Chapter 14

Chapter 14

 

 

 

 

Lincoln City to Yachats 14th Sept 2008. 53 miles

 

 

 

Woke up early this morning. Had to make a call to Cork it was Moya's birthday and Emily's christening. They were all having a celebration. At 6.30 in the morning!!!! I can’t believe that. ... Who eats at 6.30 in the morning? You Irish....! Anyway,... American technology being what it is.. It’s impossible to phone Ireland at that time of the morning. You can invade Iraq, but you can’t call Ireland. They should invade Ireland and get our telephone system instead of worrying about all that oil. 

I'm well rested and ready for the road now.

It’s cold, foggy and miserable out there. I get a mile down the road and have to stop to put more gear on. Shortly, the sun comes out and burns off the mist. It’s now pleasant and I’m rockin’ down the road. This morning the road is really coming up to meet me and the miles fly by. I get to Wal-Mart 25 miles down the road and wish to present them with, what looks like a phone, is shaped like a phone but by any stretch of the imagination could not be described as a phone. Don, the salesman, fixes me up with a credit and a phone that definitely is going to work for me, he says! Calls to cell phones, can you believe that? (detect the American accent... yawll). Spin on down to Waldport. For some reason the energy level is up and I’m cooking. Flying now. Tires on this bike are blown up hard, so that when they go over a little stone it can fairly ping them across the road. So as a pastime on those lonely miles I try to perfect the art. I get BIG points if I ding a passing car. I know I shouldn’t...but. Got to get your thrills where you get your thrills.

Loretta (the bike) needs to be serviced. Gears are jumping, always at the wrong time. Shimano 105… any you bike nerds know what I should do? That will wake them up!!

Time to start looking for a place to stop. Yachats looms. (Pronounce YAHATS) It is one of those names that stood out when I was preparing this trip. And now I know why. A beautiful little town with a forested backdrop, nice shops and lovely American Bostonian houses. At the tourist stop I am directed to cottage accommodation right on the beach. Rock Park Cottages. I find the place and Victoria is my host. She shows me to my cottage looking out over the sea. I’m sitting here looking at the Pacific Sunset from my kitchen table, so beautiful. Victoria shows me a little plot overlooking the sea, where she has marked the sunset on the two solstices and midsummer. She is fascinated by the setting sun and  I tell her about Newgrange. She promises to get there some day. Nice woman!  I decided to treat myself to nice bottle this evening. Glass of Rosemount chardonnay in hand, a bagel and Philli cheese and.... WOW... it doesn’t get much better than this... Talk tomorrow…

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Comments:

Frances said: Enjoy reading about your trip every day. You need to put this blog into a book when you are finished, it's a great thing to pass down to your grandchildren I was wondering when your bike might need some service. Glad Wal-Mart could be of service to you. A lot of people here display our flag due to 9/11. 

Another Irish Blessing for you 

A Blessing for the Day 

May the God of the dawn awaken you 

May the God of sunrise stir you up 

May the God of morning bless your work

May the God of noon renew your strength 

May the God of sunset bring you home 

May the God of dusk soothe your soul 

May the God of night bring you rest

 

 

Geraldine said: Hi John, glad to see you’re still sticking at it, sore bum and all! You missed out first 'BIG NIGHT OUT' in Cootehill, on Saturday night, music and all, wowee!! Peter was our designated driver. Apparently it’s your turn next time, just so you'll know. With your comments on global warming and phone systems it’s refreshing to know that the 'Grumpy Old Man' is still within!! Xx

 

Eileen said: I think you are getting used to the bagels, cream cheese, pancakes etc. But hey! you deserve these little treats after the hard graft you appear to be putting in each day. I see you are getting up to mischief over there, what age are you!! You have been away 2 weeks now, but it seems longer, you have covered a lot of ground. Sounds like it’s all living up to your expectations. Stay safe. Love x

 

And John replied: Thanks, Frances, for your blessings. Geraldine I don’t think I’ll be designated driver for quite some time when I get home. Miss the Latton crack. Good to see you are still watching over me Eileen. Nice to hear from you all xxx

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