The last blog posted was written from a tent on the 4th of July. It had been a rough day climbing numerous hills. Not having made the distance we wanted to, we stopped at a town only to find out the only hotel was filled and the only area to camp completely confusing.
Day 2, saw us continuing down Rt 4 and the hills becoming less an issue. Traveling along the Columbia on the Washington side was very peaceful but was certainly ‘work’.
We eventually got to Rt 5 and turned South. Did I mention that Rt 5 is a highway? This eastern kid was just a little concerned (make that terrified) at the 18 wheelers flying by 3’ away at 80 MPH. Yes, they allow bikes on the highway out here. Out West they’re just a little more libertarian in their views. (“You don’t need a guard rail next to that cliff, just don’t drive over it you idiot.”)
One great thing about the highway is that while the views aren’t as nice, the road is much flatter and we flew down to our next hotel (Woodland, WA). And what a great stop it was. Can’t say how pleased we were with the Roadway Inn. Cold pool, AC, very clean, and friendly helpful staff.
After a good night sleep and the complimentary breakfast, we headed off to Portland. Once again, Rt 5 made it an easy ride. Bikes have to exit Rt 5 before the bridge, so we found the bike route which took us under Rt 5 and then up a ramp to a path between the 2 Rt 5 lanes. The only eventful part of crossing back into Oregon, was the flat that dad got. The road had lots of trash and a wire from one of the semi-truck tires had worked its way through his sidewall.
That gave us a 30 minute break and then it was just another 6 miles to the hotel for the evening.
All in all, it’s been a pretty good 3 days. If I could ask for one thing, it be for a sunny day. They forecasted sun for 10 straight days, but we’ve not seen it. Maybe sun means something different to folks in the NE 🙂
