46 miles
Here we go we're all ready, and we're finally off... we started the day by cycling a few miles in the opposite direction to our route so we could get to the actual coast. The Pacific ocean coastline here is spectacular and it's a shame we didn't have more time, it's very dramatic with huge cliffs, sand-dunes and vast beaches with roaring waves. We had to leave our bikes just behind the sand-dunes as we couldn't get them over to dip our bike wheels in the water, but we skipped around the shoreline a bit and thought that was good enough!
We've learnt that Oregon is considered
to be one of the most bike friendly states in the
US. Well
that's what the people of Oregon say anyway! Still, we were quite
surprised to see cycle lanes dotted around the towns and when pulling
up at traffic lights, we've been getting a few thumbs up signs from
drivers. Cool, this is going to be good, we like Oregon. Today's
cycling started out on a highway which was fairly busy, but as soon
as we turned off at Mapleton there was hardly any other traffic. The
scenery is beautiful. Everywhere we look there are fir trees, very
tall for miles around. I don't think I've ever been somewhere so
green, it's like the saturation mode has been switched up. The
weather has been wonderful with blue skies and a light breeze,
perfect for cycling. As we cycle along wooden houses dot the roads,
dogs come out to bark at us (all friendly so far), butterflies dance
in our path and there is always a river to follow. It's idyllic.
Everyone stares at our fully loaded bikes but is so friendly. They
ask us where we are headed and laugh when we reply Virginia! We make
a few short stops to scoff nut bars and have a smoothy at a cafe run
by the local hippy commune and eventually arrive at our campsite for
the night – Triangle Lake.
We are the only others there when we arrive and as there are no showers we bathe in the creek right next to our pitch. We are hot and sweaty so it's the best. Our camping dinner was pure gourmet – pasta with something that dared to call itself pesto and some lentils. Matt bear proofed our site by putting all the food in dry bags (I'm sure a bear could sniff out a dry bag) and we had a great nights sleep, dozing off to the sound of the creek waterfall.
Sarah
this is actually painfull! you look like you are having the time of your lives and frankly it's not fair! So jealous I can not begin to tell you. Well done guys for living the dream!
keep those updates coming as they are brilliant. so wish I was there and not in my spare room in Battersea listening to a load of builders hammer the hell out of a neighbouring house! Emily xx
Posted by: Emily Best | Thursday, 25 June 2009 at 11:36 AM