Cascade Locks to Portland 48 miles

 Steven and I said goodbye last night and this morning. We basically apologized for the times we got a little irritated with each other and talked a bit about the extraordinary adventure that we shared. We made a good match, actually. We enjoyed our experience in similar ways and we enjoyed each other’s company and looking out for each other. It’s hard not to get irritable with all of the demands of the trip. Some days you just don’t want to do it and then there is the heat and wind, etc. Steven and I will certainly keep in touch.

We missed out on finishing together. Stevens wife Robin planned a party of sorts for us and the local newspaper was to come. I felt that the fan fare would be palpable, but no. I never got to meet Robin but I feel that I will some day.

I rode today, alone mostly. The day and the weather was about perfect with temperatures in the 50s when I started this morning. The day started on the Columbia River Trail. It was in the 1920s the first scenic highway in the US. The was space for one car with small spaces for a car to pass. I imagined the tremendous amount of labor to cut this road into the mountains in the 1920s. The high point brought me from under 60’ above sea level to over 950 to an observatory on the mountain top. On the way we’re several waterfalls to marvel at. I enjoyed riding this route especially the mountain road with its spectacular views. The ride down the mountain brought me into Troutdale where I stopped at a coffee shop for lunch. A fellow cyclist invited me to join him at an outdoor table. He, Joel told me that he met a group of young men from Temple University and Cornell a couple of days ago. I broke into a big smile. It was nice to know that these guys who I last saw in Ohio had passed through and were probably finished.

Joel rode part way with me into Portland. Big city, much more traffic. He helped me stay of some of the busy roads. He was riding a little fast for me on his road bike, but it was nice to spend some time with him.

I made it to Joes bike shop in Portland. The crew couldn’t be more friendly and helpful. They directed me to a UPS and I rode my bike there and arranged to send my Panniers home. Joes is shipping my bike home. I spent some time on Hawthorne St, a shopping and restaurant district that is vibrant with young people. I ate Vietnamese there. Unfortunately it doesn’t compare to Vietnamese in the Boston area. 

I’m at the airport, my flight has been delayed two hours. I forgot that I had my Swiss Army knife and my water bottle had a little too much water in it so Homeland Security confiscated these treats to our safety. I was patted down pretty good too. I wonder what she was thinking when she felt my muscles.

I don’t know what I am supposed to feel now. I did it. It wasn’t a dream, it was something to do. What’s next, no idea. Thanks for reading. This was my first ever blog. Even though I didn’t put it out for a wide audience I really enjoyed doing it. There it is. Been there, done that. 

I miss my friends. There is nothing better.

Photos to come.