The very final end. My bike arrived home at the weekend delivered by the Paisley Velo Cycling Team!. When I arrived at Glasgow airport the plan had been to send it up the road by carrier. BUT- neither the very nice Glasgow cabbie nor I could find the carrier's depot, so we stopped at a bike shop to see if they knew directions.They did not , however Willie Cosh at 'Q Bikes' offered to bring the bike up when he next came. How good was that?!. What a great guy. There was a race around Invergordon on Sunday 11 August , so they dropped off the bike, went and checked out the route, then came back and kipped on the floors. I was at work or sleeping. They were away very early and I never even met them.
A big thank you to all the people who I have met on my travels..... Like Earl and Garry who let me tag along with them through Kentucky. Fellow cyclists, all the people who have acted as hosts.People like Bill and Zac who have helped me along the way. Matt in Nicholson who rescued me from a nights' camping in the city park. The fire stations, churches and small communities who treat cyclists so well, and make the trip such a great experience. The people like Rene at the airport, who just gave me a lift into Tacoma. Everybody in the USA for being so friendly, helpful and great.
Thank you to everybody who has donated money to the Highland Hospice.
The biggest thank you is reserved for Keith, who supported me all the way. Does not mind me disappearing for three months, but I think is happy to have me home!
Tuesday 13 August 2013
Tuesday 30 July 2013
Competition
Arrived home with no problems. I boxed up the bike at Tacoma Airport on the Tuesday. Was given a lift into Tacoma by Rene, who had watched me, whilst waiting for her lift home from airport.. In Tacoma I was picked up as arranged by Kaisa who took me home. I was given a great meal then we went for a walk along the sound, with views over to a wooded island. Next day Kaisa gave me a lift back to the airport on her way to work.
I was given an upgrade by Icelandair to economy comfort, which meant more leg room and free meals! Bike arrived ok. Could not find the delivery agent who was meant to take it up the road, but left it at a bike shop in Paisley, where Willie says he will bring it up to Fort William when he next comes.
I was home by 6 p.m. on Thursday evening in time to ice Mum's cake. Then it was down to Cumbria on Friday for her 90th birthday celebrations.
COMPETITION
For 10's and under. Draw a picture of me and my bike. Put name, address, and age on the back. Send to the Highland Hospice (Sarah's cycle competition), or give to me. Prize will be3 a tee shirt with cycle picture on it. Closing date 23rd August. Please if you have not already done so give a small donation to the Highland Hospice. Thank You.
I was given an upgrade by Icelandair to economy comfort, which meant more leg room and free meals! Bike arrived ok. Could not find the delivery agent who was meant to take it up the road, but left it at a bike shop in Paisley, where Willie says he will bring it up to Fort William when he next comes.
I was home by 6 p.m. on Thursday evening in time to ice Mum's cake. Then it was down to Cumbria on Friday for her 90th birthday celebrations.
COMPETITION
For 10's and under. Draw a picture of me and my bike. Put name, address, and age on the back. Send to the Highland Hospice (Sarah's cycle competition), or give to me. Prize will be3 a tee shirt with cycle picture on it. Closing date 23rd August. Please if you have not already done so give a small donation to the Highland Hospice. Thank You.
Monday 22 July 2013
Monday 22nd July.
Wild Cat Cove road to Seattle. 51 miles.
Back tracked to Shelton. Then continued cycling up the Olympia Peninsula, through wooded countryside. The last 10 miles should have been on the old highway, but we missed the turning and went on the main road. The main road was paid for by Bill Gates, as one of his many houses is on the old highway, and he did not like the traffic passing close by! It was then on to Bremmerton for the ferry across to Seattle. Home to Starbucks, a great market, and a city which is alive with people.
So that is it!
Statistics to follow, but I think (I need to find a calculator to count), that I have cycled over 4,500 miles and travelled through eleven states. Am spending the night in the hostel near the ferry and market, before the task of packing up bike etc for the flight home on Thursday.
Back tracked to Shelton. Then continued cycling up the Olympia Peninsula, through wooded countryside. The last 10 miles should have been on the old highway, but we missed the turning and went on the main road. The main road was paid for by Bill Gates, as one of his many houses is on the old highway, and he did not like the traffic passing close by! It was then on to Bremmerton for the ferry across to Seattle. Home to Starbucks, a great market, and a city which is alive with people.
So that is it!
Statistics to follow, but I think (I need to find a calculator to count), that I have cycled over 4,500 miles and travelled through eleven states. Am spending the night in the hostel near the ferry and market, before the task of packing up bike etc for the flight home on Thursday.
Sunday 21st July
Elma to Wild Cat Cove road (beyond Shelton). 40 miles.
A cycle along a quiet road, through forested countryside, to the logging town of Shelton. The main road took the traffic. I actually met Rebecca, another female cyclist. She is doing some kind of research work into crickets! Rebecca, Ruffie and I went to a café where the owner told us to bring in our bikes as there is a lot of crime in the area. (Ruffie says he saw someone taking methadone in the toilets!).
We then had to back track onto the main road, plus take the freeway to reach the beautiful cove where we stayed with Bob and Jean. Well worth the effort. A great location, next to the tidal sound with Mount Rainier in the distance covered in snow. , Salmon cooked on the barbecue, and the kindest people you could ever hope to meet.
A cycle along a quiet road, through forested countryside, to the logging town of Shelton. The main road took the traffic. I actually met Rebecca, another female cyclist. She is doing some kind of research work into crickets! Rebecca, Ruffie and I went to a café where the owner told us to bring in our bikes as there is a lot of crime in the area. (Ruffie says he saw someone taking methadone in the toilets!).
We then had to back track onto the main road, plus take the freeway to reach the beautiful cove where we stayed with Bob and Jean. Well worth the effort. A great location, next to the tidal sound with Mount Rainier in the distance covered in snow. , Salmon cooked on the barbecue, and the kindest people you could ever hope to meet.
Saturday 20 July 2013
Sat. 20th July.
Centralia to Elma. 40 miles (includes back trips to shop and the like)
The R.V. park I spent last night in had a distribution centre behind it, so I could hear fork lift trucks manouvering pallets of wood before I fell asleep. In the morning, a very irate man seemed to be having a 'run in' with someone over the fence about a missing dog. Still, everyone was friendly to me and the shower was good.
Not a long cycle as there is a hostel in Elma, so I had not planned to go further. A nice ride through farmland I did pass a prison style borstal on route. When I reached town the only cafes were burger joints, but I settled in the 'Eagle's Nest', had a burger and waited for Ruffie, who I have not seen for a couple of nights, to catch up! It was a great place run by a great team. They wanted to know all about the U.K. I had to leave some coinage for them to show the children in Sunday school.
It was then on to the hostel where I am camping. Then back to the shop to get supplies. Ruffie and I have had spaghetti bolognaise followed by yogurt and peaches brought from a roadside stall.
The R.V. park I spent last night in had a distribution centre behind it, so I could hear fork lift trucks manouvering pallets of wood before I fell asleep. In the morning, a very irate man seemed to be having a 'run in' with someone over the fence about a missing dog. Still, everyone was friendly to me and the shower was good.
Not a long cycle as there is a hostel in Elma, so I had not planned to go further. A nice ride through farmland I did pass a prison style borstal on route. When I reached town the only cafes were burger joints, but I settled in the 'Eagle's Nest', had a burger and waited for Ruffie, who I have not seen for a couple of nights, to catch up! It was a great place run by a great team. They wanted to know all about the U.K. I had to leave some coinage for them to show the children in Sunday school.
It was then on to the hostel where I am camping. Then back to the shop to get supplies. Ruffie and I have had spaghetti bolognaise followed by yogurt and peaches brought from a roadside stall.
Friday 19th July
Longview to Centralia. 64 miles.
Dennis cycled/lead me out of Longview to Castle Rock, before heading round to go to work at the paper mill (where I think he controls the computers which run the plant!).That was really nice of him as he took me a pleasant route off main roads. I then followed a quiet route following the Cowlitze River towards Toledo. Just before town, there were traffic works and I got another puncture. I wheeled my bike to a house (which sold antiques in the barn (really a lot of old tatt), changed the inner tube - no problem! quite an achievement! Then was invited in to lunch by the owner. She had been making jam, so we had to test it - very nice.
The route then became very hilly, and the day which had been overcast became hot. I was not hurrying, I reached Centralia from a very quiet direction and then was a bit stunned by the size of the place. Plus the roads! I hit Safeway for supplies and then went out to the R.V. park to camp. It was not until this point that I looked at my watch. It was half past seven a at night. So where did the day go?
Dennis cycled/lead me out of Longview to Castle Rock, before heading round to go to work at the paper mill (where I think he controls the computers which run the plant!).That was really nice of him as he took me a pleasant route off main roads. I then followed a quiet route following the Cowlitze River towards Toledo. Just before town, there were traffic works and I got another puncture. I wheeled my bike to a house (which sold antiques in the barn (really a lot of old tatt), changed the inner tube - no problem! quite an achievement! Then was invited in to lunch by the owner. She had been making jam, so we had to test it - very nice.
The route then became very hilly, and the day which had been overcast became hot. I was not hurrying, I reached Centralia from a very quiet direction and then was a bit stunned by the size of the place. Plus the roads! I hit Safeway for supplies and then went out to the R.V. park to camp. It was not until this point that I looked at my watch. It was half past seven a at night. So where did the day go?
Thursday 18th July.
62 miles (26 in Oregon and 36 in Washington state. Astoria to Longview.
I started cycling north with Ruffie from Yorkshire, who also has to get back to Seattle for his flight.
We cycled through forested land, close to the Columbia River, before crossing the river by ferry at Westport. Astoria was settled by Scandinavians- to the East the Finnish and to the North West, Swedish. The ferry took us via Puget Island into Washington State, and Norwegian territory.
We had a second breakfast in Cathlamet, surrounded by movie pictures. There were large cut outs of James Dean and Elvis plus a jukebox. I had to pose for the camera between the two!
I then cycled along the Washington side of the Columbia River to Longview, where I had arranged to stay with Jean and Dennis.
A scenic ride, but I was passed by a lot of truck loads of wood. This wood is exported to Japan from Longview. The town also has one of the largest paper mills in the world. Jean met me outside the Starbucks near the Lewis and Clark Bridge. She was riding a recumbent bike, and I followed her home. Dennis and Jean both belong to the recumbent bike club, later Dennis arrived home from work on his recumbent bike.
A great evening with a meal which included squash (courgettes) from their garden. Then a night sleeping under one of the quilts which Jean had made. Next day she was going quilting with friends in the Norwegian hall which I had passed on Puget Island.
I started cycling north with Ruffie from Yorkshire, who also has to get back to Seattle for his flight.
We cycled through forested land, close to the Columbia River, before crossing the river by ferry at Westport. Astoria was settled by Scandinavians- to the East the Finnish and to the North West, Swedish. The ferry took us via Puget Island into Washington State, and Norwegian territory.
We had a second breakfast in Cathlamet, surrounded by movie pictures. There were large cut outs of James Dean and Elvis plus a jukebox. I had to pose for the camera between the two!
I then cycled along the Washington side of the Columbia River to Longview, where I had arranged to stay with Jean and Dennis.
A scenic ride, but I was passed by a lot of truck loads of wood. This wood is exported to Japan from Longview. The town also has one of the largest paper mills in the world. Jean met me outside the Starbucks near the Lewis and Clark Bridge. She was riding a recumbent bike, and I followed her home. Dennis and Jean both belong to the recumbent bike club, later Dennis arrived home from work on his recumbent bike.
A great evening with a meal which included squash (courgettes) from their garden. Then a night sleeping under one of the quilts which Jean had made. Next day she was going quilting with friends in the Norwegian hall which I had passed on Puget Island.
Wednesday 17 July 2013
Wed 17th july.
Rest day in Astoria.
I like Astoria- it is a working town on the Columbia Estuary. I have been to the Maritime museum, the canning factory and ridden on the trolley car (2 dollars for a day pass).
FACTS
1. The bridge connecting Oregon to Washington was built in the 1960's and is over 4 miles long. To me it looks in need of some maintance!
2. Large amounts of canned Alaskan salmon arrive in Astoria. The cans are then labelled here, but the contents are the same.
3. There are five micro breweries in town plus plans for a sixth.
4.The trolley car is run by volunteers who give a running commentary during the ride.
5 The turbulent entrance to the Columbia river has taken many mariners' lives.
I like Astoria- it is a working town on the Columbia Estuary. I have been to the Maritime museum, the canning factory and ridden on the trolley car (2 dollars for a day pass).
FACTS
1. The bridge connecting Oregon to Washington was built in the 1960's and is over 4 miles long. To me it looks in need of some maintance!
2. Large amounts of canned Alaskan salmon arrive in Astoria. The cans are then labelled here, but the contents are the same.
3. There are five micro breweries in town plus plans for a sixth.
4.The trolley car is run by volunteers who give a running commentary during the ride.
5 The turbulent entrance to the Columbia river has taken many mariners' lives.
Tuesday 16th July.
Nehalem Bay State Park to Astoria. 48 miles.
The Oregon coast is made up of sandy bays with forested cliffs between, so today was not without some climbs. I cycled the 25 miles to the town of Seaside in the early morning, before the traffic got too heavy. There were some great views.
I then spent a long time in a very relaxing café with wi fi ,drinking coffee and eating buns. The final cycle to Astoria was on a back road through quiet farming and forest land. I seem to have hit the Lewis and Clark trail again. The expedition took 18 months to travel from Missouri to the Pacific Coast (1805), and they then wintered near the mouth of the Columbia River in a stockade. I cycled past the replica which has been built at the Fort Clatsop National Memorial.
It was then over the Lewis and Clarke River into Astoria. I passed the normal pre-town spill out: scrap metal merchants, car show rooms ,and fast food outlets, outside one of which were Thane, Bobby and Ruffie's three bikes. They were waiting for me, so that we could cycle the final two miles of the Trans American route together. I thought that was really nice of them.
After a photo session by the Maritime monument, Thane and Bobby went to the bike shop to organise the packing of their cycles for transportation back to their home in Michigan. I went and booked into the hostel - which is not a hostel anymore but a hotel and cost me a bit more- but nice to have my own room. We all met up for a meal at night. I get a day off in Astoria to explore, and then cycle North tomorrow.
The Oregon coast is made up of sandy bays with forested cliffs between, so today was not without some climbs. I cycled the 25 miles to the town of Seaside in the early morning, before the traffic got too heavy. There were some great views.
I then spent a long time in a very relaxing café with wi fi ,drinking coffee and eating buns. The final cycle to Astoria was on a back road through quiet farming and forest land. I seem to have hit the Lewis and Clark trail again. The expedition took 18 months to travel from Missouri to the Pacific Coast (1805), and they then wintered near the mouth of the Columbia River in a stockade. I cycled past the replica which has been built at the Fort Clatsop National Memorial.
It was then over the Lewis and Clarke River into Astoria. I passed the normal pre-town spill out: scrap metal merchants, car show rooms ,and fast food outlets, outside one of which were Thane, Bobby and Ruffie's three bikes. They were waiting for me, so that we could cycle the final two miles of the Trans American route together. I thought that was really nice of them.
After a photo session by the Maritime monument, Thane and Bobby went to the bike shop to organise the packing of their cycles for transportation back to their home in Michigan. I went and booked into the hostel - which is not a hostel anymore but a hotel and cost me a bit more- but nice to have my own room. We all met up for a meal at night. I get a day off in Astoria to explore, and then cycle North tomorrow.
Tuesday 16 July 2013
Monday 15th July.
I am now cycling up the coast to Astoria, the official end point of the Trans American cycle route. After that I have a further 200 miles north-east to Seattle! So the blog and cycle ride continues!
I cycled along the coast, and then over forested hillside to Tillamook, home of American cheese (please can somebody tell Ray that!). After a visit to the Blue Moon Café, I did a spot of sight seeing. First I visited the more up market small blue cheese/wine tasting outfit, which was really a shop. I did not have the courage to ask to wine taste. It all looked very posh, people in suits were sniffing and swilling and I was not dressed for the occasion
I then visited the very large Tillamook cheese factory, along with hoards of other people. Lots of free nibbles of cheese. I looked down to the factory floor where large blocks of industrial looking cheddar were being cut into slabs. Extra note here On my second day of cycling I met Emily and camped with her for the night. At that time I thought it a bit strange that she had got a special cheese shop in her home town to vacuum pack 14 bits of cheese for her-one for each day of her trip. After over 10 weeks in the U.S.A. I understand why!
I then cycled on, passing the old port of Garibaldi, where there was a steam train, passing an oyster processing plant and then cycling through Rockaway - a large resort, with lots of motels, Captain Dan's Amusements, Grumpy Jacks Café, and the like. The main 101 coastal road then took me through the up market antique village of Wheeler, where I had a coke (yes I have descended to that level), on the veranda of the restaurant. Then it was on to Manzanita and into the state park, to camp in the 5 dollar hiker/biker section. There are a lot of strange cyclists whom I do not know! But Thane, Bobby and Ruffie were there, a long time before me as usual.
Great sand dunes and very white sand, but windy so did not spend long on the beach. I did not see it but they have a horse section, in case you have ridden there.
Sunday 14 July 2013
Sunday 14th July.
Monmouth to Pacific City. 70 miles.
I never did watch the T.V. last night. I went to the grill next door with Thane and Ruffie instead. They think that I get a better deal because I am female. WHY?!
1. My motel room should have cost 75 dollars, but I said the maximum I could pay was 50 and they gave it to me.
2. I ordered the set price light dinner menu, and they gave us a starter as well by mistake.
3. I said I would like a local beer - and they gave us three free tasters - each in about a quarter pint glass to try. I then had a very nice wheat tasting pint.!
I do not think any of the above have anything to do with my gender.
This morning I had a lie in and did not leave until 7.A.M. It was then a cycle towards the coast, passing more fruit stalls and being passed by a lot of traffic. There were also wineries, - but I have not yet sampled their wares. The traffic got worse and I was glad to take the longer but very scenic wooded old Highway 101. I rejoined the main route just before Nwskowin, which is also were I got my first view of the Pacific Ocean. I cycled on to Pacific City, where I have hit the coast. there is very white sand and a pleasant lowish key tourist resort.
Which means nice cafes, a micro brewery but no casinos. I am staying in the campsite which as I expected costs a lot more than inland, but less than a motel. I also get a swimming pool and the beach!
Saturday 13 July 2013
Sat. 13th July.
Coburg to Monmouth. 58 miles.
The campsite last night was next to the interstate junction. There was a large trucker's park nearby.
However, I slept soundly in my tent and was not kept awake by either the traffic, or the baby which apparently cried all night. A town of two halves, because as I cycled out of Coburg, it seemed to be full of antique shops.
My ride today took me through farm land. Loads of hay were being transported on the road, with bits blowing off in the wind. Plus I was cycling through fruit growing country. Farms had small stands at the end of their drives selling peaches, apricots, blueberries, tomatoes, and raspberries. I stocked up!
Then it was in to Corvallis and there was a market by the river - more fruit and home made pizza with spinach and lots of veggies on, plus home made cakes. Cyclists were everywhere. There was a 'Cycle Oregon' event on. I then passed some orchards of pear trees, which made the main road and the heat of the day better.
The one drawback to the day was the wind. I am cycling against the prevailing wind - which means straight into it- and it is strong! I tagged along behind Bobby,Thane and Ruffy for a while, but they are faster than me. Plus I like to explore the market!
Tonight I am in farming land, so no campsites. I have had to splash out on a motel! I might even see what is on the T.V.!
Friday 12 July 2013
Friday 12th July
Campsite before Mackenzie Bridge to Coburg. 65 miles.
It is great to be away from the canyons and arid land. Cycling down next to the Mackenzie River, first through forest and then farmland. I have skirted the town of Eugene and am now going to be riding north towards the coast at Astoria. This should take about 4-5 days.
COMPETITION
Open to children 10 years and under. Draw a picture of me and my bike.
Put name, address and age on back and send it to either my home address or to:
Sarah Browne Cycle Ride
Highland Hospice
1 Bishops Road
Ness House
Inverness
1V3 5SB
UNITED KINGDOM
To enter please make sure that your parents, grandparents or guardian has made a small donation on my Just Giving site.........
www.justgiving.com/sarah-browne1
Prize will be a tee-shirt with cycle picture on it (size to suit winner).
It is great to be away from the canyons and arid land. Cycling down next to the Mackenzie River, first through forest and then farmland. I have skirted the town of Eugene and am now going to be riding north towards the coast at Astoria. This should take about 4-5 days.
COMPETITION
Open to children 10 years and under. Draw a picture of me and my bike.
Put name, address and age on back and send it to either my home address or to:
Sarah Browne Cycle Ride
Highland Hospice
1 Bishops Road
Ness House
Inverness
1V3 5SB
UNITED KINGDOM
To enter please make sure that your parents, grandparents or guardian has made a small donation on my Just Giving site.........
www.justgiving.com/sarah-browne1
Prize will be a tee-shirt with cycle picture on it (size to suit winner).
Thursday 11th July.
Redmond to hot springs campsite on Mackenzie River. 70 miles.
A great night's sleep on a bed in my own room in Redmond. Then a scenic cycle to the town of Sisters. The three peaks after which the town is named were covered in snow.
A great night's sleep on a bed in my own room in Redmond. Then a scenic cycle to the town of Sisters. The three peaks after which the town is named were covered in snow.
I then took the lower, but longer, Santiam Pass, crossing over to the West side of the Cascades. (all the guys took the higher pass). I do not however regret my decision, I had fantastic views of Mount Washington, and a gentle 20 mile descent through forests, which were growing out of volcanic rubble. There were a lot of little chipmunks running around. I descended via the Mackenzie River.
I find it hard to resist a sign for "hot springs", so spent the night camping at a hot springs 'resort'. It was lovely relaxing in the hot sulphur swimming pool. My tent was close to the crystal clear Mackenzie river which increases in size as creeks flow into it. There were nature trails, and a hidden water garden.
I am now on the West side of all the large Mountain ranges. The Pacific coast is not far away!. Those early travellers, like me, must have delighted in leaving the arid land and canyons behind. I did not cross at the same point as them - that route is now used by the freeway (motorway).
Mount Washington.
Thursday 11 July 2013
Wed. 10th July.
Mitchell to Redmond 70 miles.
A five A.M. rise again, and then a descent down into the bottom of a canyon. Then a rise to 4,720 ft. over the Ochoco Pass. The tops are forested which is great. Then it was down to Primeville and breakfast with a rogues gallery of other cyclists, whom I have been meeting during the trip.
A five A.M. rise again, and then a descent down into the bottom of a canyon. Then a rise to 4,720 ft. over the Ochoco Pass. The tops are forested which is great. Then it was down to Primeville and breakfast with a rogues gallery of other cyclists, whom I have been meeting during the trip.
Nat from Idaho.
Phil from Melbourne Australia
Ruffie (B0b) from Yorkshire
Bobbie and Thaine from the U.S.A.
It was then on to the library for a Skype session, before a very hot cycle ride on to Redmond, where Phil. had kindly arranged for us to stay with Jeannie and Bill. Jeannie is retired, and a keen marathon runner. I was shattered and Jeannie was I think very amused to watch Phil cooking tea. He made a good job of pasta, and the three of us ate together. Bill arrive home about 8.30 P.M., he had been to a car boot sale and brought a potato shooter. Jeannie was not impressed, I sympathised with her - some men just never grow up! Another great couple. Thank you.
Wednesday 10 July 2013
Tuesday 9th July.
Mount Vernon to Mitchell 66 miles.
Up at 5.a.m. again. It is the only way to beat the heat! I stopped for breakfast, along with about two table loads of other cyclists in Dayville. I had my two eggs cooked over easy, my bacon crispy, wheat toast and a biscuit! (scone).
It was then down hill into the pits of a canyon again!, this one is famous for its fossils. The river running through is called the John Day River, after an early fur trapper - in fact most places in the area bare his name in some form.
Fellow cyclist Nat and I took the two mile diversion to visit the visitor centre near the fossil beds. The animal and plant remains recall a time, when this arid region was a tropical jungle inhabited by the rhinoceros, saber-toothed tiger, giant sloth, and the miniature forerunner of today's horse. Volcanic action and lava flow has meant that deposits were carried to this area.
We also visited a ranch house, which had been run by a Scottish immigrant.I realy liked the large wooden barn, which had a large area devoted to very small pens, in which newly born lambs were placed with their mothers until they had bonded. Most people in this area have Scottish ancestry and apparently, bagpipes were played here until the 1950's.
It was then a long hot cycle upwards.The town of Dayville is 1,000 ft. above sea level, and the top of the pass was over 4,300 ft.!
Camped in the park in the small village of Mitchell, along with other cyclists. There was one café/bar. BUT - they had run out of beer! Two minibus loads of thirsty geology students come into town each evening! I had to referee a discussion between them on the proper method of making a cup of tea!
Up at 5.a.m. again. It is the only way to beat the heat! I stopped for breakfast, along with about two table loads of other cyclists in Dayville. I had my two eggs cooked over easy, my bacon crispy, wheat toast and a biscuit! (scone).
It was then down hill into the pits of a canyon again!, this one is famous for its fossils. The river running through is called the John Day River, after an early fur trapper - in fact most places in the area bare his name in some form.
Fellow cyclist Nat and I took the two mile diversion to visit the visitor centre near the fossil beds. The animal and plant remains recall a time, when this arid region was a tropical jungle inhabited by the rhinoceros, saber-toothed tiger, giant sloth, and the miniature forerunner of today's horse. Volcanic action and lava flow has meant that deposits were carried to this area.
We also visited a ranch house, which had been run by a Scottish immigrant.I realy liked the large wooden barn, which had a large area devoted to very small pens, in which newly born lambs were placed with their mothers until they had bonded. Most people in this area have Scottish ancestry and apparently, bagpipes were played here until the 1950's.
It was then a long hot cycle upwards.The town of Dayville is 1,000 ft. above sea level, and the top of the pass was over 4,300 ft.!
Camped in the park in the small village of Mitchell, along with other cyclists. There was one café/bar. BUT - they had run out of beer! Two minibus loads of thirsty geology students come into town each evening! I had to referee a discussion between them on the proper method of making a cup of tea!
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