Miles: 74
Grand Total: 3,037
After lunch I headed for Corvallis. I noticed some rubbing on the back wheel and found several spokes very loose. I've made an appointment with a local bike shop who graciously put me at the front of the line for Monday. Meanwhile I've found a camp spot I think will work well. Interestingly I was greeted by a family of nutria. Katie investigated them based on my description. They are an invasive species from South America. You can read about them here:
http://www.dfw.state.or.us/wildlife/living_with/nutria.asp
I don't think they're man-eating, so I'll be Ok.
Miles: 50
Total: 2,963
Have I mentioned the Cascades? They're amazing. Very distinct volcanic shapes and the lava flows (see photo) are other-worldly. Starting up the east side, the forest was similar to what I've seen throughout the trip. But as I decended the west face I saw a destinct change. I think this is what's called a "rain forest", with ferns of all kinds and other fauna I've never seen before. Guess I'm not in Kansas anymore.
I am in an "official" campground tonight. Nothing like half hearing the fireside conversations of my fellow campers. Oh and the music, gotta have music to camp, you know.
I see there's a Nazarene church in the upcoming town. I wonder if they welcome people who haven't showered in seven days. I'll put on extra deodorant. ;)
Miles: 83
Total: 2,913
I left camp early trying to beat the wind. Turns out the wind was light today. First stop was Mitchell. Met one of a group of 3, headed my way. These are the first since Paul, back in NE. I did not end up riding with them since I was just getting breakfast. Maybe I'll catch them tomorrow. The Ochoco National Forest was beautiful and included a challenging 9 mile climb. The Ochoco Reservoir made a perfect picnic spot, then it was on to Prineville, a town of over 10,000. I found a suitable campsite just out of town and called it a day.
Lord willing I will reach Waldport as early as Monday. I will savor these last few days. The Lord has directed and protected me so many time during this adventure thanks to those who have prayed and encouraged me throughout.
Miles: 73
Total: 2,830
This area is well known for early mammalian fossils. In fact there is the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument. I didn't go there but i did ride through the "Picture Canyon, John Day National Monument.
Miles: 65
Total: 2,758
Miles: 73
Total: 2,693
Before long the gorgious Wallowa Mtns loomed in the distance. These Mtns are especially impressive because they jut so abruptly from the valley floor. And the town of Enterprise, at their feet, seemed the perfect place to live.
I couldn't stay long though because the weather was perfect and the sun was still high. I finally called it a day near Minum State Park, but not before seeing my first elk herd of the trip. What beautiful animals.
Miles: 83
Total: 2,560
After church I was invited to dinner by Joe and his lovely wife (sorry, I've forgotten her name). We had a great meal and conversation. Thanks so much to them. Silly me, I should have taken a picture.
Then, after stocking up, again, at Albertson's, it was off to the last major leg of the trip; crossing Oregon. Based on several suggestions, I've altered my route to take in more of the Cascades. This means I won't be following the Columbia Gorge after all and will arrive on the cost at Waldport.
Miles: 37
Total: 2,477
Miles: 68
Total: 2,440
It was a sunny, cool day for a ride down one of the most beautiful highways in the country, HWY 12, though the Bitterroot Mountains. It follows several rivers on it's journey, including the Lochsa and Cearwater. The actual Lewis & Clark and Nez Perce Trails followed the mountain ridges because the river valley was too chocked with rocks and underbrush.
Shortly after my ride began today, I stopped in at the "Historic Nacsaw Forest Ranger Station". This multi-building station is a jewel out of a bygone era, when forest rangers often lived very solitary lives, at great personal sacrifice. I found this a fascinating place and well worth the time.
Later I stopped for a picnic and let my gear dry in the sun. Finally I was off to Lowell, a small town of about 30, where I stopped for a bite. While there, I met a gentleman from Slovenia, who is biking across America. We had a delightful conversation.
As I was leaving I realized my sunglasses were missing. Could I have left them at the picnic area? I rode back 7 miles just to check (I know, this is becoming a habit). No glasses. Then it hit, I left them sitting in the restroom at the ranger station. I decided it wasn't worth another 10 miles of backtracking. Finding "over the glasses sunglasses is now high on my shopping list.
I tried to make up a few miles by riding late and paid for it by settling for a dry drainage ditch for a campsite. Let's hope there's no rain tonight.
Miles: 73 (including 14 backtrack miles)
Total: 2,372
