Back on the road....

After 2 days off the bike in Lincoln City, OR to rest up my legs and spend a really nice, relaxing day with the newlyweds, Mike and Bethan...my son and daughter-in-law who drove down from Portland, I had to get back on the saddle and continue the journey south. Biked from Lincoln City to Yachats. Nice little town on the ocean. Even mingled with the locals for a bit. Puts me pretty much halfway through Oregon. If I can continue to bike 40-55 miles a day, should cross into California mid-week or so.

Resting up.

Made it to Lincoln City yesterday afternoon. I've pedaled a little over 180 miles in the last four days. My legs are pretty dead so going to take a little time off here in this oceanside city to give the old legs a break. Post a progress report again in a few days.

North Oregon Coast

Spent back to back nights with Warm Showers hosts. Last night in Seaside and tonight in Bay City. Went out to a pub and swapped stories with my Seaside host and sat around the table and enjoyed a great meal and homemade wine with my Bay City hosts tonight. A young couple, with their dog, also are spending the night. Good people all around. Biked through my 1st tunnel, saw great scenery, and had a flat along the way. Total biking experience.

Goodbye Washington....Hello Oregon!

Left Raymond during a dense fog early this morning and biked to the Astoria Bridge. Contemplated camping on the Washington side because of all the weekend traffic on the bridge, but then decided to go for it. Now I'm glad I did. Staying in Astoria tonight and starting the Oregon Coast portion of the journey. From everything I've heard, the scenery is going to awesome. Legs are getting stronger every day.

Good Day/Bad Day

Had a great day yesterday. Woke up to an awesome breakfast provided by my WarmShowers hosts, Larye and Judy. Biked from Shelton to Lake Sylvia State Park north of Montesano, about 38 miles of gentle hills. Camped overnight, and was planning on biking to Bay Center, but ended up stopping at Raymond after a not particularly pleasant ride. Rained most of the day, lots of splashback from trucks, very hilly terrain and my chain came off. Good news is...approximately 60 miles to the Oregon border!

With a little help....

Over the past 3 days, I have made it from Port Angeles, WA to Shelton, WA. A guy I met in Discovery Bay offered to transport myself and bike part of the way in the back of his pick-up truck after warning me of some dangerous curves with little to no shoulder, so I took him up on his offer. After biking into Shelton, I stopped at Blondie's for a bite to eat and saw a bunch of Packer stuff up on the wall. Ended up getting to know Blondie's sister, Rose, who informed me both her and her sister were big time Packer fans. Upon getting up to leave and pay, she tells me, "Don't worry about it...it's on me"! And tonight I am experiencing my first Warm Showers hosts. I am staying at the house of a wonderful couple, Larye and Judy Parkins. They host bicyclists on a regular basis. They told me I am the 39th rider they hosted just this year. They are extremely generous and friendly. A Dutch couple, coming to the end of a 5,000 mile adventure are also staying the night. This has definitely been the most social day of the ride so far.

Back in the U.S.

Spent 2 nights camping south of Nanaimo on Vancouver Island, then spent the last 2 days biking to Victoria and catching the ferry across to Port Angeles, Washington. Wish I could have spent more time in Victoria, seems like an interesting city to spend a couple days in. Tomorrow starting the 101 route through Washington. Have no idea what kind of pace I'll be able to set, but not going to push it. Post again in a couple of days.

On the road...

Finally left Bellingham on Friday morning. Wasn't planning on a knock-down cold to start things off. Crossed the border and biked through Vancouver and Stanley Park, then up to Horseshoe Bay to catch the ferry to Nanaimo on Vancouver Island. Found a campsite about 5 miles out of town. Got in really late, so going to stay an extra day to continue getting over this damn cold. Only one direction for the rest of the trip.....SOUTH!

Heading North

Hopped the train to Bellingham, WA and arrived late last night. Going to spend the day here getting my bike ready for the ride. Hope to be in Vancouver tomorrow. Fighting a nasty cold so might delay things a day or two, but no turning back now.

The Wedding!

Together with the family at Mike and Bethan's wedding in beautiful Hood River, Oregon on August 10th. They were married outside on a slightly cloudy, but otherwise gorgeous day. It was a very happy occasion and a great way to start off this adventure. I will be catching the train to Bellingham, Washington tomorrow (8/12) and reuniting with my bike the following day.

Bike is on the way!

Bike and gear have been shipped to the Canadian border. I will be flying into Portland on 8/9 for my son's wedding the following day. Then taking the train to Bellingham, WA to pick up my gear and bike across the border into Vancouver, B.C. The plan at this time is to bike around Vancouver Island for a few days before heading south back into the U.S. and down the coast. I'll post as often as I can during the journey. Thanks to Louie's Kids for their help and the great work they do to help combat childhood obesity.