Met Randy for breakfast at the Broken Yolk, and had blueberry pancakes. Fuel for another 48 mile ride today. We walked to the post office after breakfast to mail some items home that we no longer needed/wanted. Returned to the motel via the path beside the river.
Finally got off at around 9:30 am. Another beautiful day. Both of us were still in high spirits from the weekend. However, I was saddened by the news that Pat Summit passed away yesterday. I first met Pat when I was 13 or 14 years old at a basketball camp in Brevard NC where she was my camp counselor. This is the same camp where I later met Jody Conradt, who became my college coach. Pat had just finished her senior year at UT-Martin, and was training for the World University Games. She was an amazing player and I loved watching her scrimmage with the other counsellors. You could tell she intimidated people with her steely determination and physical strength. She definitely made an impression on me as a young player.
The roads today were not quite as flat, and we had several inclines along the way. More beautiful scenery. Fields of flowers at various points. It was quite warm, and I started feeling some knee/hip pain. After about 30 miles, I was feeling more tired than usual. Randy said that his legs were feeling tired as well.
At Grande Ronde, we decided to check in at the Spirit Mountain Casino Lodge since there did not appear to be any motel options for another 25 miles. Wow - beautifully appointed rooms and fabulous beds. I took a long soak in the tub and a much needed nap. Then, off to dinner. Returned to the room to try and catch up on the blog.
I am committed to an early night, and hope to feel more with it in the morning. We will likely shoot for Pacific City, as we head up the Oregon Coast. Hard to believe we are starting our third week already.