Tailwinds At Last

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Yesterday we enjoyed a rest day in Newport, Oregon. There were a few too many chores, including laundry, waterproofing Mike Sr's tent, mending Mike's trousers, and buying groceries. We did enjoy some more laid back activities like walking on the beach, drinking milkshakes, and watching TV but we are hoping for a more relaxing rest day next week.

Unfortunately, Mike the Younger gave Mike the Older a cold just before our rest day. Mike Sr. seemed to get over the worst of it by the time we set out this morning but still had some sneezes and sniffles. Nevertheless, he zoomed away over the rolling hills. Perhaps he was trying to get away in case we gave him any other illnesses. We alternately refer to him as "Rocket Man" or "The Orange Bullet" - so named because of the orange stuffsack he carries on the back of his bike.

Today's weather was beautiful, though a touch chilly in the shady forests. We even had tailwinds all day. All it took was 7800 miles of riding to get one good day of tailwinds. We are solidly in beach country now and spent most of the day with the Pacific Ocean on our right. Oregon has some huge and spectacular beaches. The route had a few larger hills that afforded some great views and excellent descents. We were overtaken on one hill by a pair of touring cyclists who were sprinting upwards. Their speed was extreme and led us to wonder if they were temporarily showing off or if they truly cycled like that all day. I like to think that once they were out of our sight they stopped at a hotel for several days to recover.

The only (minor) disappointment of the day came in the afternoon when we stopped by a beach that has caves inhabited by a great number of sea lions. We had hoped for some entertainment but it has been turned into a private attraction, complete with entrance fee. Since the three of us have spent copious amounts of time in southern California with plenty of free sea lion-viewing we declined to shell out $12 each for the privilege.

Tonight we are camping at the Port of Siuslaw in the town of Florence where the showers require you to press a button every 2 minutes to get more water. But, hey, they're free.

Today's miles: 53

Lighthouse in Newport

Sand dunes ahead

We enjoyed the sunshine

Leaving Newport on highway 101

Another beach

Bumpy headlands

Tunnels are fun


Comments

  1. CheriOctober 4, 2018 at 8:07 AM

    When you reach San Simeon, California (if that is your route) you will be able to watch the sea lions for free. Mike, Sr., Katie, and I enjoyed the viewing area some summers back.
    I loved the photos as always (although I smile a bit wider when you are in the snap).
    Ride safely.
    Cheri

    ReplyDelete

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