by Liz
Day’s mileage : 49
Running total : 581
My legs, which first appeared two days ago, were firmly tucked under three layers again today. It’s been our wettest day yet on the road.
We pedalled through coastal landscapes and lakes, inland through farming communities and back to the coast this evening. Beside the sea pelicans flew past casually and we spotted a belted kingfisher. Inland the landscape was more open, grassy fields and hedges with forested hills swathed in mist.
On reaching Tillamook this morning we sheltered in a supermarket forecourt for our first stop and two things happened. First yesterday’s two cyclists rode up and we bonded immediately as we shared routes, reasons and experiences. While lapping up their company Philip’s rear tyre quietly deflated until it was completely flat. Warren and Julia, and a passing bike shop owner, were all poised to help but in fact Philip had no trouble changing the inner tube and an hour later we were ready for off. Truly a pro!
This afternoon the hills were swallowed up and we were left with rain and mist. I felt so lucky to be doing this ride, never mind a bit of rain. I felt even luckier when, cold and damp, we reached our destination. This is the first time we’ve stayed in a room in an Air BnB host’s home. It’s quite a place. Nancy lives in Neskowin (pronounced ‘Nesquin’) on a cliff overlooking the ocean, in a 1920 house that was owned by her grandparents. I’m sitting in front of the huge log fire, nice and warm now, our kit drying nearby. The sun has come out and the sea is distinctly lively, dozens of waves constantly rolling and crashing, the spray forming a mist that hangs in the air. This is calm apparently.
It’s so nice to be keeping in touch with friends and family through this blog. We are answering all comments so please look back if you’ve left a reply. We find ourselves worrying we write too much but receiving a request yesterday to give a talk when we get back was reassuring (thanks Barbara!). Philip recently discovered the stats system and we were amazed, shocked actually, to find around 80-90 people are logging on each day. Thank you all for your support! Time for some supper now overlooking the waves as the sun goes down.
Leave a Reply