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.