This card was in the lobby of the Rodeway Inn where we stayed last night. A good reminder these days and a reflection of the personality of the motel, it's owners, and employees. A delightful stay, and easy to understand why they were rated #1 on Tripadvisor ahead of the expensive chains until recently.
Today we are riding to Ashland where we are staying with Suzanne and John, whom I met last summer while hiking the Camino in Spain with my sister. We felt an immediate connection, and they quickly became part of our inner Camino family circle. Suzanne and John retired and moved to Ashland 16 years ago after living and traveling all over the world primarily with John's job. They have a terrific outlook on life and a zest for living that produces many wonderful and interesting stories to share.
Before hitting the Bear Creek Greenway trail for the leisurely 20 mile ride to Ashland, Randy and I rode to a nearby REI, where I purchased a better insulated sleeping pad in anticipation of future camping in cool weather. I think this one will do the trick. Also purchased some replacement gloves for my favorites that I lost somewhere between Chemult and Crater Lake.
Another stunningly beautiful day with perfect temperatures. We took our time winding along the bike trail, taking in the stream running alongside and the mountain views in the distance. For the most part, the trail was relatively flat, and we pretty much cruised along.
At one point, there was a mailbox along the side of the trail which invited bikers and walkers to add entries to the journal inside. There were some pretty deep thoughts and observations recorded in that journal. Some very personal. This type of journal along the path was a first for me.
As we neared Ashland, we were forced to detour a short distance onto the regular road where construction was taking place.
Once in Ashland, we started following Google lady to Suzanne and John's house. The sometimes unpredictable Google lady has sent us on some wild adventures in the past, and this was no exception. We immediately started climbing - somewhat gradually - until we reached the other side of town and turned off the main road. Then we began a rather steep climb for approx .1 mile. The next turn took us to an almost straight up vertical hill and I gasped. My first thought was that Randy was going to kill me, then I moved on to the practicalities. Got off and started pushing the bike up the hill. At the turn at the top, the road briefly leveled out before the next turn and the mother of all hills. This one was even steeper and longer than the one we had just negotiated. Off again and started pushing. I didn't dare stop for fear of rolling backwards down the hill. At the top of the hill was a work crew digging across the road. When I reached that point, a young man (later learned his name was Ian) came and gave me a hand, pushing my bike the remainder of the hill. Meanwhile, Randy had unloaded the panniers off his bike and was huffing and puffing as he pushed his bike up the hill. I headed back down the hill to help retrieve the panniers. Again, as we reached the top, Ian came to the rescue and carried Randy's panniers the rest of the way. A godsend - then Ian handed us bottles of cold water. I took a couple of pictures of the view looking downhill and I swear they do not do justice showing how steep that hill is in actuality. You will just have to believe me.
Suzanne pulled up just as we reached their driveway around the bend at the top of the hill. I yelled "are you trying to kill us with that hill?!" Never mind that this is the first time I have seen her since we walked the Camino a year ago - no happy "so glad to see you" or appropriate greeting by me. Never mind that Suzanne had warned us that there was a hill, and had even suggested a different approach than Google lady, which I apparently had forgotten. I quickly regrouped as I caught my breath and my heart rate recovered, at which point I joyfully gave Suzanne a hug and realized how happy I was to see her. She told me that she and John regularly hiked up those steep hills with full backpacks while in training for the Camino.
Once we unloaded our stuff, we were treated to a wonderful plate of fresh cherries, apples, bread and cheese. All local. The perfect snack after a near perfect ride and the strenuous hill workout. Suzanne and I held a "conference call" with Donna as Suzanne prepped for dinner. Randy contentedly sat outside in the sun with his book enjoying the peaceful surroundings.
John arrived home, and we spent the rest of the evening catching up and getting to know each other. Got the tour of the yard and gardens, expertly maintained by John. The many landscaping and building projects John has designed and created are impressive, and the care and love he has put into them is almost tangible. Suzanne told me that John had carefully handpicked almost all the rocks with which the various walls were built. Among my favorite projects were the unique copper handcrafted handrails out front, the fish pond, and the multiple water fountains.
Dinner was a delicious salad accompanied by a tasty pasta dish. Suzanne is an excellent cook and makes it look easy - as if she enjoys cooking. I wish I had that talent, which I don't. But what I do have is a real appreciation for anyone that does have that talent. I do love to eat.
The plan for tomorrow is to get the tour of Ashland and rest up.
