I'm adapting to my new environment along the 101 on the west coast of the USA. There are endless amazing viewpoints into the Pacific ocean. In other places, there are sand dunes or farms. There is also a lot of tourists and a town every 5-10 miles at most. I stopped carrying as much water. I now sleep exclusively at state parks where I always meet tons of cyclists. It also seems like English has now become my official language. This is likely to change once I get to Mexico.
The state of Oregon has to be the friendliest place for cyclists, which may explain why there are so many here. Most state parks have dedicated bikers/hikers areas and charge $5/night, which I did not pay most times. The state also gives a free cycling route map, has excellent signs for the bike route which leaves the busy 101 often, flashing lights for the dangerous tunnels and bridges, nice roads and mostly patient motorists.
I meet more people now than before on the trip but it feels shallow, less sincere. The only exception has been Lindsay which whom I spent more time and had some interesting discussions. I miss Elaine and the kids.
I'm taking today off. I will be in California and the Redwood National Park tomorrow and in San Francisco in ~1wk.
I've uploaded more pictures.
Love,
Guy
Aug 10, 2010 - Montesano, WA (128km)
After being treated so well by Susan and Sarah, her daughter, I did not feel like getting back on the road this morning. But how else will I get to South America?
Tonight, back to camping after sleeping in a bed for almost 2 wks. While setting up camp in a nearby state park, another cyclist, Lindsay, showed up. It's actually the 1st night on this trip where I'll spend time with another cyclist. Lindsay is from San Francisco and is cycling from Seattle back home after spending the summer in Alaska. We shared supper and chatted until darkness. I'm lucky because my stove no longer works and I was able to use hers for preparing the sushi rice.
Aug 11, 2010 - Cape Disappointment State Park, WA (130km)
I cycled with Lindsay today. We get along and it's cool to have a companion. I was able to dip in the ocean tonight. Nice waves but the water feels more like ice. The knee seems to be holding. I spin a lot, keep the seat ridiculously low and try to be extra gentle to it.
I'll be in Oregon state early tomorrow. I could probably have made it today but there is a long (8km) and unpleasant bridge to cross. I'm told it's best to cross it in the morning.
Aug 12, 2010 - Cape Lookout State Park, OR (187km)
A good, long cycling day into Oregon with endless beautiful viewpoints into the Pacific ocean. Lindsay wanted to set camp at Cape Lookout SP. We got there fairly late in the day. It's a fantastic park. We had to eat in the dark. We didn't need to pay at the last 2 parks we stayed at.
Last night, we had to fight a herd of mischievous raccoons to stop them from getting at our food. I had only seen raccoons in pairs before. But this time, there were a number of them. They were fighting among them and were very noisy. In the end, I had to put the bags in the shower room.
My body, including the left knee, seems to be doing well after the longest day of the trip. A bit of stiffness in the tendons at the back of the knees but nothing major. My biggest problem is with my arse.
Aug 13, 2010 - Beverly Beach State Park (95km)
A shorter day still with Lindsay. I think there is some fatigue from yesterday. Too bad because we had the best tailwind I've seen in a while. On our way, we spent a couple hrs at the beach eating fruits and enjoying the sun and the view. This is the last day ridding together. Tomorrow, she's seeing her cousin while I'll try to get as far south as I can.
It's been gray and wet since Seattle. Every morning, there is fog and a mist that damps everything.
Aug 14, 2010 - Honeyman State Park (100km)
Lindsay and I did our farewell in a parking lot on a cold (12C), foggy morning. I'm starting to be blasé from exceptional views. I decided to stop ~16h00 on a not so pleasant day. At the campground, I met 4 retired teachers on their last evening of a 25-day cycling trip. There were very pleasant to chat with and they offered me beer :)
Aug 15, 2010 - Bullards Beach State Park (119km)
Pleasant day. The campground tonight is filled with cyclists. It's almost too many. Am I becoming anti-social? Or maybe, I just more fit for solitude.
Aug 16/17, 2010 - Harris Beach State Park (140km)
Got here yesterday afternoon after a fun cycling day. Will rest the knees today. The park is only a few kms from a small town (Brookings) which has all the desired services.
