Monday, September 1, 2008
Epiloge
OK, we rode a lot of miles:2220 for me & KK rode 625, but we drove the van 7800 miles! Two oil changes and stayed in the camper 41 nights, with 1 motel & two nights of driving. The camping consisted of 25 nights in KOA's, 8 in RV parks, & 8 in campgrounds. The best KOA's were in Great Falls, MT; Pomeroy, WA; Owana, IA & Bismarck, ND. The best RV park was Bob's in Gettysburg, SD & Fairway Park, Walla Walla, WA. The best camgrounds were Lewis & Clark State Park, IA, Downstream Campground, Ft Peck, MT. ,Powell Nat'l Park, ID & Cross Creek State park, MT..thanks again for visiting the site and "going" along with us...mike & KK
Friday, August 22, 2008
East bound to Harrah
Hi one & all! Well, we're home, but it took another 1000 mile drive from Rock Springs, Wy to Harrah, America, arriving here at 6:30 am..central time---at our lovely cul-de-sac home, but there's lots of weeds to pull and mail to go through. We want to thank so many people for this GREAT opportunity, Terry & Fonda Haws for the use of the camper; David for setting up the blog; our neighbors who kept care of our place; Paula for checking on things & many people on the way who helped in some way and all who read the blogs and left comments..I'll miss posting everyday, but who knows, maybe a trip in the future..feel free to read it all and leave more comments..see ya down the road! officially, 2220 miles & 65000' climbed..625 for KK.
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Homeward bound
Hi all!!! Well, after our visit to the Japanese Gardens in Portland and a quick stop at the Cascade Locks KOA--to post!-we drove all night, before stopping for breakfast just into Wyoming..then on down a few miles and stopped in Rock Springs. WY at a KOA to set up, swim & relax..(nap}. I did go our for a quick 40 miles as I have never ridden in this state, and it was a little tough..1650 climb and it's about 6700' here already. That put me at about 2200 miles for the trip. 80 & sunny, but a little breezy. Back on I-80 to Cheyenne & south to Denver tomorrow..see ya soon!
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
The End of the Trail
"Ocian in View, O the Joy!"..said capt Lewis, and Mike & KK! A dreary day for our arrival in Seaside, OR, but not as dismal as the Corps had it in November, '05. This is the area where Capt Lewis sent some of the men to extract salt from seawater for their use in camp in curing meat & general use. It was 12 miles from the salt works back to Fort Clatsop, so that was no easy chore. (sidebar-just wanted to add for yesterday's Cape Disappointment adventure, that the reason for the name, was it was the place they hoped to build the fort for their winter stay, but the ocean wind, surf & constant rain, sent them back inland to the eventual site. There was actually a "vote" by all of the Corps on where they should put the fort..even the slave, York & Sakajawea had a say in the outcome.) Now for the last day of our trip! Up at 7:00 and coffee & coke at our "resort" KOA, and up to breakfast for me while KK started to put down the camper stuff. I got back and we packed up and I headed out by bike to Seaside & the "Trails End" statue on Broadway. A pretty nice ride down to the beach, but lots of traffic. I see KK at another scrappin' store and stop for some directions where we'll meet. A right on 12th street & out to the ocean boardwalk. It's still a good distance to the statue & KK walks it and I ride, but stop to help some people air up their tire on a wheelchair! A few pics at the site & chatting with other people about the trip & it's raining a little too. Looks like we're going to get out of here just in time. A great trip! 20 miles today & 400'..KK -0-, but a long walk. Now we are eastbound toward home, but a brief stop in Portland at the Japanese Gardens in Washington Park. It was a beautiful spot , very peaceful & lush..a great stop! Back on the road and rush- hour traffic in Portland, but we finally get out & hit I-84. See ya soon!
Monday, August 18, 2008
THE Bridge to "Disappointment"
We stayed warm last night-we opened up both bags and put them on top of us & we were toasty! We slept in 'till 7:20-no trains, just a few fog horns tooting. put on the coffee & coke and make the long walk to the bathroom. It's rainy & foggy & we go to the KOA breakie-which is included in the cost of the site. Up to the KOA to internet, as we couldn't get it in our "remote" location in the back of the park last night. SUCCESS! we post the blog & check e-mails. Since it's rainy and cold we decide to go over the BIG bridge to Washington & vist the Lewis & Clark national Park at Cape Disappointment. It is the newest Nat'l park and very nice, but the BIG bridge-The Astoria Bridge- is 4 miles long and pretty high, and KK holds on for dear life! Throught a couple of towns and into the park. A very nice Interpretive center, with a $5 fee & well worth it. Nice design with a spiral, self-guided tour, & "magic rocks" to insert at various places to validate your "passport". There were some actual items owned by Patrick Gass of the Expedition and also each member of the Corps was listed and what happened to him or her after the return in '06. When we got there you could not see the water due to the dense fog, but after our 1 1/2 mile hike to the lighthouse, it was clearing off and the views were FAB! Once again, thousands of ferns, enormous firs with spanish moss laden branches. Back into town-River City-for a calzone at a local deli-homemade & really good! Back across the BIG bridge and to the scrapbook store where I left KK & rode to Fort Clatsop, a re-creation of the fort where the Corps spent the winter of '05/'06. A very small fort, like Fort Mandan, for 33 members to spend such along time..Dec 5th-Mar 2rd. But they kept busy, hunting, trading, making clothes (350 pairs of moccasins) for their return trip. Plus a live demo of a flintlock rife as used by the Corps, by Ranger Bob..nicely done. I leave the Fort, which also had a film & exhibits and head off toward Seaside, but it starts raining again and head back to camp. It's back to 58 degrees when I get back and KK has been out riding too, so hot showers feel real good! Off to supper at "Buoy 9" just up the road, with lots of locals & I go for the cod sandwich & chowder & KK has the Chinook Salmon--pretty good! and did I say a Longboard lager? Now back to the KOA Kafe for a little internet & postings. There's supposedly a BIG storm moving in, so we'll head out of here tomorrow, down to Seaside and head 'em east toward home. 30 miles & 900 ' today & KK had 17.
The Lost Boy
"O the Joy, Ocian in View!"..from the words & journals of Capt Lewis...We' re now in Astoria, OR & a beautiful..but wet KOA..334 sites here & we're the fartherest away from the bathrooms as we can be. But at least ..NO TRAINS! We were up early, had breakie & packed up the camper and headed toward the Pacific. A short stop at IKEA, and KK shopped and I rode a little on a cloudy & 80 degree morning. She finds a couple of things & off we go. But a wrong turn cost us a little time, but we make it to Astoria & stop at the welcome center for directions & brochures. Lunch at the Uniontown Deli, with wonderful chowder, fish tacos & salmon cakes. On to the KOA & wait in line to check in. Set up and KK has to go to the store for distilled water, so I go out exploring. It's too late to get over to Fort Clatsop, so I ride the roads and Ft Stevenson Park, and it's 59 degrees & a little rain. I get back to camp and KK is back but went riding & now she's called with a plea for me to come and get a "lost boy" she has found in the park. Turns out he got separated from a group of boys & can't find his way back to his camp. I drive over and he-Andrew, about 10, describes his campsite & I know where it is , but when we get there , no one seems to be concerned..oh well, he thanked us and away we went. Back to camp & a sammie for supper, a good hot shower..which we drive to..and try to get on the net. only 34 miles today & 800'..KK .7 miles on the trails.
Saturday, August 16, 2008
it's H-O-T baby
Yes, we're in the northwest, but it was 103 today, but relief is on the way, or so we hear. we both slept in today, despite or friends,,dem trains..until 8:30, but we needed it I suppose. I visited with the neighbors a little, who are long distance runners & usually on mountain trails. Man, do they look fit! I have a couple of cups of coffee & when KK gets up, I go over to the KOA breakfast..pancakes & sausage for $4.20. Then we load up and drive back to L&C state park, where we park, unload and ride the bike paths/bike route into Portland. The route goes thru Troutdale, a cute little 'burgh, with farmer's markets going strong on Sat morning. out of town and a ride along the river, with lots of activity..swimmers, boaters all along both sides(Washington & Oregon). The Portland airport is on our left & a lot of activity there too. we make our turn around the airport and start looking for downtown, but decide to have lunch first, at the Concordia Ale House. A great choice!( some guy on the street told us how to get there.) Anyway, two of the best sandwiches you ever saw, and the bread was the best you've ever tasted! Homemade fries, chips and two cold brews for me,,a red amber & a dark..both micro-brews from Oregon. Back out on the route and lookin' for downtown & we get some good directions and finally get there, but it's too far to Wash Park, so we head back for the river. It's pretty hot by this time & we have to stop and get a coke,,where? Home Depot! We were desperate! That put some zip back into our legs and we pedaled off for the path again, and saw MT Hood right down the path! Back toward the van and as we crossed the Big Sandy River, there were thousands of people swimming & rafting & the park was packed with picnicers & bikers. We had cold gatorade waitin' for us, and a cold coke for you know who. (Side-bar-this was a campsite for the Corps, both on the westbound journey to the Pacific & the Eastbound trip & Lewis called it a muddy river, with lots of sand, but it was probably due to an eruption on Mt St Helens at the time.) Loadup and head back toward camp, but a quick stop at "Roosters Rock", another campsite for the Corps & also a State park. Back to the KOA and it's packed,,no room at all! Guess the 100 degree temps has sent everyone to the Gorge! Supper? popcorn & 22 fritos, and a cold brew. %0 miles & 1100' today and what a ride by KK!! She had 50 miles too! Her longest ride in a very long time. That puts her over 600 for the trip! tomorrow, off to Astoria and the coast.
Friday, August 15, 2008
The five Peaks
Of course, more trains, but I'm used to 'em now, but still up at 7am & KK sleeps in, or at least stays in bed 'till 8:30. I have my coffee & cookies and sit outside writing mom notes on the trip, from my bike journal. When KK gets up we cook breakie-sausage, eggs, toast, before riding out together to the bike trails, a little after 10:00. When we get to the stairs,,yep, stairs on the bike path, about 5 tiers high to the old rt 30. I carry my bike up, but KK goes back for more trails and to camp and the pool (aKoontz book) for a while before coming after me. I proceed toward Troutdale, where she will come in a few hours to meet up at Lewis & Clark State Park-where else? I'm on the trail-Historic Rt 30-& then onto I-84 for about 5 miles before getting back onto rt 30 where we were last evening, viewing the waterfalls. I meet some gals from Pittsburgh (Penn Hills) who take my pic & I take theirs. How can I pick people from Pitt all the time? I stopped at a couple of "new" falls, Latourell & Sheppard's Dell-but a nice climb to Crown Point overlook at about 1400' (from 450), get some more water & head down the hill to L&C state park,,a real nice drop, with speeds of 42. It's really crowded at the park, Friday afternoon, hot and a nice river to swim & float in. KK shows up & we have a sammie in the shade..only 98..then head back up the hill to Larch Mountain..el 4120' to view the five peaks in wash state, from one spot!Before starting up we get a call from Cami, cool. It's a pretty good climb but well worth it..we're above the hawks flying around the forest below & we see Mt Hood, Mt St Helens, Mt Rainier, Mt Adams & Mt Jefferson..what a sight! A pretty tough hike to start as we took the wrong route, but it was nice too. I get back on the bike & head down, down , down! For 16 miles to the Crown point again & meet KK who is talking to Geoff. Then down 4 more miles to a water fall that we hadn't seen, and we hike down to it & I put my weary feet into the cool mountain stream..what relief!( Hey Kevin, remember that?) A few pics and back to Cascade Locks for an ice cream & to camp to cook supper-hot dogs & mackies! Hit the showers, visit with the neighbors & try to post the blog..no wifi for a while. today marked just over 2000 miles on the trip for me & 551 for KK..total climb so far...60,260'. On to Portland!
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Choo Choo Cha Boogie
and you know what the choo choo means...many trains passed by our campsite in the night, but hopefully we'll get used to them and get some more sleep & they blow their whistles right at our spot! I didn't know there were that many trains running. So we're up really early and KK's cookin' breakie while I write Dottie some notes on the trip & secure our campsite in Astoria for sunday. Then we load up the bikes and head east for Hood River & some of the trail that I missed. Into town & get gas (3.99) and on to Wally, where I get out and ride east on old Rt 30-the original scenic road from Portland up the river, built in 1912-22. some of it is still in use & some is for biking & walking only. I see & chat with a lot of bikers & ranger "Rick" too, while pedaling easterly toward Rowena. It's pretty hilly & gettin' hot..up to 100 today! I make it to Rowena Crest, about 1100' & a beautiful view of the gorge, river & the twistie road down to the town. a few pics and back toward Hood River & lunch at the "Char Burger"--it was great! and especially the condiment bar, where I loaded up my burger! and 3 glasses of tea. Then a first for me: I had to go out onto I-84 (that's INTERSTATE!) for 11 miles-the only rt available-and it's all downhill to Wyeth. Exit here and on to Cascade Locks, with a climb or two, but a two-mile downhill! back to the KOA by 4:00 & hit the pool..ahhhhhh. Then we head out for Historic Columbia River Rt 30 & a water fall tour! What an unbelievable road and so many waterfalls! we went to 5 and the most famous is "Multnomah"..a 620' drop & quite spectular. we liked "Horsetail" the best, but the others: Wahkeena, Bridal Veil & Oneonta were all FAB! Hope the pics do them justice. It was a 1 mile hike to Bridal, but worth every step. What a way to end the day! back to camp for supper-spaghetti, peas, bread & wine. Write in the journal, wash dishes, shower & post the blog..now it's 11:10. 52 miles and 3600' today..KK didn't ride, but had some "quality" pool time & reading & found two flamingos that needed a home. (sidebar-L&C were all over this river, both going to the Pacific in '05 & returning in '06, and a lot of campsites are along the shores.)
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
The Oregon Trail
OK, before I forget it again, all along the way, starting in SD, and even here in WA, there are beehives all around the planted fields. A person from out of the state comes and places hives around the fields to help with the pollenization on the crops, and then harvests the honey in the fall. I guess it helps because they have been very numerous throughout these states. Also, as we leave this area of WA, there are hundreds of wind-turbines! Once again, I wake up at 6am..stop it! But back to sleep and up at 7:15 and do my thing, but have to find a coke for KK, then a bacon sand & pack up for a trip down rt 12. Out by 10:00 & drive down the route I rode yesterday, and I get out where the Columbia River comes onto the route, so there's all kinds of markers on this part & KK goes on to our rendevous point.."Hat Rock" State Park. The ride is beautiful, with this massive river on my right, well actually a lake as the Bonneville Dam has it backd up for a long way. Still a lot of traffic but a wide shoulder, and one highlight was two A-10 Wart-Hogs buzzing down the river valley, a train loaded with coal & all of a sudden, I'm in Oregon! On to our rendevous & Hat Rock is really cool! A geological formation that looks like a hat. Capt Clark noted it in his journal when they camped there in 1805, on their way to the Pacific, and a very nice park, so we had lunch at the "Hat Rock" cafe & it too was better than your average sandwich! We also got out and hiked up to the rock & overlooks. There was an RV park there too, but we decided to move on & go to a KOA in Cascade Locks, OR. We head out I-84 & WAM! KK screams & it's Mt Hood just a sittin' there out our windshield!--I thought we hit something! Anyway, we get to the KOA about 4:00 & get a spot; set up and go out for a spin. But this was no ordinary spin: we find a bike route down to the river & then the path, which is the old US 30 Highway & it is unbelievable! It is totally tree covered with enormous pines, thousands of big ferns, moss covered trees, water falls, creeks and it was only 3 miles long, but not flat, and of course views of the river gorge..I'm like Capt Lewis when he described the Great Falls, I wish I could do better, but you just have to see it! We didn't go over "The Bridge of the Gods"..a toll bridge back over the river to Washington State-it's neat mind you, but a metal floor. so a few pics were taken on this outing. back to camp for supper-Grandad potatoes, chicken & salad. Hit the showers & turn on the WIFI & post to my journal. only 35 miles & 1500' today & KK got 14 miles.
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Touchet, my friend
Holy cow! we wake up at 6am..what time is it really? but back to sleep & finally up at 7:15..cook some bacon, eggs & toast and get ready to ride, but first, wash dishes and help with laundry..i'm out at 9:40 and headed out westerly on rt 12. Pretty heavy traffic, especially trucks, but the shoulder is wide and smooth. I decided to turn around at about 27 miles & head back, so I didn't quite make the Columbia River. Back toward Walla Walla and lunch in Touchet-Subway- before taking a side trip to WW University & a purchase or two--success! Back into town, via poplar ave and over to the RV park & here comes KK!! she rode 23 miles this morning after I left and shopped, did laundry, so a big day for her! I hit the showers and out we go for Wally & an oil change-you know you've been out for a long time when you have to get two oil changes. Then we go to a winery-Reininger- for some tasting & purchases. A short drive back into WW and dinner at the Destination Grill, the old RR depot, and what a great meal! KK had the Pacific salmon, in a feta cheese & polenta sauce..the BEST! (she says of the trip so far). I had the seared sesame crusted Ahi tuna-FAB! Back to camp to wotk on the stove, the bike and BLOG! a good day for all! I rode 60 miles & climbed 1700'..KK 23 miles.
Monday, August 11, 2008
Walla Walla, here we come
A pretty chill night at the KOA..51 when I got up, so had to use the blankie, but stayed warm & slept 'till 7:30. A few cars early, but no motorcycles! Cook some breakfast, packup for a ride in Washington state. It's downhill for 20 miles thru a lovely canyon & lots of wind-turbines on the hills, and they were turning! A small herd of deer ran in front of me, some quail and not many autos. I stopped at an L&C marker-a campsite for may 3rd, 1806 on their return trip. The Corps was in this valley, returning from the Pacific. down to Rt 1 and a left toward Dayton, WA, and a very tough 5-mile uphill to highlight the day. finally I get phone service and call KK who is waiting at another L&C marker, but this one is bigger & has the entire Corps, made up with iron sculptures, and placed where the person thought they might be when camped-horses, dogs, the whole deal..very well done! ( and on the actual site of the encampment.) We had a sandwich here and proceeded on to Walla Walla. No campsite were listed for WW,but as we drove into town, there was The"Fairway RV Park"..pretty nice and 30 bucks and only 1 mile from downtown & all of the wineries! We set up and go for a spin into town and it's very nice, and there's actually 73 wineries in the area! So let's get to tastin'! We ride about 16 miles on the streets--bike lanes- and also some paths on Mill Creek. A few pics and back to camp to cook supper, shower and go shoppin'...and yes, you guessed it..a DQ! and got gas..it's 4.12 here, but not close to the high of the trip in Glacier, where it was 4.59! Looks like we'll stay here two nights and enjoy the wine. 55 miles & 2900' today..KK, 16..for those of you keeping "score"at home, I now have ridden 1835 miles & climbed 51, 200'..kk has ridden 497 so far and that's good! but she'sbehind in her scrappin'. Oh, did I mention onions? It's -sweet white onions-a big industry here & giant ones are all over town, just like our buffalos.
Sunday, August 10, 2008
Riding the road less travelled
A nice night at the Lewis & Clark Resort & RV Park..not a great resort but very adquate & friendly folks running it. As usual, a lot of motorcyclists but fairly quiet. Up at 7:00, with coffee, cookie, before we go off to the "Sakajawea Cafe" for a great breakfast! Pack up the camper & leave by 10am..not bad. I head out , with my new L&C cycling jersey, and take the recommended route over the mountain, rather than continuing down the river, which KK took, with the "rig"..anyway, it was a 7-mile climb to start and more to follow. The landscape changed from massive trees, to prairies of wheat & camas, with combines cuttin' away, and of course BIG trucks hauling the grain. When I took a break for lunch in Craigmont, ID, I had ridden 42 miles and climbed 4300', but the great hamburger & jojo's(potatoes) at the Prairie Cafe brought me back for the push down to Lewiston. About 5 miles past lunch, a sign reads."6% grade for the next 4 miles", and away I go! downhill for the next 32 miles and more rivers, the Clearwater, the Lapwai, and the Snake. Only a flat slowed me down, but I fianlly get into Lewiston, where KK is waiting at a roadside park--I did call her when I got service..two days without it! She had bought a new printer at Wally & a few other things, so off we go to DQ! Then a drive to Pomeroy, WA. to a lovely, very remote KOA..the drive ended with a 3-mile, switchback, gravel road, with no guard rails, in low gear! KK was hangin' on! We set up & KK goes out for a little spin & sees over a dozen deer, a herd of wild turkeys, a few quail & only rides 7 miles. What's next? Walla-Walla! 83 miles for me today & 4900'
Saturday, August 9, 2008
A River runs beside It
I guess a cyclist can't ask for much more; end one day with a 13-mile downhill and start the next day going down the mountain, with a beautiful river running beside you-all day! But first, I wake up at 7:15, to a little rain, but by the time I put the coffee & coke on, it's clear, so I walk down to the river and sip some java. KK gets up and we go back down there and just enjoy the morning. Back up to camp to cook breakfast & start to pack up, and it starts storming again, but not much rain, but a chilly 65 degrees. We head out on Rt 12, the Lewis & Clark Nat'l Highway, me with my goretex on and KK driving the "Rig"..so, back to the downhill..I ride 40 miles & meet KK for lunch & I'm still going down..not drastically, but a steady 16-20mph. we have lunch by the river, still the Lochsa, but real quick it's the Clearwater, (with lots of fly fishermen) and I continue riding & KK just reads and enjoys the setting. I also stop at the National Historic Ranger Station & visit a little. When KK catches me at 57 miles, I'm STILL going down, but I get in and we drive to our next campground in Kamiah, ID--the Lewis & Clark Resort & RV Park...what else! It's pretty nice, but resort kinds overdoes it, but we do have showers & a pool, so after we set up that's where we go..to cool off, as it's 91 here at only 1250'. Then we go out for a spin, into town and some more historical markers. (Sidebar-this is the spot where the Corps emerged, almost starved, from the Lolo trail & encountered the Nez Perce Tribe, who helped them regain their strength for the final push to the pacific.) Another marker at this site was about a missionary, named Asa Smith, (!) who tried to live among the Nez Perce and teach them religion, but couldn't stand the tough environment here and went, in 1841, to Hawaii. A nice ride and of course, more bars & casinos and a car wash! (of which I used later). Plus, on our way back to camp, there was an apparent forest fire going,and we saw planes, choppers & lots of smoke. Supper at the camp & some catching up on the WIFI. 63 miles & (get this!) 310' of climb...KK 6 miles. If I had ridden the whole way, it would have been downhill for 110 miles!
Traveler's Rest
sorry for the delay, but no wifi last eve. The day started in Missoula, home of the Adventure Cycling Assoc, and I wanted to go to their HQ, just to say HI! and get a jersey, so after a breakfast at the KOA..really good..I suited up and headed for downtown, while KK biked in the area of the KOA. It was about 4 miles to the office and most of it on bike lanes. A nice place and complimentery sodas, ice cream & a water bottle! then they took my pic and info and posted it to the BIG board. Back to camp I went, where we packed up and I headed out for the L&C trail , while KK stayed in Missoula and looked for scrapbookin' stores, found two. the first part of my ride was very busy with tons of traffic,-where were they all going?- but as I left town, it got better and all downhill to Lolo, MT. This is the spot where the Corps of Discovery camped to rest up for the trip over the mountains..hence, "Traveler's Rest". They have excavated this site and found the exact spot where the corps camped! I met a couple of guys here and asked one to take my pic, it turns out he was from Pittsburgh & knew some of the people I knew. Back out on the road & a lovely 31 mile up hill! most of it gentle until the last 3 miles, where KK caught me & we had lunch before I rode the last part to the cont'l divide at Lolo Pass..el 5300'. A very nice visitor's center at the top & met a guy here who was one of the re-enactors for the L&C Bicentennial. KK stayed at the center and went on one of the hiking trails, where there was a plaque for Stephen Ambrose. I then rolled over the top & into Idaho, went downhill for 13 miles to our camp for the night..Powell Campground Nat'l forest. It was wonderful! right on the Lochsa River & only & 7.50-for us old folks! Set up and then a short ride back up the road to an unbelievable Western Red Cedar forest, dedicated to Devoto, who edited the L&C journals..3-400 year old trees, ferns, flowers. Supper at the camp & a nice campfire to end the day. 78 miles & 3400'..KK 15 miles
Thursday, August 7, 2008
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