June 30, 2016 Pacific City --> Rockaway Beach, OR via Three Capes Scenic Route - 42.3 miles

First thought as I woke up was that it was my friend Bob Renfro's birthday  - Happy Birthday!

Randy and I walked down to this lovely little cafe and had a terrific breakfast. Everything tasted so fresh and flavorful. Plus, the waitress was very friendly. Good start to the day.

Before leaving Pacific City, I had to get a photo of the big rock off Cape Kiwanda. Met a couple of nice elderly gentleman who questioned the sanity of anyone who would bike long distances. I smiled and moved on.

The first 10 miles or so were basically through farmland similar to parts of yesterday's ride. Then we came upon some nice views of the coast, including one with a couple of horsewomen on the beach. 

We continued on to an intersection where the options to Tillamook (approx 20 miles away) were to go on a more direct inland route, or along the Three Capes Scenic Byway through Sandlake, a steep incline through mountainous forests, and ending on a winding downhill with stunning coastal views. Randy opted for the inland route, since he did not want to ride any steep inclines. Plus, he had been on this route in reverse previously, so would not be missing anything. After some internal debate, I opted for the scenic route. I had also ridden this way previously in reverse, but remembered the views and wanted to revisit the glory of the first couple days of the 2012 ride. So, we parted ways and agreed to meet up at the Tillamook Cheese Factory in a couple of hours.

For the first 30 minutes or so, I began the long, slow incline, passing the sand dunes and heading up into the forest. To give you an idea, when we ride these long, slow inclines, I am usually going at a pace of approximately 4-6 mph. On a normal straight away, I will average 10-15 mph. Or, with a tailwind, may average 15-20 mph. I will make speeds of 25-32 mph when cruising downhills.

Passed a couple of cheerful touring cyclists coming down the mountain. Nice to see. Before I knew it, I had reached the top, and began my own rapid descent down. The climb had been much easier than I anticipated. A tribute to my improved fitness? Stunning views of the coastline came into view, and I stopped frequently to take it all in. 

When I finally reached the bottom, I was treated to views of marshlands. 

I headed inland to Tillamook, again passing by farms and fields of wildflowers. A lovely ride.

Hooke up with Randy in Tillamook, and we started the 25 mile ride to Rockaway Beach. Alas, we began encountering some rather strong, gusty headwinds. My biggest nemesis as a biker - I hate wind more than anything. The good news was that it wasn't constant, which offered some reprieve. We slogged on toward Rockaway Beach, accompanied by a scenic railroad outfit running parallel. Tried unsuccessfully to get a picture of the tourists ogling at us.

In Rockaway Beach, we stumbled upon this wonderful little reasonably priced motel called the Silver Sands which was situated right on the beach. Attached is a photo of the view from my room. I immediately took a little walk down the beach. Hardly anyone there and I had the sense that I had the beach to myself. Sat on a big log and just breathed in the air and marveled. Said a bunch of little individual prayers of blessing for people in my life. A few prayers of specific concerns. But mostly just prayers of thanks for this current journey.

Met Randy and we walked across the street for dinner. Nothing to write home about, and the waitress was not very helpful. In fact, I think she overcharged us. This was one rare unsatisfactory incident on the trip. Also walked past a medical marijuana store. A newly posted sign in the window indicated that they were now selling recreational marijuana as well. I can't quite get used to these stores.

After dinner, I settled in for the evening with the ocean roar serranading in the background. Love this place.

July 1, 2016 Rockaway Beach --> Seaside, OR - 35 miles

"Man's chief and highest end is to glorify God, and fully to enjoy Him forever." 

     (from Westminster Catachism I studied as part of my confirmation)

Like most people, I have spent a good amount of time wondering and worrying about what my "purpose" is in life. I have come to believe that the foregoing statement is the key. The tricky part is discerning what the first part looks like in real life. That is one reason I have come to rely so much on contemplative prayer as part of my daily routine in my quest for discernment and wisdom. While I know I don't do a great job on the first part, I have the second part about "fully enjoying Him forever" down in spades - especially when I am biking in such beautiful places. Fortunately, God doesn't wait for me to do my part first - the primary lesson in grace. In any event, I realize how blessed and fortunate I am to have this life I have. My real prayer is that I would feel the same way even when circumstances are not so favorable - in the dark times we all face. To be able to see the blessings even in those circumstances, because they are there. It is all about how we see and choose to respond. In good times and bad.

I decided to deviate a little from my morning routine to take advantage of the beach right outside my door. What a gorgeous morning! No wind and a calmness accompanied by the comforting murmur of the ocean tide. Had the beach essentially to myself.  I decided to venture into the surf, and was delighted at how good the cold water felt on my feet. I have been having some foot issues for a while, most recently self-diagnosed plantar fascitis in my left foot for a few months which is sometimes very painful. The good news is that it in no way inhibits my ability to bike. In any event, the cold water of the Pacific felt great. 

There were a bunch of gulls lolling in the surf and I decided to try and get close to get a good picture. I was wading in and out of the surf chasing this one elusive potential photo op, when I looked down and realized I had lost one of my crocs. I sort of panicked since these are my off-bike shoes, and I had no awareness of losing the shoe because the water was so cold, or any idea of how long I had been wading around without the shoe. No clue as to where it went missing. Still, I started hunting in the water and in the surf, even though convinced that my shoe had probably floated off somewhere into the Pacific, never to be seen again. Coming to grips emotionally. Miraculously, I came upon the shoe some 15-20 feet away, sitting there in the surf as if waiting for me. Snapped a gratitude picture, and went on my way. Laughing at myself. 

Randy and I walked across the street to the Cowbelle Cafe for breakfast. His pancake, with the Marionberry syrup was was so pretty, I had to take a picture.

We left our seaside haven in high spirits around 10:30 am. One of the best places we have stayed - ever. Headed up the coast on hwy 101. It was a little cloudy and cool to start. Passed through several picturesque towns and villages. A goat along the side of the road posed especially for me - I do love animal pictures. We also passed by an elderly woman cheerfully and purposefully striding down the road. She gave a huge arm wave and commented on what a beautiful day it was, and how blessed we are. Randy and I waved back and heartedly agreed.

In Nehalem, we started the first of probably 5-6 long, pretty steep climbs over the next couple of hours. As we approached that initial climb, I was riding up to an apple tree. An apple fell off the tree in front of me at that very moment, so of course I was compelled to stop and pick it up since it was obviously meant for me. One of those fun coincidences. My special apple.

I also came upon another of those "signs of the times" I cannot quite get used to.

Our climbing efforts were rewarded with stunning views of the Oregon coast, coupled with exhilarating downhill rides. We stopped frequently to take pictures, and marvel at the scenery. Met a few folks along the way and had some interesting conversations. Also, saw more touring cyclists than ever, including what looked like one group of 15-20. I suspect most of these are on a long weekend ride down the coast, since it is a little late in the season to start a transam ride. The biggest downside to the ride today was the heavy traffic, probably due to the start of the holiday weekend.

We rolled into Seaside around 2:30 pm and checked into the motel. I could really feel the effects of those multiple long climbs in my legs. Soaked in the tub, did laundry, and started looking at tomorrow's route. Met Randy for dinner, and we rode down the promenade into town. A little too commercial for my taste.

All in all, one of the best biking days ever. Randy and I just kept looking at each other and shaking our heads...

Tomorrow we ride through Astoria and into Washington state. I am a little apprehensive of the July 4 weekend implications with regard to traffic and finding reasonable places to stay. More adventures to come I suspect...camping?

End here with a framed saying in the lobby of our motel by the sea...