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...

June 29, 2016 Grande Ronde --> Pacific City, OR - 43 miles

After a good night's sleep, I spent a leisurely morning with my studies and a good cup of coffee. Met Randy for breakfast, and we were off by 9:00 am. I felt much more rested and excited about today's ride since we were re-tracing parts of the 2012 Transam ride.

It was quite cloudy and cool. The first 5 miles or so were along a fairly flat 2 lane highway. Then we began a long slow climb into the Van Duzer Forest Corridor. This was a beautiful stretch of highway bordered by large pine trees on both sides, with views of hills and mountains in the distance. We were finally rewarded with a nice downhill cruise after approximately 10-12 miles into Rose Lodge. 

There we got off the highway onto the North Bank Rd for approximately 3 miles. This is one of my favorite roads to date. Beautiful wild flowers of every hue - white, red, pink, blue, yellow, orange - you name it. No traffic. Basically, a lovely country road and no hills, so we cruised along. At one point, I came upon a couple of friendly horses who seemed to be enjoying the day.

At the end of the road, we turned left and stopped at the Otis Cafe for a snack. This cafe is a must stop. I ate breakfast here in 2012, and it was nothing short of a culinary experience. And their breads and pastries are homemade wonders. So, for my snack, I had a slice of their apple pie a la mode. I won't even begin to describe it - just take a look. Randy had a good looking walnut cinnamon roll with milk.

The next phase of the ride was a 10 mile stint called Slab Creek Rd. It is essentially a 5 mile climb through more forested areas bordered with those windflowers. At the top, another 5 mile cruise. We saw at most two cars the entire time, so had the road to ourselves. The funny thing was that I had remembered this Slab Creek ride as being much more difficult, albeit beautiful. However, I had ridden it within the first few days of the 2012 ride when I was still getting my bike legs and bearings. Funny - now it is a fun ride.

When we reached the end of Slab Creek Rd., we came upon two men on fully loaded touring bikes. I almost jumped with joy. We have seen few other riders. Earlier today, we had seen a couple of riders on a recumbent bike, but that was on the main highway and they were going in the opposite direction. These two riders were from Great Britain and Germany, headed for San Francisco. We chatted for a few minutes, then continued onto to Highway 101. Shortly thereafter, we saw a lone woman on a touring bike. She smiled and gave us a broad wave.

We faced some strong winds the next 10-15 miles to Pacific City. Off in the distance we began to see the Pacific Ocean. Also saw some marshlike land and water inlets, including one where a blue heron stood fishing.

We rolled into Pacific City around 2 pm, and found a lovely little motel. I had been cold most of the day, and took a hot bath after cleaning the bike. Settled in for a leisurely afternoon, then walked down to the Sports Pub and Grub for dinner. Randy had opted for Mexican take out earlier so he could watch the Arizona baseball team play in the final game of the College World Series.

Tomorrow we continue riding up the Oregaon coast. Looks like temps in the 60's, and I suspect it will somewhat windy, so I will dress in layers. 

June 28, 2016 Corvallis --> Grande Ronde - 48 miles

For some reason, I did not sleep very well last night. Having stayed up well past my regular bedtime for several days in a row, I am feeling a little tired. Or maybe just coming down after the high of the past few days spending time with my friends.

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.

June 27, 2016 Eugene --> Corvallis - 47 miles

Maxine was in full "Mom mode" this morning and insisted that I needed a hearty breakfast to fuel today's ride to Corvallis. I forced myself to indulge in the delectable delights set before me - all my favorites. You know, so as not to hurt her feelings. Wrong - it was awesome! Meanwhile, Maxine set about fixing a healthy picnic lunch for me and Randy, including turkey sandwiches, roasted almonds, some sort of granola bites whose names I can't remember, and an apple. 

As we were preparing to leave for Nancy's house, Maxine was scurrying around and mentioned that she did not get to tell/show me some things she had wanted. For example, a CD of songs written and performed by their daughter Olivia. Other stuff. I loved the fact that she enjoys sharing thoughts, feelings, stories, books and time with me. How special that makes me feel. It reminds me of how my Mom and I can spend a week together in constant conversation, and yet when I get home I will almost always remember something I forgot to tell her and will have to call immediately. 

When we drove up to Nancy's house, Randy was sitting on the steps with the paper. He had such a happy, contented look on his face, and his body language conveyed that he had also experienced a wonderful time with his friends. We were both in this almost zen like state. After a sweet-sad goodbye to Maxine, Randy and I loaded the bikes and hit the road.

We were able to access the Riverbank Path System a few streets from Nancy's house, and took that all the way through Eugene to Hwy 99W. Cool temps and bright blue skies - perfect conditions. All sorts of interesting scenery along the way. 

We exited the bike path after about 5 miles, and picked up the highway to Corvallis. There was an adequate shoulder, and the road was essentially flat the whole way. Lots of interesting farms and fields along the way. At about the halfway point, we stopped at a roadside park and had our fabulous picnic lunch. Maxine's gift. Shared with each other all we had done on Saturday and Sunday with our friends. Agreed that our time in Ashland and Eugene had been extraordinary. 

It was quite warm and I found myself stopping frequently to drink water. When I mentioned that for some reason I was so "parched", Randy gave me that wry grin and said, "must be all that smiling." What a beautiful day for biking. 

We arrived in Corvallis around 3:00 pm and found a reasonably priced motel on the river in Corvallis. For dinner, we shared a delicious pizza with cheese, mushrooms, pineapple and Italian sausage. We discussed the upcoming route for the next week or so, and continued reveling in our weekend adventures. 

Tomorrow we start working our way to the Oregon coast. Essentially retracing in reverse the Transamerica route I rode in 2012. It will be fun to see how it looks today.

June 26, 2016 Rest day in Eugene

I slept like a log, and got up around 6 am, looking forward to good coffee and my morning routine. Bean greeted me briefly, then was off to more important cat things. Maxine joined me a little later, and for breakfast I had granola with fresh blueberries, strawberries and cantaloupe. Also had the most delicious scone. 

Maxine and I went to church, and I felt such a sense of gratitude and renewal of spirit. Sort of a culmination of the Crater Lake experience and the special time I have spent the past few days with my friends. A visiting youth choir from Seattle that was in Eugene for a competition performed several outstanding songs. The words and music touched me on some deep level that moved me to tears. The sermon, given by a retired pastor, centered on Romans 12 and felt especially relevant. “Do not conform yourselves to the standards of this world, but let God transform you inwardly by a complete change of your mind. Then you will be able to know the will of God—what is good and is pleasing to him and is perfect." I have found that bike touring is definitely a wonderful deviation from what most consider the world's norm, and renews or changes my thinking and ability to discern in positive ways. 

After church, Maxine, Bob and I took a scenic drive to King's Estate Winery for a late afternoon lunch/early dinner. As we drove up the hill to the restaurant,we were treated to the sight of a huge blanket of lavender that covered the hill. It was stunning. Our meal was superb, and afterward Maxine and I took a wine tour. We met a couple of cyclists on the tour, with whom I compared notes and shared stories. The whole King's Estate experience was delightful. 

After returning home, we had pie and ice cream, walked the dogs, then settled in to watch "The Way".

This 2010 film starting Martin Sheen is the film that inspired me and my sister, as well as countless others, to walk the Camino de Santiago in Spain. 

I love the time I have spent with Maxine and Bob. They exude such a calm, peaceful and loving countenance that serves as a model for how I would like to be when present with others. They are reasonable human beings with a good sense of humor. At times I have felt the comparison with the biblical teachings regarding how to treat strangers - they always make this "stranger" feel as if I am a loved member of the family. Speaking of family, one of the things that struck me in 2012, and again on this visit, is the way Maxine and Bob's faces literally light up with joy when they talk about their three daughters and what incredible women they have become. I have never met their girls, but maybe some day if I am ever biking this way again.....

June 25, 2016 Ashland --> Eugene via transport by John and Suzanne

Awoke once again to a stunningly beautiful day at Suzanne and John's in Ashland. Sounding like a broken record? If, so, that is one I want to keep repeating.

Went through my morning routine, then joined Suzanne for breakfast. John was out on his routine morning walk. John is quite athletic and fit, and has done several marathons. I remember watching John on the Camino and being impressed by his pace and stamina. Suzanne is also very active and fit, and when I see the mountains and the hills they hike around here on a regular basis, it is impressive. I'm not sure I could begin to keep up with them. They exude such positive energy in everything I have seen them do. Great role models.

After breakfast, Suzanne took Randy and I for a tour of the inside of the house. The house is tastefully decorated to reflect reminders of their travels and places they have lived overseas through the years. There are also many photos of family, past and present. Suzanne recounted the history of how they came to find the house, and all the renovations they had made. Described the design planning process, and the fact that John has done a lot of the work on the house himself. As with the outside projects, the scope and quality of John's work was impressive. An example of John's cabinetry design is in the attached photo.

John and Randy loaded up the truck for the drive to Eugene. When originally planning the bike ride, we had had some difficulty figuring out how to get from Ashland to Eugene, and Suzanne offered to have them drive us to Eugene. In reality, she offered in order to keep us an additional night in Ashland. It is always nice to be wanted, and we readily agreed to stay another night in such a beautiful place with this engaging couple. 

The trip to Eugene took about 3 hours. More fun conversation. Suzanne and I sat on little jump seats covered with pillows in the "back seat" of the cab. Upon arrival in Eugene, we found a cafe for lunch where we could sit outside and keep an eye on the bikes. I had that kind of feeling where you know something good is coming to an end, and you are sort of prolonging the moment. 

Suzanne and John then dropped us off at the house where Randy's friend Nancy lives, and we said goodbye. 

I had arranged to stay with my friends Maxine and Bob while in Eugene, and I waited at Nancy's house for Maxine to come and pick me up.  I first met Maxine and Bob four years ago when I stayed with them while on the Transamerica bike ride. Maxine and my good friend Nathalie (co-founder of Truth Be Told) were childhood friends in Houston, and Nathalie asked them to put me up. I felt an immediate connection with Maxine and Bob, and the time we spent together was one of the most special experiences of the 2012 Transamerica ride for me. We had all sorts of interesting conversations, and shared a common point of view on most everything. And I felt as though I had found a sort of spiritual soul mate in Maxine. 

Maxine, Bob and I spent the rest of Saturday catching up and engaging in more of those conversations I enjoyed so much on my last visit. More or less picked up where we had left off. I also reconnected with Hermes and Julian, and made new friends with Ralu (spelling?) and, most importantly, Bean the cat. 

We went out for dinner at a restaurant called Cornucopia, where I had a delicious Asian Oriental Chicken Salad. Then we returned home and I fell into bed exhausted, but feeling extremely blessed and happy after a very full day.