Chapter 9

Chapter 9

 

 

Monday September 8th, 2008

 

Morning after First night camping in Potlatch State Park.

 

 Next morning, I woke early. It was cold, foggy and damp almost like an Autumn morning at home. Beautiful at that time in the forest. Listening to the early birds in the half light of dawn. I had a left-over chocolate bar from yesterday. That’s breakfast. 

If I’m going to camp I better get myself organized, food wise but I’m not too bothered about that. It will come when I get hungry. 

Everything that was left outside is damp with condensation, but I knew my clothes would dry when the sun gets up. Because it does get quite warm. Taking a walk down towards the lake to see the sun come up, I see a lot of activity in the Canadian camp. They have a support wagon with them. Filled with everything they need. Including luggage, tables and chairs, BBQ’s and pots and pans and portable kitchen. The wagon arrives at their pre-determined destination and has everything laid out for them when they arrive. They are all up and getting packed up and ready to go. 

Chris and Tracy (my next camp neighbours) came to the rescue again with some nice hot coffee. Set me up for the morning. Got a few tips also on what I need to do if I’m determined to camp, which I am. It was a great experience. So thanks to Chris and Tracy for helping me on my way.

Heading out of Potlatch, aiming for Montesano. It’s a nice rolling road through Indian territory. This is Indian reservation country. The Indians are semi-autonomous here. They  have their own laws etc. on the reservation. One of the laws is, they can sell fireworks. And they do!! With gusto! Fireworks warehouses every mile along the road! They have their own casinos too. Loads of them. Sell fireworks and own casinos. A good mix I’m thinking!

A good ride today, 53 miles takes me to Montesano. Nicely tired. But I’m beginning to realise that on the bike there is always a sting in the tail that no one tells you about.  Two miles straight up climb out of Montesano to Lake Silvia. A brutal climb to the campsite at the end of the day. I'm certainly glad I don’t have to head into town for supplies. I couldn’t face that climb again. Lake Sylvia is a great campsite and a beautiful lakeside resort with lots of people on holiday, kids playing and a great buzz around the place. 

I met up again with the big group (CCCTS) who I picked up the other day and they invite me to dinner with them. Bring your own cutlery and plates they say. Something I’m not over-equipped with. It was a lovely evening of nice conversation and sharing experiences. Its bed by 9.30, sleep all night and up at 6am to decamp and get moving. I build a little campfire and heat some water and make coffee in a little pot I bought along the way. A first for me on this trip. I feel like a cowboy on the trail now. I’m in a little copse of trees, defining my particular site and its idyllic. Feels like a wilderness.

It takes a while but I  soon get my American mobile phone that I bought yesterday, activated after a frustrating hour. Who said the Americans were progressive?  It’s really third world here when it comes to communication. We would leave them in the halfpenny place. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It was a tough day today. A lot of long grinding hills over 45 miles. Right from the off I felt I had no legs. But I always think things will improve. I stop for a Subway sandwich first and a coffee and that sent me off on the day’s ride. It was a beautiful day, sun shining and promised to be a warm day as I was heading out from Montesano to Raymond on the first leg. About 25 miles. I was quickly into some steep climbs - bit like short Wicklow gaps. What surprised me was the descents were not as fast as I thought they would be. But no sooner down and another hill would loom in this rolling countryside. 

This is logging country with forests all around and the logging trucks were a constant menace. Single carriageway roads with a 2ft shoulder. Not a lot of room, and they would come in groups or convoys. Its all a forested area, so trees line the whole way. Arriving in Raymond after a harrowing day dodging the logging trucks.  I thought about stopping, my legs were tired now, but Raymond had nothing to recommend it so, after a feed of steak sandwich, chips and coffee I set off again. 

 

This time it wasn’t too bad, the steak had given me the boost I needed and I cruised along down along the Willapa river. This is the place for fresh oysters if that’s what you like. Huge piles of oyster shells everywhere. 

I stop to have a rest on this grassy area beside a huge pile of oyster shells and suddenly I’m attacked by a swarm of biting insects. It takes me a few minutes to get away from them. But the damage is done! My legs and arms are a mess. Hundreds of bites. This is going to be a problem!

I thought the last 10 miles would never pass. It was a real grind... I think I need a day off. Finally I arrived into into Bay Centre and the KOA campground. Made a fire at one of the static firepits, got the steak on and soup. My big (CCCTS) group are here too and some come over to say hello and we exchange stories of Indians and trucks. They invite me again for dinner. They are so nice. I think they feel sorry for me on my own.

I didn’t want to drag the ass out of it, so I said I would come over for desert. Its apple pie... fantastic. 

There are great shop/showers here. It’s privately run, so a bit more expensive than usual with better facilities. I get some logs in the shop and get a good fire going to keep the bears away… I’m kidding!!! 

It’s the Mozzies I’m more worried about. My legs are getting sore and itching now after the insect attack earlier. 

The Canadians tell me they are planning on meeting up at the Astoria Bridge tomorrow, it’s a long bridge across the Astoria river and apparently its quite dangerous for cyclists, with all the cars and trucks that use it. 

They are planning to use their truck to follow us and cover us from behind as an aid the crossing of the bridge safely. Apparently, it can be a quite hairy. They invite me to meet up with them and I can travel across with them. Sounds like a sensible plan.  

Heading back to my tent in the warm darkness, I’m looking forward to getting into my sleeping bag for a good sleep.

Tomorrow Astoria is my introduction to the state of Oregon. Look forward to putting a complete State behind me. Only 2 more to go! ha-ha. Catch you later.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Comments

#1 Son said: Sounds like you are having’ a ball. Just knew you would meet loads of people. Jell and the boys say hello. Don’t forget to have a day off; you are on your holidays....love ya!

John replied: Thanks Sean, Tell the boys they should do this trip sometime. Miss you all. Might have a day off day after tomorrow. 

 

 

Geraldine said: -

 America is really having an effect

Watching your progress. Keep up the good work. Xxx

 

Frances said: Here we were, just together not that long ago and now look where you are.

Eileen sent me your blog I have checked the Google map

 

A Blessing for the Day

 

 May the God of morning enliven you.

 May the God of noon renew your strength  

May the God of sunset bring you home