was available which was nice.
The manager of the motel (Mary), said they had no resources to work the fire. The air tankers had been diverted to another fire. The only resources were search and rescue crews looking for hikers who may need helped getting out of the area. Incidentally, the fire started near a trailhead/parking lot. Several cars went up in smoke, so that helped the fire gain some intensity!
I gave Sisyphos a cleaning and remained concerned about my stay in Sisters as the day wore-on. When I headed to the natural foods store for some supplies, around 1600 hrs, I saw some white smoke mixed with the black/grey of the earlier header. I also saw an air tanker pulling away from the smoke. It looked like they did have resources working on the fire and they were making progress. That was a relief!
09/10/12
This morning, the smoke was blowing southeast. The wind seemed to be coming from the north-northeast when I left the motel this morning.
When I looked at a website about the fire, which was dated yesterday 09/09, it indicated they had closed Hwy 242 at two places. That is the route I want to take to the McKenzie! I am hoping that the road will be open by Wed AM when I will be heading out. I have a phone number to call, so I can check on it. It would be a shame to have the McKenzie Pass jersey and not be able to climb the pass!
I do not want to cycle on Hwy 126 again. It would mean climbing the Santiam Pass again, which is not a problem, but not the way I wanted to go. Does two times over the Santiam Pass, count as one time over the McKenzie Pass?
Firefighters rule! Keep working it!
Aloha for now! Peg
09/11/12
Never forget the 343 firefighters who lost their lives at the twin towers!! Please remember the 2,000 civilian victims who also lost their lives!
Smoke was down on the ground this morning. The wind has died down and the smoke is just laying low.
They reopened Hwy 242 yesterday morning and I will call to make sure it will be open tomorrow morning.
The fire has turned southwest and is moving into a wilderness area.
There is a tremendous fire burning on Mt. Adams in WA. This is also burning in a wilderness area, so no home are threatened.
It was below freezing this morning!! Frost on the hoods of cars parked on the street. I may stop by the bike shop and get a lightweight hood to wear under my helmet for tomorrow morning's ride. BRRR. It will be the coldest morning of my trip. At least I will be climbing so I should warm-up quickly. The temp. should get into the 70's in Sisters and hotter than that in Eugene.
I asked about a laundromat when I was in the Ace Hardware store. The lady told me where it is located. I was surprised as I came through here 5-6 years ago looking for a laundromat and they did not have one. Dave and I were attending his class reunion at Belknap Springs and I needed to do laundry. I figured Sisters would have a laundromat, but at that time I was told that the septic systems could not handle a laundromat.
Hurray, someone has a septic tank large enough to handle the loads (so to speak). So I did my laundry this morning as I am wrapping-up my visit to Sisters.
A visit to Leavitt's Western Shop to look for a belt for Dave. He has lost weight and is seems that none of his belts fit him anymore. Leavitts should have a good selection. I think I can wedge a belt somewhere in my panniers. Dave said I could always wrap it around myself as I am cycling!
I called Eileen (Dave's classmate) who lives in Junction City (just north of Eugene). I asked if I could store Sisyphos at her house until Dave and I have to leave for Portland. She said, "Sure!" So Dave will meet me at Eileen's on 9/17!
I also made reservations at a hostel in Eugene. It is the Eugene Whiteaker International Hostels. It is not affiliated with Hosteling International. I will be in a 2 bed dorm for $27.28/night. My first night should be 09/14 and I will leave on the 17th.
Getting close to a finish, but I still have to get over the Cascades at McKenzie Pass. Tomorrow morning will get me back on the road and heading to Eugene.
Aloha for now!
Good day to all,
I have not been able to post since Hood River, OR., about 6 days ago.
I spent a few hours in Hood River and enjoyed the small town. I went to Mother's
Groceries (a natural food store) and said "hi" to Mother (Margaret). I got a good
grilled cheese sandwich for lunch, which I needed to climb out of town. Everything
in Hood River is either up a steep hill or down the other side!
As I started out of Hood River, on Hwy 35, I was going pretty slowly because of the
climb. I happened to look down on the shoulder at just the right time to find another
cycling buddy! I found Penny Penguin. (Dave named her). She was an abandoned penguin orphan, so I
picked her up, strapped her into place and we were on our way.
Adventure Cycling chose a very steep and scenic route off Hwy 35 just outside of Hood
River. I road past pear orchids and had a marvelous view of Mt. Hood to the south and
Mt. Adams to the north. I did not stick to the route that the cycling map suggested when
I recrossed Hwy 35. An addendum to the map said that the 35 was a viable alternative to
the 213 (?) which the cycling map suggested. Also, as I looked across the road to the suggested
route, all I saw was another steep climb.
When I got on the 35, a sign said 9 miles to Parkdale. When I got to a turn-off for Odell,a few miles up the road, another sign said 12 miles to Parkdale!! Someone had a wicked
sense of humor.
More uphill on a hot day. Fortunately, a large fruit stand was near the top of the climb.
I stopped and got two cold bottles of water. I drank one right away. I also poured cold
water on my bandanna and tied that around my neck.
The downhill brought me close to Parkdale. The sign at the turn-off said 2 miles to Parkdale.
Once on the road to town the next sign said 3 miles to Parkdale. Does anyone know where
Parkdale is?
Parkdale now has a large grocery store so I stocked up for breakfast and the next day which
offered only limited services. I also stopped at the local ice cream parlor and got an ENORMOUS
cup of ice cream!
The county campground was fantastic! Hot showers, flush toilets and the Hood River!
09/05
Another climb around the east side of Mt. Hood. The climb was not too bad as I started early.
The day became quite hot as I neared the top. Lots of road work on both sides of the mountain.
The downhill was interrupted by a "follow me" pilot truck that kept everyone to a slow 10-15 mph.
Oh well, at least I was not pedaling!
Just after the turn-off for Hwy 26, I found the limited services stop. It was a gas station with a small
grocery store. Again, I stocked up on what I would need for dinner and b'fast the next morning.
On the climb after the store, a cyclist passed me. Not very friendly, but he did ask where I was headed.
I told him "Timothy Lake;" he muttered something as he cycled by, but I could not understand him.
I came to FR42 which was the turn-off for the lake and the road became quiet and peaceful.
I found the campground and had a nice spot near the lake.
No showers at this NFS (now taken over by PGE) campground. I figured I could at least try to get
into the cold water of the lake, for a sponge-bath. Surprisingly, I was able to actually go for a swim in the
lake. The water near the shallows was not bad and I enjoyed the chill of the water as the day was another
hot one! I was able to rinse off the sweat and sunscreen, at least.
09/06/12
The night was a cold one and my air mattress decided to partially deflate during the night. I was up early and on the road about 0715. Back on FR42 with the expectation of turning onto FR46 in 10-12 miles. I found FR46, but the Ad. Cycling directions were confusing. The FR46 became a steep and long downhill very quickly. All the way down, I was hoping I made the correct turn, because there was no way I was heading
back up that hill. Whatever road I found at the bottom of the hill; I was going to take it (right or wrong).
Fortunately, I did take the right route and the sign at the bottom of the hill directed me to Detroit.
I got to Detroit around noon and asked about staying in a motel that night. The two motels in Detroit were
completely booked due to the road construction crews that were working on Hwy 22.
No worries, I phoned the RV park in Idanha to ask if they allowed tent camping and he said "yes." I stayed in Detroit long enough to replenish supplies and have a Hagen Daas ice cream bar. I met two cyclists who had stayed at Breitenbush Hotsprings the night before. They were just starting their day. They spent the morning scarfing up the chow at the breakfast buffet and then soaking in the hotsprings. They were headed for Crater Lake and then home again (Spokane). The gal had a Surley Long Haul and the guy had a Soma cycle. It was a hot day to be heading for Santiam Pass, but they knew what they had ahead of them.
I left for Idanha, which was another 5 miles up the road. I was in the shade for most of the ride and it was relatively flat. I made it to the RV park around 1400 hrs. I asked to stay 2 nights as my legs needed a rest. The manager (Basil) said I could stay a month, if I wanted. Too cold in a month's time, I said.
It was a very nice park. No one else tent camping but me. I had a freshly cleaned port-a-potty nearby, drinking water, hot showers and a laundry room! Who could ask for anything more? I was in a nice spot next to the North Santiam River. I used the river as my refrigerator. Nothing like pulling a cold Corona out of the river!!
09/07/12
Next morning, I slept-in. I headed for one of three buildings in the tiny town. There was a Cafe/Grill which was open for b'fast and lunch, a small grocery store and the post office. I got to the cafe before they opened so I penned 5 postcards and mailed them. The cafe opened around 0930. I had a great b'fast (3 egg omelet, potatoes and a bisquit)! I said I would return for lunch before they closed at 1500 hrs.
Went back to the campground and worked on a few projects. Headed back to the cafe around 1415 hours to order a take-out sandwich. When I arrived, the waitress was sitting outside. The cafe was closed as the cook had to go into town. Oh well. The grocery-store lady said she had one hot dog left. I took the lonely dog out of the rotisserie and added some sour kraut and mustard.
09/08/12
I was up extra early the next morning as I had the Santiam Pass to get over (4800'+). I was on the road as soon as it was light enough to ride (0615). I made it to the turn-off for Hwy 126 and Sisters around 1100 hrs.
I still had the pass ahead of me (6 miles?). The road was not steep, but very busy with RVs, semis and everything in between. I had one scary moment.
I wanted to take a break and I saw a very wide pull-out. As I headed for the dirt/cinder surface of the pull-out, my front tire hit a very soft spot on the dirt. It jerked my front wheel to the right, so my body was
tilting to the left and onto the shoulder of the roadway. Of course, a pick-up truck was coming behind me as this happened. I was able to upright myself and not fall, but it was scary seeing that truck coming while
I was leaning/falling in its direction. My guardian angel was watching out for me on that one.Thanks, Mom!
Got to Suttle Lake around noonish. I found a nice campsite and settled in for the day. There is a resort on the east side of the lake, so I cycled over there around 1500 for a late lunch. Caesar salad with salmon! Yummy!
The moon is in its last quarter, so not much light at night. I got up to take a 'pee' around midnight. I unzipped the fly and started over to the women's tree. As I was walking there, I heard the hoof beat of a large animal.
I must have scared a deer, I could not see it, only heard it as it scampered away. Scared me a bit.
09/09/12
I was able to sleep-in as I was only going about 12 miles to Sisters. I waited for the sun to warm things up and then started breaking camp. It was actually quite warm by the time I headed out (0900).
I had a tailwind into Sisters, so arrived around 10-1030. I cycled past the motel I had reservations for and headed to the east side of town. As usual, Sisters was bustling with the activity of the quilt show and folk music festival. I found a cycle shop, parked Sisyphos and decided to take a look around. The cycle shop had a half-price sale on some clothing, so I took a look. I found a jersey with McKenzie Pass and the elevation on it. Since that is the route I intend to take, I thought that would be a good jersey to have.
I bought it and asked the clerk about the ride to McKenzie Pass. He said it is better from the Sisters' side than the McKenzie River side. The river side has lots of switchbacks and is quite steep. When I asked him about the wind, he said: "Yes. One area of the road is called Windy Ridge." Of course!
I checked out the folk music festival across the street. It was good music with lots of people enjoying the tunes. While in the tent, I heard a siren, but did not think anything of it. When I came out of the tent several minutes later, I saw reason for the siren. There was a big 'header' of smoke just southwest of town! A forest fire had started about 1045.
I became worried about being evacuated and could not enjoy myself, as I had hoped. I had a couple of pieces of vegetarian pizza for lunch and watched the sky get darker with the smoke. I checked-in at the motel about 1300 hrs (early). My room was available which was nice.
The manager of the motel (Mary), said they had no resources to work the fire. The air tankers had been diverted to another fire. The only resources were search and rescue crews looking for hikers who may need helped getting out of the area. Incidentally, the fire started near a trailhead/parking lot. Several cars went up in smoke, so that helped the fire gain some intensity!
I gave Sisyphos a cleaning and remained concerned about my stay in Sisters as the day wore-on. When I headed to the natural foods store for some supplies, around 1600 hrs, I saw some white smoke mixed with the black/grey of the earlier header. I also saw an air tanker pulling away from the smoke. It looked like they did have resources working on the fire and they were making progress. That was a relief!
09/10/12
This morning, the smoke was blowing southeast. The wind seemed to be coming from the north-northeast when I left the motel this morning.
When I looked at a website about the fire, which was dated yesterday 09/09, it indicated they had closed Hwy 242 at two places. That is the route I want to take to the McKenzie! I am hoping that the road will be open by Wed AM when I will be heading out. I have a phone number to call, so I can check on it. It would be a shame to have the McKenzie Pass jersey and not be able to climb the pass!
I do not want to cycle on Hwy 126 again. It would mean climbing the Santiam Pass again, which is not a problem, but not the way I wanted to go. Does two times over the Santiam Pass, count as one time over the McKenzie Pass?
Firefighters rule! Keep working it!
Aloha for now! Peg
09/11/12
Never forget the 343 firefighters who lost their lives at the twin towers!! Please remember the 2,000 civilian victims who also lost their lives!
Smoke was down on the ground this morning. The wind has died down and the smoke is just laying low.
They reopened Hwy 242 yesterday morning and I will call to make sure it will be open tomorrow morning.
The fire has turned southwest and is moving into a wilderness area.
There is a tremendous fire burning on Mt. Adams in WA. This is also burning in a wilderness area, so no home are threatened.
It was below freezing this morning!! Frost on the hoods of cars parked on the street. I may stop by the bike shop and get a lightweight hood to wear under my helmet for tomorrow morning's ride. BRRR. It will be the coldest morning of my trip. At least I will be climbing so I should warm-up quickly. The temp. should get into the 70's in Sisters and hotter than that in Eugene.
I asked about a laundromat when I was in the Ace Hardware store. The lady told me where it is located. I was surprised as I came through here 5-6 years ago looking for a laundromat and they did not have one. Dave and I were attending his class reunion at Belknap Springs and I needed to do laundry. I figured Sisters would have a laundromat, but at that time I was told that the septic systems could not handle a laundromat.
Hurray, someone has a septic tank large enough to handle the loads (so to speak). So I did my laundry this morning as I am wrapping-up my visit to Sisters.
A visit to Leavitt's Western Shop to look for a belt for Dave. He has lost weight and is seems that none of his belts fit him anymore. Leavitts should have a good selection. I think I can wedge a belt somewhere in my panniers. Dave said I could always wrap it around myself as I am cycling!
I called Eileen (Dave's classmate) who lives in Junction City (just north of Eugene). I asked if I could store Sisyphos at her house until Dave and I have to leave for Portland. She said, "Sure!" So Dave will meet me at Eileen's on 9/17!
I also made reservations at a hostel in Eugene. It is the Eugene Whiteaker International Hostels. It is not affiliated with Hosteling International. I will be in a 2 bed dorm for $27.28/night. My first night should be 09/14 and I will leave on the 17th.
Getting close to a finish, but I still have to get over the Cascades at McKenzie Pass. Tomorrow morning will get me back on the road and heading to Eugene.
Aloha for now!
Tuesday, September 4, 2012
Historic Columbia River Hwy
I left the hotel in Portland about 0700 hrs. No traffic on the Labor Day holiday was nice. As I was heading east, on the outskirts of Gresham, I met-up with a cyclist on his way to work. Matt is a brewer for the McMinnivies?...... brewery. This company buys up old buildings, refurbishes them and turns them into something useful.
This brewery used to be a 'poor house' back in the day. There was a farm and housing for folks who could not find work. They worked the farm for their board and bread. It is now a functioning brewery and winery.
Matt did a trans-america tour with his fiance last year. They started in Cape Cod and made their way to Astoria. They settled in the Portland area and he found work at the brewery. He worked for Harpoon Brewery in Boston prior to this. He was nice to talk with and he has since e-mailed me a comment. Nice man.
The climb to the Crown Point Vista was not difficult. While I was snacking and looking over the maps obtained at the visitor's desk, a man with a bicycle on his T-shirt asked me which direction I was headed. When I said east, he said did I know about the road work at the Moffitt bridge. "No," said I. He went into the building to get some info for me. When he did not return after several minutes, I went into the building as well. He was speaking with the two volunteers staffing the desk. Neither one could help with info about this roadwork. The guy with the bicycle T-shirt just confused me when he said I might be able to ride on the area of the roadwork. He said the bridge work had been completed. I found this info to be false in a few hours.
Headed down to Multnomah Falls and the tourists scattered everywhere around the beautiful setting. Good thing I had a bike because there was lots of parking at the bike stand. Spoke to a few cyclists about the road work at Moffitt bridge, but none could update me, as they were just doing a day trip.
The Historic Hwy was much busier than my last trip. But it was a holiday and the drivers were courteous. I had to make a decision about getting onto I-84 at Warrendale. (Where Warrendale actually is, I have no idea). I tried staying on the south side of the freeway and could see where the road work was being done on the bike path. I cycled onto the compacted dirt and headed for the bridge, which was supposed to have been completed. WRONG! The bridge is still being constructed.
I turned around and spotted a frontage road on the other north side of I-84. I gave that a try too, even as it turned into a gravel road. This was a dead-end at the local fishing hole.
So after 30 or so minutes of wrong way turns, I finally headed up the ramp for the I-84. After about 2-3 miles, I was able to get off the freeway and back on the Historic route again.
I came the the portage area, with the steep stairway. This time I was able to use the smooth gutters to carefully roll Sisyphos down the stairs. There are 4 sets of steps and each was a challenge. With the panniers, I just fit against the railing and into the gutter. Last time, going west and up the stairs, it took me 4 trips to get the panniers and bike up to the top.
Made it to Cascade Locks by 1300 hrs. Tried to camp at an RV campground, but that did not happen. The owner was not there and the man and woman helping out for the day were not much help at all. I rode down the street and found a motel room for the night. Not the best motel, but it worked for me.
I am at the library in Hood River, now. I have tried to figure-out hold to upload photos from my phone and onto the blog site, but have been unsuccessful. I will upload photos when I can.
Heading for a campground in Parkdale, just up the hill. That will get me started on my climb for tomorrow. I will not have access to a library for a few days and will probably be out of cell phone range, as well.
Another beautiful day in the Columbia River Gorge! Aloha!
This brewery used to be a 'poor house' back in the day. There was a farm and housing for folks who could not find work. They worked the farm for their board and bread. It is now a functioning brewery and winery.
Matt did a trans-america tour with his fiance last year. They started in Cape Cod and made their way to Astoria. They settled in the Portland area and he found work at the brewery. He worked for Harpoon Brewery in Boston prior to this. He was nice to talk with and he has since e-mailed me a comment. Nice man.
The climb to the Crown Point Vista was not difficult. While I was snacking and looking over the maps obtained at the visitor's desk, a man with a bicycle on his T-shirt asked me which direction I was headed. When I said east, he said did I know about the road work at the Moffitt bridge. "No," said I. He went into the building to get some info for me. When he did not return after several minutes, I went into the building as well. He was speaking with the two volunteers staffing the desk. Neither one could help with info about this roadwork. The guy with the bicycle T-shirt just confused me when he said I might be able to ride on the area of the roadwork. He said the bridge work had been completed. I found this info to be false in a few hours.
Headed down to Multnomah Falls and the tourists scattered everywhere around the beautiful setting. Good thing I had a bike because there was lots of parking at the bike stand. Spoke to a few cyclists about the road work at Moffitt bridge, but none could update me, as they were just doing a day trip.
The Historic Hwy was much busier than my last trip. But it was a holiday and the drivers were courteous. I had to make a decision about getting onto I-84 at Warrendale. (Where Warrendale actually is, I have no idea). I tried staying on the south side of the freeway and could see where the road work was being done on the bike path. I cycled onto the compacted dirt and headed for the bridge, which was supposed to have been completed. WRONG! The bridge is still being constructed.
I turned around and spotted a frontage road on the other north side of I-84. I gave that a try too, even as it turned into a gravel road. This was a dead-end at the local fishing hole.
So after 30 or so minutes of wrong way turns, I finally headed up the ramp for the I-84. After about 2-3 miles, I was able to get off the freeway and back on the Historic route again.
I came the the portage area, with the steep stairway. This time I was able to use the smooth gutters to carefully roll Sisyphos down the stairs. There are 4 sets of steps and each was a challenge. With the panniers, I just fit against the railing and into the gutter. Last time, going west and up the stairs, it took me 4 trips to get the panniers and bike up to the top.
Made it to Cascade Locks by 1300 hrs. Tried to camp at an RV campground, but that did not happen. The owner was not there and the man and woman helping out for the day were not much help at all. I rode down the street and found a motel room for the night. Not the best motel, but it worked for me.
I am at the library in Hood River, now. I have tried to figure-out hold to upload photos from my phone and onto the blog site, but have been unsuccessful. I will upload photos when I can.
Heading for a campground in Parkdale, just up the hill. That will get me started on my climb for tomorrow. I will not have access to a library for a few days and will probably be out of cell phone range, as well.
Another beautiful day in the Columbia River Gorge! Aloha!
Saturday, September 1, 2012
Hello from Portland!
It has been several days since I have found an open library to update my blog.
Monday 8/27:
Tom was up early with me to make me breakfast. He said he wanted me to leave with a 'full tank.'
He was kind enough to make scrambled eggs with sides of fruit and toast. Beth also joined us at the table.
I left their place around 0700 hours, heading for Enumclaw.
I stopped at a 7-ll a few miles from their house to get some cash at the ATM. Using Beth's directions to the Burke-Gilman (Bumpy Gilman) bike path, I made the turn at Matthew's Beach and got on the bike path.
I passed the U of W campus and Husky Stadium, knowing that I would be getting off the bike path to keep heading south along Lake Washington. I saw cranes at the stadium. It looked like they were adding seats in the nosebleed section of the stadium.
I remembered several sections of the path as it headed to Seward Beach. I became a bit disoriented going thru a residential area and a nice British chap stopped to help me. He was cycling to work and got me back on the right path. Nice guy, expecting his first child in a month or two.
Got past the Renton Municipal Airport and to the bridge over the Cedar River. I found the Cedar River Trail which is another Rails-to-Trails path. It was beautiful riding along the river. I took this route the last time I visited Sierra and Mack in Fairhaven. This time I kept heading east, toward Maple Valley.
Since the path did not intersect a city street, I asked a woman about the route to Enumclaw and if the Cedar River Trail would lead me there. She suggested taking the Green trail where the pavement ended.
I did not like the sound of "pavement ended," but what the heck? She was right and I took the turn for the Green trail. It was gravel and was heading for Lake Wilderness near Covington.
I rode on the gravel for a mile or two and then saw a ramp up to a street. I took the ramp and used city streets to get back to the 169, leading to Enumclaw. A bonus was that I found a coffee shop, at the turn back onto the 169. I had a mocha and my apple with almond butter. Yummy! I also snagged a couple of cookies for later.
While at the coffee shop with WiFi, I reserved a room at the King's Valu Inn in Enumclaw. It is on the way out of town so easy access for Tuesday's ride.
I got to Enumclaw about 1530 hours and checked into the hotel. I passed a bike shop on my way to the hotel so returned there without my panniers to have the mechanic check my spoke tension. It was funny, because the mechanic/owner, had the device to check the spoke tension, but he could not figure-out how to use it!! He used the old-school finger technique and everything was fine.
Did some laundry, ate some food I purchased at the Safeway and went to bed.
Tuesday 8/28:
I was planning on riding from Enumclaw to Silver Springs Campground; I thought it would be about 50 miles. As I headed up to Mt Ranier Nat'l Forest, I saw the mileage sign to Cayuse Pass. It indicated it was 40 miles to the pass and the campground was 10 miles before the pass. I figured I would play-it-by-ear and see what time it was and how I felt when I got to the campground.
I had a bite to eat at Greenwater. Met another cyclist heading west. He had started in Prudhomme Bay, Alaska, 2 months ago. He was heading back home to W. Seattle. He liked Sisyphos!
On my way up the hill, I watched a chipmunk narrowly avoid being squished by a car, viewed the White River and its milky waters and breathed-in the pine/fir/cedar tree-smells! It was awesome.
I got to Silver Springs about 1100. I filled up my water bottles and had a bite to eat. I figured I would continue on and head for Packwood. The last 6 miles were steeper than I had remembered, but then I am three years older (maybe that had something to do with it!). The view of Mt Ranier was spectacular! It was clearly visible with some lower clouds below the peak. Amazing! A car stopped to take-in the view as well. A cyclist from Michigan was one of the passengers. He took a look at Sisyphos and we talked about touring. He is not a tourist, but cycles regularly. Nice guy, on his way to a wedding at the Timberline Lodge on Mt. Hood.
Up and over Cayuse Pass around 1330 hrs. The elevation sign was not there, so I did not take a picture of Sisyphos, Blinky and the sign. 16 miles down to the highway to Packwood. The first 6 miles were pretty steep and a good downhill. The next 10 miles was mostly downhill, but with a headwind at times. I was tired when I got to the highway to Packwood.
Had a bite to eat and started the 7 mile ride to Packwood. More headwind as I remembered from 3 years ago. I made it to a hotel, and relaxed. The library was closed, but found a cafe with WiFi, so was able to e-mail folks. No cell service for a few days.
Wed. 8/29:
Left Packwood about 0700 hours and knew I would not ride far. I had to plan my ride to encompass campgrounds (few and far between) or towns (few and far between)! I rode to Randle and beat the headwind by a few hours.
The route was bucolic with lots of grazing cattle. Along the road's shoulder I saw the chalk-outline (in this case, spray-painted outline) of an elk. I laughed, thinking it was a joke and turned around to take a picture. As I turned, I saw more spray paint in the middle of the road. A debris field was labeled and lots of smaller circles indicating places where parts of something had been in the road. I realized this was not a joke. Someone had hit an elk and lots of debris had hit the road.
I stopped at the first gas station/store in Randle and told the manager about the spray-painted outline. He said that a local cop had been hauling-ass down the road and hit an elk. When the sheriff came to his aid, the cop was OK, but one side of his car was demolished. The sheriff, to joke with the cop, did the spray-painted outline of the elk as well as all the other painted areas on the road! Crazy world out there. The manager was mad at the cop for driving so fast as he was not responding to a call.
I hung around the tiny town of Randle for a hour or so. The library was closed, but I was able to use their WiFi but sitting outside the building. Picked up some groceries for the next day, had a mocha and an apple, and watched kids playing with two dogs that had been left as orphans by a passer-by the day before.
The coffee kiosk lady was very concerned that the dogs would be hit so she called the sheriff about them.
Headed for Iron Creek campground and arrived before noon. A beautiful, primitive campground run by the NFS. It had a nice loop trail that encircled the campground and took me by Iron Creek. I took lots of photos which I will download later.
A quiet night and early rise as I had a long climb first thing in the morning.
Thurs 8/30:
Iron Creek to Cougar today. I got out of my sleeping bag just before 0500 hrs. I takes about 2 hours to pick up, roll-up and pack my camping gear. Also included in the 2 hours is time for breakfast and a look at the map.
I started out just before 0700 and started climbing almost immediately. It was a beautiful and quiet road that followed the rise to Elk Pass (just over 4000'). It was steep at the outset and fortunately the incline mellowed after a mile or two.
I was again enjoying the quietude, smells and scenery of the forest. No one in sight and only the occasional car. About halfway up, I passed a trailer or some type of domicile tucked back off the road. As I was just passing this residence, I heard a dog start to bark. OK, so they had a dog. I kept climbing and then caught some movement in my rear-view mirror. Two dogs were chasing me up the hill. One dog was a pit-bull looking dog and the other was a pee-pee dog. I got off the bike before they got close and told them to 'go home.' They stopped and it was a stare-down for a few seconds. The pit-bull turned and headed down the hill but the pee-pee dog stood his ground. I walked downhill a few steps, threatening the dog with my very fatal-looking water bottle. Finally, he turned back home. Weird. I probably made their day!
Got to the top of Elk Pass and again, no elevation sign. The downhill was short and then it was level with some minor climbing. It was strange that I could not get any momentum for the slight climbs.
I came to a great view of the east side of Mt. St. Helens! Again, it was clear and the views were awesome. The signage indicated the blast happened in 1980. The valley in front of me had been completely scorched and devastated by the blast. Now, it was green again and looked healthy. The slopes of the volcano were still barren, though.
I think it was somewhere near this area, that Blinky decided to fly from her perch behind my bike saddle. I did not realize it until later. There were a few bumps on the downhill which appeared after the view of Mt. St. Helens. Perhaps one of them dislodged her. She is a pirate duck and used to fending for herself. Good luck, Blinky!
Made it to a Ranger station about 20 miles outside of Cougar. Stopped for lunch and a restroom stop. The ride to Cougar was tedious. It was along the Swift Reservoir and had some nice scenery, but again, I could not get any momentum on the level parts or even some of the slight downhills. Nothing was dragging except my legs!
Cougar was a tiny town. No library, but a Post Office. I found a room for the night and was able to do laundry! Portland tomorrow!
Friday 8/31:
Running out of time on the computer......
Some climbs and downhills into Portland. Had narrow roads and then a wide shoulder into Battle Ground, WA.
Stopped at a Safeway to figure out how I would ride thru Portland and most importantly, where I would stay. It took an hour to use the i-phone to find a hotel and make reservations. Hotels.com did the job for me.
The nice wide shoulder into Battle Ground disappeared shortly after the intersection with the Safeway. My only options were to stay on the road and have cars change lanes to get by me or ride on the nice, wide sidewalk. I opted for the sidewalk.
It had its driveways and debris, but I tried to be careful. I went past a recycling center and think I picked-up some metal on the sidewalk. A bit further on and I had a rear flat tire. I pulled into a shaded area near a business and changed the flat. I found the metal piece, pulled it out and got to work.
I used my CO2 cartridge to help inflate the tire and that got 60 psi into it quickly. I pumped it up to 85 psi for the road. Used the restroom at the business and got back on my way.
I was making my way thru Vancouver using a Portland cycling map that included Vancouver. I stopped for a snack (my favorite: apple and almond butter). I shared what was left of the apple core, with a friendly squirrel.
The route was well-marked to the bridge over the Columbia and into Portland. The path had several pedestrians and a few cyclists. I had another bridge to go over and then I was in Portland. The signage was somewhat confusing to get to MLK Blvd. I was heading back over a bridge when I stopped to look at my map. The traffic was backed-up getting onto the bridge and a lady stopped and asked if I needed directions. She steered me in the right direction and I was headed for my hotel.
I got to the hotel around 1500 hours. It is near the convention center and close to the MAX (light rail) line.
The hotel has seen better days, but it will do. I was able to bring Sisyphos into the elevator and my room, with no questions asked.
Enjoying Portland on a holiday weekend. Heading east along the Old Columbia River Hwy on Monday.
Sat. 9/1:
You are now up-to-date. Thanks for reading along.
I forgot to mention that I noticed Blinky was missing as I was riding into Cougar. I stopped to pick-up a towel that was in the road (good for cleaning the bike) and noticed she was gone. Flown to coop... gone but not forgotten. Enjoy the road again Blink. I will not change the name of my blog because you are gone.
I will keep my eye out for another companion. The road provides......
It has been several days since I have found an open library to update my blog.
Monday 8/27:
Tom was up early with me to make me breakfast. He said he wanted me to leave with a 'full tank.'
He was kind enough to make scrambled eggs with sides of fruit and toast. Beth also joined us at the table.
I left their place around 0700 hours, heading for Enumclaw.
I stopped at a 7-ll a few miles from their house to get some cash at the ATM. Using Beth's directions to the Burke-Gilman (Bumpy Gilman) bike path, I made the turn at Matthew's Beach and got on the bike path.
I passed the U of W campus and Husky Stadium, knowing that I would be getting off the bike path to keep heading south along Lake Washington. I saw cranes at the stadium. It looked like they were adding seats in the nosebleed section of the stadium.
I remembered several sections of the path as it headed to Seward Beach. I became a bit disoriented going thru a residential area and a nice British chap stopped to help me. He was cycling to work and got me back on the right path. Nice guy, expecting his first child in a month or two.
Got past the Renton Municipal Airport and to the bridge over the Cedar River. I found the Cedar River Trail which is another Rails-to-Trails path. It was beautiful riding along the river. I took this route the last time I visited Sierra and Mack in Fairhaven. This time I kept heading east, toward Maple Valley.
Since the path did not intersect a city street, I asked a woman about the route to Enumclaw and if the Cedar River Trail would lead me there. She suggested taking the Green trail where the pavement ended.
I did not like the sound of "pavement ended," but what the heck? She was right and I took the turn for the Green trail. It was gravel and was heading for Lake Wilderness near Covington.
I rode on the gravel for a mile or two and then saw a ramp up to a street. I took the ramp and used city streets to get back to the 169, leading to Enumclaw. A bonus was that I found a coffee shop, at the turn back onto the 169. I had a mocha and my apple with almond butter. Yummy! I also snagged a couple of cookies for later.
While at the coffee shop with WiFi, I reserved a room at the King's Valu Inn in Enumclaw. It is on the way out of town so easy access for Tuesday's ride.
I got to Enumclaw about 1530 hours and checked into the hotel. I passed a bike shop on my way to the hotel so returned there without my panniers to have the mechanic check my spoke tension. It was funny, because the mechanic/owner, had the device to check the spoke tension, but he could not figure-out how to use it!! He used the old-school finger technique and everything was fine.
Did some laundry, ate some food I purchased at the Safeway and went to bed.
Tuesday 8/28:
I was planning on riding from Enumclaw to Silver Springs Campground; I thought it would be about 50 miles. As I headed up to Mt Ranier Nat'l Forest, I saw the mileage sign to Cayuse Pass. It indicated it was 40 miles to the pass and the campground was 10 miles before the pass. I figured I would play-it-by-ear and see what time it was and how I felt when I got to the campground.
I had a bite to eat at Greenwater. Met another cyclist heading west. He had started in Prudhomme Bay, Alaska, 2 months ago. He was heading back home to W. Seattle. He liked Sisyphos!
On my way up the hill, I watched a chipmunk narrowly avoid being squished by a car, viewed the White River and its milky waters and breathed-in the pine/fir/cedar tree-smells! It was awesome.
I got to Silver Springs about 1100. I filled up my water bottles and had a bite to eat. I figured I would continue on and head for Packwood. The last 6 miles were steeper than I had remembered, but then I am three years older (maybe that had something to do with it!). The view of Mt Ranier was spectacular! It was clearly visible with some lower clouds below the peak. Amazing! A car stopped to take-in the view as well. A cyclist from Michigan was one of the passengers. He took a look at Sisyphos and we talked about touring. He is not a tourist, but cycles regularly. Nice guy, on his way to a wedding at the Timberline Lodge on Mt. Hood.
Up and over Cayuse Pass around 1330 hrs. The elevation sign was not there, so I did not take a picture of Sisyphos, Blinky and the sign. 16 miles down to the highway to Packwood. The first 6 miles were pretty steep and a good downhill. The next 10 miles was mostly downhill, but with a headwind at times. I was tired when I got to the highway to Packwood.
Had a bite to eat and started the 7 mile ride to Packwood. More headwind as I remembered from 3 years ago. I made it to a hotel, and relaxed. The library was closed, but found a cafe with WiFi, so was able to e-mail folks. No cell service for a few days.
Wed. 8/29:
Left Packwood about 0700 hours and knew I would not ride far. I had to plan my ride to encompass campgrounds (few and far between) or towns (few and far between)! I rode to Randle and beat the headwind by a few hours.
The route was bucolic with lots of grazing cattle. Along the road's shoulder I saw the chalk-outline (in this case, spray-painted outline) of an elk. I laughed, thinking it was a joke and turned around to take a picture. As I turned, I saw more spray paint in the middle of the road. A debris field was labeled and lots of smaller circles indicating places where parts of something had been in the road. I realized this was not a joke. Someone had hit an elk and lots of debris had hit the road.
I stopped at the first gas station/store in Randle and told the manager about the spray-painted outline. He said that a local cop had been hauling-ass down the road and hit an elk. When the sheriff came to his aid, the cop was OK, but one side of his car was demolished. The sheriff, to joke with the cop, did the spray-painted outline of the elk as well as all the other painted areas on the road! Crazy world out there. The manager was mad at the cop for driving so fast as he was not responding to a call.
I hung around the tiny town of Randle for a hour or so. The library was closed, but I was able to use their WiFi but sitting outside the building. Picked up some groceries for the next day, had a mocha and an apple, and watched kids playing with two dogs that had been left as orphans by a passer-by the day before.
The coffee kiosk lady was very concerned that the dogs would be hit so she called the sheriff about them.
Headed for Iron Creek campground and arrived before noon. A beautiful, primitive campground run by the NFS. It had a nice loop trail that encircled the campground and took me by Iron Creek. I took lots of photos which I will download later.
A quiet night and early rise as I had a long climb first thing in the morning.
Thurs 8/30:
Iron Creek to Cougar today. I got out of my sleeping bag just before 0500 hrs. I takes about 2 hours to pick up, roll-up and pack my camping gear. Also included in the 2 hours is time for breakfast and a look at the map.
I started out just before 0700 and started climbing almost immediately. It was a beautiful and quiet road that followed the rise to Elk Pass (just over 4000'). It was steep at the outset and fortunately the incline mellowed after a mile or two.
I was again enjoying the quietude, smells and scenery of the forest. No one in sight and only the occasional car. About halfway up, I passed a trailer or some type of domicile tucked back off the road. As I was just passing this residence, I heard a dog start to bark. OK, so they had a dog. I kept climbing and then caught some movement in my rear-view mirror. Two dogs were chasing me up the hill. One dog was a pit-bull looking dog and the other was a pee-pee dog. I got off the bike before they got close and told them to 'go home.' They stopped and it was a stare-down for a few seconds. The pit-bull turned and headed down the hill but the pee-pee dog stood his ground. I walked downhill a few steps, threatening the dog with my very fatal-looking water bottle. Finally, he turned back home. Weird. I probably made their day!
Got to the top of Elk Pass and again, no elevation sign. The downhill was short and then it was level with some minor climbing. It was strange that I could not get any momentum for the slight climbs.
I came to a great view of the east side of Mt. St. Helens! Again, it was clear and the views were awesome. The signage indicated the blast happened in 1980. The valley in front of me had been completely scorched and devastated by the blast. Now, it was green again and looked healthy. The slopes of the volcano were still barren, though.
I think it was somewhere near this area, that Blinky decided to fly from her perch behind my bike saddle. I did not realize it until later. There were a few bumps on the downhill which appeared after the view of Mt. St. Helens. Perhaps one of them dislodged her. She is a pirate duck and used to fending for herself. Good luck, Blinky!
Made it to a Ranger station about 20 miles outside of Cougar. Stopped for lunch and a restroom stop. The ride to Cougar was tedious. It was along the Swift Reservoir and had some nice scenery, but again, I could not get any momentum on the level parts or even some of the slight downhills. Nothing was dragging except my legs!
Cougar was a tiny town. No library, but a Post Office. I found a room for the night and was able to do laundry! Portland tomorrow!
Friday 8/31:
Running out of time on the computer......
Some climbs and downhills into Portland. Had narrow roads and then a wide shoulder into Battle Ground, WA.
Stopped at a Safeway to figure out how I would ride thru Portland and most importantly, where I would stay. It took an hour to use the i-phone to find a hotel and make reservations. Hotels.com did the job for me.
The nice wide shoulder into Battle Ground disappeared shortly after the intersection with the Safeway. My only options were to stay on the road and have cars change lanes to get by me or ride on the nice, wide sidewalk. I opted for the sidewalk.
It had its driveways and debris, but I tried to be careful. I went past a recycling center and think I picked-up some metal on the sidewalk. A bit further on and I had a rear flat tire. I pulled into a shaded area near a business and changed the flat. I found the metal piece, pulled it out and got to work.
I used my CO2 cartridge to help inflate the tire and that got 60 psi into it quickly. I pumped it up to 85 psi for the road. Used the restroom at the business and got back on my way.
I was making my way thru Vancouver using a Portland cycling map that included Vancouver. I stopped for a snack (my favorite: apple and almond butter). I shared what was left of the apple core, with a friendly squirrel.
The route was well-marked to the bridge over the Columbia and into Portland. The path had several pedestrians and a few cyclists. I had another bridge to go over and then I was in Portland. The signage was somewhat confusing to get to MLK Blvd. I was heading back over a bridge when I stopped to look at my map. The traffic was backed-up getting onto the bridge and a lady stopped and asked if I needed directions. She steered me in the right direction and I was headed for my hotel.
I got to the hotel around 1500 hours. It is near the convention center and close to the MAX (light rail) line.
The hotel has seen better days, but it will do. I was able to bring Sisyphos into the elevator and my room, with no questions asked.
Enjoying Portland on a holiday weekend. Heading east along the Old Columbia River Hwy on Monday.
Sat. 9/1:
You are now up-to-date. Thanks for reading along.
I forgot to mention that I noticed Blinky was missing as I was riding into Cougar. I stopped to pick-up a towel that was in the road (good for cleaning the bike) and noticed she was gone. Flown to coop... gone but not forgotten. Enjoy the road again Blink. I will not change the name of my blog because you are gone.
I will keep my eye out for another companion. The road provides......
Sunday, August 26, 2012
Space Needle
We had brunch at the space needle this afternoon. It was a beautiful way to spend a few hours. The brunch was a three course meal and the view was outstanding! Of course the company was also great!
We had fun looking at the Chihuly (sp) glass exhibition from the observation deck above the gift shop.
On our way home, Beth drove us to different parts of the city. We went to gas works park, Lake Union and Queen Anne's hill. Fun time.
On my way to Mt Ranier tomorrow. I have had a great visit with Tom and Beth is a wonderful person.
I will add some more photos from today's excursion.
We had fun looking at the Chihuly (sp) glass exhibition from the observation deck above the gift shop.
On our way home, Beth drove us to different parts of the city. We went to gas works park, Lake Union and Queen Anne's hill. Fun time.
On my way to Mt Ranier tomorrow. I have had a great visit with Tom and Beth is a wonderful person.
I will add some more photos from today's excursion.
Saturday, August 25, 2012
Sequim to Seattle
I left Mary and Tony's on Thurs. (8/23). On my way thru Sequim on the ODT, I received a phone call from Tom. He said that he and Beth could meet me on Friday (instead of Sat.). I said OK and would call him after my ride to let him know where I was and when I would be taking the ferry from Kingston to Edmonds.
The ODT was enjoyable again, going east. I had a wonderful tailwind going thru Sequim. Heading back to Hwy 20, I passed a couple of cycle tourists headed west. It was the same two who camped near my at South Whidbey State Park. It was good to see them again. I may meet them again as I head around Mt. Hood as they are heading to Bend after going down the WA coast.
I turned left on Hwy 20 heading back toward Pt. Townsend. About 2 miles up the hill, I turned onto Eaglemount Rd, which was a relief to the heavy traffic on the 20. This was a wonderful route on a tree-lined road. I had pasturelands and small lakes to look at and no traffic! I stopped for lunch on a freshly mowed lawn at an abandoned house and watched the birds on the lake.
This route took me to Hwy 19. It was pretty busy but had wide shoulders. I could have turned off at Oak Bay Dr. and headed toward the bay. I decided to stay on the 19, which was OK. Hwy 104 was not far and it was the main route to the Hood Canal floating bridge.
My route had me get off the 104 a mile or two before the bridge. The road was called Shine and it followed the water along the south side of this spit of land. It was nice to get off the busy 104 and the road was a nice one thru a residential area along the waterfront. I am going along nicely when I see in front of me the very steep hill. I wish I had an inclinometer as this was steeeeep! There were two driveways on the way up and I already knew I would use them for resting spots on the way up. I made it, but it was a pull.
The Hood Canal Bridge sits on the water. There are a couple of drawbridge type mechanisms on either side but it was open for me the entire way across. It is probably close to a mile across. At the drawbridges they had a metal mesh grid for the roadway. I got to the first one and saw a solid metal plate on the far right but was not sure the bike would fit (with the front panniers sticking out). I was going at a good clip and was able to negociate the grid, but my tires felt like they wanted to slip. The next grid I encountered, I tried the metal strip on the right and the bike fit just right, so that was a much better feel under me.
Across the bridge I decided to go into Kingston and it was only 8 miles. I was tired, but made the 8 miles in good time. The only hotel in town was the Blue Water Inn. I stopped, looked at the tired hotel and decided to check on other options near the ferry. There were no other options, the Blue Water Inn was my accommodation for the night. It was a 65 mile day.
I showered and headed downtown to get something to eat. I had salmon fish tacos at the ale house. Yummy!
I walked to the ferry terminal and asked if I could purchase a ticket for tomorrow morning. The ticket lady said it was free to bikes and peds when heading east! Yahoo!
I called Tom and told him I would be arriving in Edmonds at 0915. He said he and Beth would pick me up in their car. For some reason they decided not to ride their bikes to meet me. So I met them and we put the bike and panniers in the car and headed for their house in Seattle.
From their house, we headed downtown as Beth had us booked for a Free Walking Tour of Seattle. It was a fun 2 mile, 2 hour tour of the downtown area. We were able to sample smoked fish, chocolate linguine noodles, cheese and clam chowder during the tour. I learned a lot about the city and enjoyed the sunshine.
After the tour, we had lunch near the Space Needle. The Needle is celebrating its 50th anniversary of the 1967 World's Fair. After lunch we walked over to the Needle and looked at the line waiting to take the elevator to the top. Beth went to the reservation desk for their Sunday brunch and found a timeframe that worked for us. We booked the brunch which includes the ride up to the restaurant for free.
We walked around the Needle area and it is like Balboa Park with theaters, a science center and children's museum, free music, food court and museums ( I think Paul would correct me and say "musea").
After this wonderful afternoon, we headed home and had a bar-b-que. Tom pulled out the hibachi and bar-b-qued some chicken, potatoes and onions. Beth followed-up with fruit and it was a great dinner. We sat after dinner, reminiscing about past bike trips and just 'talked story.'
I was pretty tired when I went to bed just after 2200 hrs.
The ODT was enjoyable again, going east. I had a wonderful tailwind going thru Sequim. Heading back to Hwy 20, I passed a couple of cycle tourists headed west. It was the same two who camped near my at South Whidbey State Park. It was good to see them again. I may meet them again as I head around Mt. Hood as they are heading to Bend after going down the WA coast.
I turned left on Hwy 20 heading back toward Pt. Townsend. About 2 miles up the hill, I turned onto Eaglemount Rd, which was a relief to the heavy traffic on the 20. This was a wonderful route on a tree-lined road. I had pasturelands and small lakes to look at and no traffic! I stopped for lunch on a freshly mowed lawn at an abandoned house and watched the birds on the lake.
This route took me to Hwy 19. It was pretty busy but had wide shoulders. I could have turned off at Oak Bay Dr. and headed toward the bay. I decided to stay on the 19, which was OK. Hwy 104 was not far and it was the main route to the Hood Canal floating bridge.
My route had me get off the 104 a mile or two before the bridge. The road was called Shine and it followed the water along the south side of this spit of land. It was nice to get off the busy 104 and the road was a nice one thru a residential area along the waterfront. I am going along nicely when I see in front of me the very steep hill. I wish I had an inclinometer as this was steeeeep! There were two driveways on the way up and I already knew I would use them for resting spots on the way up. I made it, but it was a pull.
The Hood Canal Bridge sits on the water. There are a couple of drawbridge type mechanisms on either side but it was open for me the entire way across. It is probably close to a mile across. At the drawbridges they had a metal mesh grid for the roadway. I got to the first one and saw a solid metal plate on the far right but was not sure the bike would fit (with the front panniers sticking out). I was going at a good clip and was able to negociate the grid, but my tires felt like they wanted to slip. The next grid I encountered, I tried the metal strip on the right and the bike fit just right, so that was a much better feel under me.
Across the bridge I decided to go into Kingston and it was only 8 miles. I was tired, but made the 8 miles in good time. The only hotel in town was the Blue Water Inn. I stopped, looked at the tired hotel and decided to check on other options near the ferry. There were no other options, the Blue Water Inn was my accommodation for the night. It was a 65 mile day.
I showered and headed downtown to get something to eat. I had salmon fish tacos at the ale house. Yummy!
I walked to the ferry terminal and asked if I could purchase a ticket for tomorrow morning. The ticket lady said it was free to bikes and peds when heading east! Yahoo!
I called Tom and told him I would be arriving in Edmonds at 0915. He said he and Beth would pick me up in their car. For some reason they decided not to ride their bikes to meet me. So I met them and we put the bike and panniers in the car and headed for their house in Seattle.
From their house, we headed downtown as Beth had us booked for a Free Walking Tour of Seattle. It was a fun 2 mile, 2 hour tour of the downtown area. We were able to sample smoked fish, chocolate linguine noodles, cheese and clam chowder during the tour. I learned a lot about the city and enjoyed the sunshine.
After the tour, we had lunch near the Space Needle. The Needle is celebrating its 50th anniversary of the 1967 World's Fair. After lunch we walked over to the Needle and looked at the line waiting to take the elevator to the top. Beth went to the reservation desk for their Sunday brunch and found a timeframe that worked for us. We booked the brunch which includes the ride up to the restaurant for free.
We walked around the Needle area and it is like Balboa Park with theaters, a science center and children's museum, free music, food court and museums ( I think Paul would correct me and say "musea").
After this wonderful afternoon, we headed home and had a bar-b-que. Tom pulled out the hibachi and bar-b-qued some chicken, potatoes and onions. Beth followed-up with fruit and it was a great dinner. We sat after dinner, reminiscing about past bike trips and just 'talked story.'
I was pretty tired when I went to bed just after 2200 hrs.
Wednesday, August 22, 2012
Waiting for the shoe to drop
My last day at Mary and Tony's started out beautifully sunny. I went with Mary to walk the dogs before she headed off the work. She took the truck to work and left her Hyundai with me for the day.
I stayed awhile so I could continue reading Mary's book, the "Q-Tip Conspiracy" about Sierra's life
with brain cancer. I was in a bit of a depression when I left for Sequim.
I drove to the Dungeness County Park and took in the view. I stayed along the coastline north of Sequim and enjoyed the bay views. I decided to check-out Mike's Bike Shop in town, so I headed in that direction.
I looked in the shop and did not see anything I needed. I headed for the Post Office as I told Mary I would mail a letter for her and I had a couple of post cards to mail. I then headed to Brian's Sporting Goods to take a look around. I was looking for something a bit warmer to wear (on my torso).
I came up short on the turn to Brian's so I was making my way thru a Rite-Aid parking lot. I made a right hand turn and hit something hard with both right tires. I pulled into a parking space and was not looking forward to what I might find.
I saw that the right front tire was flat. I pinched the tire between the rim and a concrete island that extended from the front door of the Rite-Aid, into the parking lot. I opened the trunk and looked for a spare tire.
I could not find the spare. As it turns out, it would not have helped. That was when I discovered the rear right tire also suffered the same fate as the front. Two pinch flats on the right side!!! I could not believe what I had done to Mary's car.
I had my AAA card, so I called for roadside assistance. The man I gave my report to, called a local tow company (Evergreen) and said he would be there within 60 minutes. All I could do was pace, curse at myself and knock my head against the wall. I told the clerk in the Rite-Aid what I had done and he had no comment at all. The island had been painted yellow at the end I hit. The yellow on top was pretty much worn off from people doing just what I had done. The edges were dinged from the same thing.
The tow got there in about 45 minutes, which was not bad. I asked him to take me to a Discount Tire shop just down the road. I had looked it up on my i-phone. AAA paid for the tow, but I gave the driver a tip.
Discount tire was not busy and got right on the repair. They found the closest tires they could to the stock tires on the car. Keep in mind the car only has 2500 miles on it; she bought it in June 2012! Man I feel so bad about what I did...
Two Michelins later, the car is ready to go. The pressure sensors were not damaged, so that was good.
Headed back to Port Angeles to get some lunch and fill-up the car with gas.
Came back to Mary's before the last shoe dropped. I just told Mary and she hasn't even gone to look at the rims. She said after all we have been thru, this is nothing.
All's well, but I still feel bad.
I stayed awhile so I could continue reading Mary's book, the "Q-Tip Conspiracy" about Sierra's life
with brain cancer. I was in a bit of a depression when I left for Sequim.
I drove to the Dungeness County Park and took in the view. I stayed along the coastline north of Sequim and enjoyed the bay views. I decided to check-out Mike's Bike Shop in town, so I headed in that direction.
I looked in the shop and did not see anything I needed. I headed for the Post Office as I told Mary I would mail a letter for her and I had a couple of post cards to mail. I then headed to Brian's Sporting Goods to take a look around. I was looking for something a bit warmer to wear (on my torso).
I came up short on the turn to Brian's so I was making my way thru a Rite-Aid parking lot. I made a right hand turn and hit something hard with both right tires. I pulled into a parking space and was not looking forward to what I might find.
I saw that the right front tire was flat. I pinched the tire between the rim and a concrete island that extended from the front door of the Rite-Aid, into the parking lot. I opened the trunk and looked for a spare tire.
I could not find the spare. As it turns out, it would not have helped. That was when I discovered the rear right tire also suffered the same fate as the front. Two pinch flats on the right side!!! I could not believe what I had done to Mary's car.
I had my AAA card, so I called for roadside assistance. The man I gave my report to, called a local tow company (Evergreen) and said he would be there within 60 minutes. All I could do was pace, curse at myself and knock my head against the wall. I told the clerk in the Rite-Aid what I had done and he had no comment at all. The island had been painted yellow at the end I hit. The yellow on top was pretty much worn off from people doing just what I had done. The edges were dinged from the same thing.
The tow got there in about 45 minutes, which was not bad. I asked him to take me to a Discount Tire shop just down the road. I had looked it up on my i-phone. AAA paid for the tow, but I gave the driver a tip.
Discount tire was not busy and got right on the repair. They found the closest tires they could to the stock tires on the car. Keep in mind the car only has 2500 miles on it; she bought it in June 2012! Man I feel so bad about what I did...
Two Michelins later, the car is ready to go. The pressure sensors were not damaged, so that was good.
Headed back to Port Angeles to get some lunch and fill-up the car with gas.
Came back to Mary's before the last shoe dropped. I just told Mary and she hasn't even gone to look at the rims. She said after all we have been thru, this is nothing.
All's well, but I still feel bad.
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
Sequim
I left Deb's and Wayne's on Monday morning, heading for the ferry at Ft. Casey. I was able to catch the 0845 ferry to Pt. Townsend. I had a mocha, apricot and 2 choc. chip cookies (from Mrs. Deb's oven) at a coffee shop I found last year when Dave and I took the ferry to visit Deb.
As I left Pt. Townsend, I was looking for the ODT (Olympic Discovery Trail) which is a ped/bike trail that goes all the way to Pt. Angeles. I did not find it right away, but did find Discovery Dr. which paralleled the highway and would intersect the ODT. It was a nice quiet road for the most part.
When I intersected Hwy 101, it was very busy with truck traffic. The ODT directed me off the 101 and onto Old Gardiner Rd. which was a wonderful, tree-lined rural road. It occasionally intersected the 101, but it took me most of the way into Sequim.
At Blyn, a small town just east of Sequim, I stopped at a market/deli to get a sandwich and eat lunch. An older man who was cycling stuck-up a conversation with me and ended-up having lunch with me.
He is a semi-retired Vet, named Steve. He and his family were renting a house near the Dungeness Spit. He was out for a recreational ride. I was finally able to ask a vet about why ruminants chew their cuds but horses do not (even tho they eat the same food). He told me about the two different evolutionary tracks and how their intestinal systems work. Very cool.
He was heading back to Sequim, so we rode together on the ODT. I was going to stop at the Sequim Bay State Park which was only about 2 miles from our lunch stop. We rode right by it as I was not paying close enough attention and he was telling a story. We ended up in downtown Sequim. He turned to head back to the Spit and I looked at the map to get my bearings.
Looked like I was about 15 miles from Mary and Tony's. I gave them a call and left a message that I would be arriving a day early. I stayed on the ODT thru Sequim which was lovely. They have made use of old train tressles. Wonderful tressles over streams/rivers in the area. I came back out onto the 101 at O'Brien St. which is the road that takes me to Mary's.
It was another 3-4 miles of pretty much uphill climbing to their house. Tony passed me on his motorcycle and pulled over to chat. He was on his way home from work. After another 30 minutes of climbing, I met him at the house on Headwaters Lne. It was a 64 mile day. Phew!
Mary made it home about an hour later. Their house is still being worked-on. I am staying upstairs. I have a shower and toilet in my bathroom, but no sink. Garrett is in the next bedroom and he has all three. He was not home last night, so I took advantage of his sink, when Conan (the black cat) was not nesting in the sink!
Mary made ravioli and a big salad for dinner. They are both doing well. Tony is working for a yacht manufacturer, doing the cabinetry. Mary is still at Patty's on Peabody, doing hair. Tony also drives a bus and is doing a 2 day tour this weekend.
Mary and Tony were kind enough to lend me a car while they are working. I drove Mary into Pt. Angeles for work this a.m. and have been sightseeing since. I drove up to Hurricane Ridge for a spectacular view of the Olympic Range. The clouds obstructed a complete view of the ridges, but it was fantastic! I had lunch at the 'Oven Spoonful' and drove out onto Ediz Spit.
I am at the library now doing my blog. I will get Mary around 1600 hrs. I am planning on leaving Thurs. a.m.
Heading back to Seattle to visit with Tom and Beth. Sounds like they can meet me at the ferry on Sat. morning, so I can follow them back to their house. That gives me two days to get to Edmonds which will make the ride easier. I was thinking I would have to get from Mary's to Kingston (to catch the ferry to Edmonds) on Thurs. This way I can split the ride into two days and still have lots of time for sightseeing on Friday.
All is well. Blinky says "Arrrrrrrgh!" Sisyphos says (bzzzzzzzzz) with a clean chain! Poot!
As I left Pt. Townsend, I was looking for the ODT (Olympic Discovery Trail) which is a ped/bike trail that goes all the way to Pt. Angeles. I did not find it right away, but did find Discovery Dr. which paralleled the highway and would intersect the ODT. It was a nice quiet road for the most part.
When I intersected Hwy 101, it was very busy with truck traffic. The ODT directed me off the 101 and onto Old Gardiner Rd. which was a wonderful, tree-lined rural road. It occasionally intersected the 101, but it took me most of the way into Sequim.
At Blyn, a small town just east of Sequim, I stopped at a market/deli to get a sandwich and eat lunch. An older man who was cycling stuck-up a conversation with me and ended-up having lunch with me.
He is a semi-retired Vet, named Steve. He and his family were renting a house near the Dungeness Spit. He was out for a recreational ride. I was finally able to ask a vet about why ruminants chew their cuds but horses do not (even tho they eat the same food). He told me about the two different evolutionary tracks and how their intestinal systems work. Very cool.
He was heading back to Sequim, so we rode together on the ODT. I was going to stop at the Sequim Bay State Park which was only about 2 miles from our lunch stop. We rode right by it as I was not paying close enough attention and he was telling a story. We ended up in downtown Sequim. He turned to head back to the Spit and I looked at the map to get my bearings.
Looked like I was about 15 miles from Mary and Tony's. I gave them a call and left a message that I would be arriving a day early. I stayed on the ODT thru Sequim which was lovely. They have made use of old train tressles. Wonderful tressles over streams/rivers in the area. I came back out onto the 101 at O'Brien St. which is the road that takes me to Mary's.
It was another 3-4 miles of pretty much uphill climbing to their house. Tony passed me on his motorcycle and pulled over to chat. He was on his way home from work. After another 30 minutes of climbing, I met him at the house on Headwaters Lne. It was a 64 mile day. Phew!
Mary made it home about an hour later. Their house is still being worked-on. I am staying upstairs. I have a shower and toilet in my bathroom, but no sink. Garrett is in the next bedroom and he has all three. He was not home last night, so I took advantage of his sink, when Conan (the black cat) was not nesting in the sink!
Mary made ravioli and a big salad for dinner. They are both doing well. Tony is working for a yacht manufacturer, doing the cabinetry. Mary is still at Patty's on Peabody, doing hair. Tony also drives a bus and is doing a 2 day tour this weekend.
Mary and Tony were kind enough to lend me a car while they are working. I drove Mary into Pt. Angeles for work this a.m. and have been sightseeing since. I drove up to Hurricane Ridge for a spectacular view of the Olympic Range. The clouds obstructed a complete view of the ridges, but it was fantastic! I had lunch at the 'Oven Spoonful' and drove out onto Ediz Spit.
I am at the library now doing my blog. I will get Mary around 1600 hrs. I am planning on leaving Thurs. a.m.
Heading back to Seattle to visit with Tom and Beth. Sounds like they can meet me at the ferry on Sat. morning, so I can follow them back to their house. That gives me two days to get to Edmonds which will make the ride easier. I was thinking I would have to get from Mary's to Kingston (to catch the ferry to Edmonds) on Thurs. This way I can split the ride into two days and still have lots of time for sightseeing on Friday.
All is well. Blinky says "Arrrrrrrgh!" Sisyphos says (bzzzzzzzzz) with a clean chain! Poot!
Sunday, August 19, 2012
Mt. Baker
Wayne took Deb and I for a drive yesterday afternoon. We drove to Mt Baker which is just under 11,000'. It also has several glaciers still living on it. We stopped at Nooksack Falls which were roaring with lots of
water. They were beautiful. I say they because the falls split off at a rock promontory at the top of the falls.
On the way home we stopped for dinner in Bellingham. The restaurant, Pepper Sister (?), serves a southwest
fare and offers veg and vegan meals. I had garlic potato enchilladas which were very tasty. It was a nice place, and crowded. We got a spot outside and it was pleasant with a jacket. Wayne was comfortable in a golf shirt. I will add the pictures to my profile.
Sprinkled last night but looks like it drying-up. What a turn-around in the weather pattern. Hopefully it will
be good cycling weather tomorrow as I head for Sequim.
Poot!
water. They were beautiful. I say they because the falls split off at a rock promontory at the top of the falls.
On the way home we stopped for dinner in Bellingham. The restaurant, Pepper Sister (?), serves a southwest
fare and offers veg and vegan meals. I had garlic potato enchilladas which were very tasty. It was a nice place, and crowded. We got a spot outside and it was pleasant with a jacket. Wayne was comfortable in a golf shirt. I will add the pictures to my profile.
Sprinkled last night but looks like it drying-up. What a turn-around in the weather pattern. Hopefully it will
be good cycling weather tomorrow as I head for Sequim.
Poot!
Saturday, August 18, 2012
Whidbey Island
Rode north thru Seattle Thurs. morning. My bike map of Seattle was handy. I crossed the Chittenden locks which are beautiful and not as busy as the Ballard locks. It was a very warm day in Seattle so it was good to
get on Whidbey. When I got off the ferry at Clinton, the time/temp sign said it was 73F.
It seemed much warmer than that while on the road. I had a lot of rolling ups and downs. When I got to Freeland, I was pretty tired but it was only 1330 hrs. I stopped to have a good lunch and rest. I had to make
a decision about staying in Freeland in their one hotel or going another 7 miles to the state campground.
After eating, I picked up a few groceries for breakfast and decided to go to the campground.
Some more ups with only a few downs. I found the campground and of course, the pay station was a the bottom of a hill! Paid $12 to stay in the biker/hiker section, which is near the day use area. Also the camp was a ways away from the restroom.
I made camp and then decided to take a shower, using my water bag with shower attachment. I took a while to find a suitable tree with appropriate broken branch on which to hang the water bag. I brought a small shower scrunchy to use with my liquid soap (Dr. Bonners), as it tends to seep out of you hands if you use it
by itself. I am happily scrubbing away the day's road grime when the scrunchy decides to fly out of my hand and and over the embankment.
My first futile attempt to try to grab the small carbiner with a branch just moved the stupid thing farther down the hill! I ignored it until I finished my shower. I came back with a tent pole which proved to be by second futile attempt at a grab. I looked at the slope, the thorny berry bushes and thought about what I would tell the 911 responders as they rescued me from the embankment. I would tell them I was just trying to retrieve my shower scrunchy and they would laugh uproariously back at the station. There did happen to be a sturdy bush that I could use a hand-hold, so I went after the mischievous scamp. I was able to get it with only a few stickers in my fingers and thorny scrapes on my calves. Stupid scrunchy! I had Blinky give her a talking to when I got back to my campsite!
A cycling couple arrived about 1800 hrs. I went to chat while he was cooking dinner using two stoves. They were smoking a joint and offered my a hit, but I kindly said 'no thanks.' They also came from Seattle today but started farther inland than I had. The guy was hauling a BOB trailer with an Ortlieb waterproof duffle that was about 1.5X the size that would normally go on the trailer. Lots of stuff. The gal was carrying front and rear panniers as well. Interesting folks!
An other pair came into the camp around midnight. Don't know what their story was as they were still in bed when I left around 0800 hrs. The night cooled and I ended up putting the fly over my tent around 2100 hrs.
I was quite cozy under my down bag and slept pretty well.
I took several scenic routes on the way to Deb's. She and Wayne left for his radiation treatment in Seattle and were not expected back until 1330 hrs. I had plenty of time to get to their house, so I cruised. Whidbey in not a flat island, for those who have never been here (especially on bicycle)! I cruised the east side and then crossed to the west side. I arrived at Deb's about 1130 hrs and they were home about ten minutes after me. Fastest trip to Seattle and back they ever made.
Wayne bar-b-qued steaks and Deb invited the neighbors with their 5 week-old infant son (Dalton). It was a great end to a good day. I will stay here until Monday and then head for Mary and Tony's.
get on Whidbey. When I got off the ferry at Clinton, the time/temp sign said it was 73F.
It seemed much warmer than that while on the road. I had a lot of rolling ups and downs. When I got to Freeland, I was pretty tired but it was only 1330 hrs. I stopped to have a good lunch and rest. I had to make
a decision about staying in Freeland in their one hotel or going another 7 miles to the state campground.
After eating, I picked up a few groceries for breakfast and decided to go to the campground.
Some more ups with only a few downs. I found the campground and of course, the pay station was a the bottom of a hill! Paid $12 to stay in the biker/hiker section, which is near the day use area. Also the camp was a ways away from the restroom.
I made camp and then decided to take a shower, using my water bag with shower attachment. I took a while to find a suitable tree with appropriate broken branch on which to hang the water bag. I brought a small shower scrunchy to use with my liquid soap (Dr. Bonners), as it tends to seep out of you hands if you use it
by itself. I am happily scrubbing away the day's road grime when the scrunchy decides to fly out of my hand and and over the embankment.
My first futile attempt to try to grab the small carbiner with a branch just moved the stupid thing farther down the hill! I ignored it until I finished my shower. I came back with a tent pole which proved to be by second futile attempt at a grab. I looked at the slope, the thorny berry bushes and thought about what I would tell the 911 responders as they rescued me from the embankment. I would tell them I was just trying to retrieve my shower scrunchy and they would laugh uproariously back at the station. There did happen to be a sturdy bush that I could use a hand-hold, so I went after the mischievous scamp. I was able to get it with only a few stickers in my fingers and thorny scrapes on my calves. Stupid scrunchy! I had Blinky give her a talking to when I got back to my campsite!
A cycling couple arrived about 1800 hrs. I went to chat while he was cooking dinner using two stoves. They were smoking a joint and offered my a hit, but I kindly said 'no thanks.' They also came from Seattle today but started farther inland than I had. The guy was hauling a BOB trailer with an Ortlieb waterproof duffle that was about 1.5X the size that would normally go on the trailer. Lots of stuff. The gal was carrying front and rear panniers as well. Interesting folks!
An other pair came into the camp around midnight. Don't know what their story was as they were still in bed when I left around 0800 hrs. The night cooled and I ended up putting the fly over my tent around 2100 hrs.
I was quite cozy under my down bag and slept pretty well.
I took several scenic routes on the way to Deb's. She and Wayne left for his radiation treatment in Seattle and were not expected back until 1330 hrs. I had plenty of time to get to their house, so I cruised. Whidbey in not a flat island, for those who have never been here (especially on bicycle)! I cruised the east side and then crossed to the west side. I arrived at Deb's about 1130 hrs and they were home about ten minutes after me. Fastest trip to Seattle and back they ever made.
Wayne bar-b-qued steaks and Deb invited the neighbors with their 5 week-old infant son (Dalton). It was a great end to a good day. I will stay here until Monday and then head for Mary and Tony's.
Wednesday, August 15, 2012
Seattle hostel
My flight to Bellingham, WA was canceled at 1330 hrs. I stood in line for at least 30 mins.
while in line I looked at my Seattle cycling map and the location of the
Seattle hostel. Looked like a 12 mile ride to get there. From the chatter in the line,
it sounded like it would be hard to get a flight to Bellingham before evening.
That helped me make my decision to have my bike and baggage offloaded in
Seattle and start my trip here.
I got my bike right away I used my multi-tool to get the bike
road-worthy. I got everything tight except my pedals. I kept waiting
for my panniers but they did not show-up until 4:30! A baggage lady finally went back
to the baggage handling area and found my panniers.
I called the hostel and made a reservation. The hostel man advised me to take
the light rail system from the airport to the Chinatown station. The
hostel is a block away from the station. I took his advise and was able
to find elevators to get the bike upstairs to the platform,
Easy roll-on access and my car was never crowded.
I had a bike hook and room for my pannniers. $2.75 and 30 mins. Later
I was checking into the hostel.
I will head north for Whidbey Island tomorrow.
I should get to Deb's on Friday.
Blinky was manhandled by the TSA people they opened the bike box but
Retaped it. Alaska airlines folks tore some large holes in the box.
No worries, maties. Blinky is on my bed and doing well.
while in line I looked at my Seattle cycling map and the location of the
Seattle hostel. Looked like a 12 mile ride to get there. From the chatter in the line,
it sounded like it would be hard to get a flight to Bellingham before evening.
That helped me make my decision to have my bike and baggage offloaded in
Seattle and start my trip here.
I got my bike right away I used my multi-tool to get the bike
road-worthy. I got everything tight except my pedals. I kept waiting
for my panniers but they did not show-up until 4:30! A baggage lady finally went back
to the baggage handling area and found my panniers.
I called the hostel and made a reservation. The hostel man advised me to take
the light rail system from the airport to the Chinatown station. The
hostel is a block away from the station. I took his advise and was able
to find elevators to get the bike upstairs to the platform,
Easy roll-on access and my car was never crowded.
I had a bike hook and room for my pannniers. $2.75 and 30 mins. Later
I was checking into the hostel.
I will head north for Whidbey Island tomorrow.
I should get to Deb's on Friday.
Blinky was manhandled by the TSA people they opened the bike box but
Retaped it. Alaska airlines folks tore some large holes in the box.
No worries, maties. Blinky is on my bed and doing well.
SAN
Sitting at SAN after an easy check-in.
Chris drove us to the airport and Dave helped me get
Sisyphos into the terminal. An Alaska airlines lady
moved everyone from point A to point B before the
attendants arrived at the counter. Of course, when
they arrived, we went back to point A!
I kept the bike box in the middle as a safe bet.
Should get to Bellingham around 1230.
Camping at Larrabee State park about 10 miles
south of the airport. Aloha!
Chris drove us to the airport and Dave helped me get
Sisyphos into the terminal. An Alaska airlines lady
moved everyone from point A to point B before the
attendants arrived at the counter. Of course, when
they arrived, we went back to point A!
I kept the bike box in the middle as a safe bet.
Should get to Bellingham around 1230.
Camping at Larrabee State park about 10 miles
south of the airport. Aloha!
Mechanical probs
I don't mean bicycle mechanical
probs. the Q400 Alaska plane has a
prob with its steering while on the
ground. We pulled back from the
gate and didn't get far when the pilot
discovered the prob.
The tow truck sent to push us back to
the gate broke the linch (?) pin when
trying to push us back. The pilot said that
indicated a more serious prob other than
hydraulics. So we have deplaned and will
get an update in about 15ins. The wheels are
spinning making contingency plans.
probs. the Q400 Alaska plane has a
prob with its steering while on the
ground. We pulled back from the
gate and didn't get far when the pilot
discovered the prob.
The tow truck sent to push us back to
the gate broke the linch (?) pin when
trying to push us back. The pilot said that
indicated a more serious prob other than
hydraulics. So we have deplaned and will
get an update in about 15ins. The wheels are
spinning making contingency plans.
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