Oregon
57 miles (92 km) – Total so far: 3,651 miles (5,876 km)
The mild temperatures yesterday allowed us to accomplish a single continuous ride rather than splitting the day into a morning and evening ride as we had been doing. We opted for a motel with a little patio to enjoy the evening. A couple of beers and a little hummus and Triscuit appetizer combined with some Jetboil pasta to create a civilized meal. Aside from this cooking, I had zero motivation to accomplish anything useful, so I just vegged out with a book for about five hours. I had really expected every evening to be like this when I started the trip, but hadn’t realized just how hard I’d have to work everyday on cycling, camping, cleaning, blogging, etc. Nice to finally have a rhythm that allows me downtime.
After a week and a half of trepidation, today was the day for Hell’s Canyon. We were up, breakfasted and on our bikes well before 7:00 today to beat the heat. The plan worked wonderfully, and I was able to take my time enjoying the views in the mid-90s instead of the 105+ temperatures that hit by noon. The views today were yet another unique landscape. The mountains thrust up dramatically from the reservoir. Desert vegetation and scrub is a sharp contrast to the deep blue life giving water below.
Passing over the Brownlee damn, I’ve entered Oregon, my final state. Since Pueblo, about 25 days ago, I’ve been going either Northwest or Southwest routes tracing valleys and passes through the Rockies. With the Rockies finally behind me I can finally turn West. 450 miles following the sunset and I’ll complete this journey across the United States.
We’ve stopped for lunch now. Terry has donned an Uncle Sam hat he found on the roadside. He’s turning into a real yank.
Goosebumps knowing you are in your final state! Such an accomplishment.