Written by Chris
Day 5 – June 2
Day 5 turned into a rest day thanks to the weather, which was a welcome relief, at least to the oldest member of the group. We started the day with a discussion on the previous night’s sleep quality. Being in a cabin the noises were amplified and a few of us did our part in keeping the bears & mice away. Some members of the group voted me as the most successful. Senior editor’s note: the vote was unanimous!
The camp is beautiful, our walk to the bathroom/shower is about a 100 yards away across a grassy field, the walk to the lodge meanders through trees, across a creek and ultimately across the McKenzie river. There are flowers everywhere and as is normal in the spring, everything is fresh looking and green. I can see bringing Cindi back here someday, maybe staying in a cabin that is a little less rustic…
After a hearty oatmeal breakfast we all headed over to soak in the hot pool. Nancy demonstrated how to stretch our multiple sore muscles, which got easier as our bodies warmed up. Our pool adventure showed off our biker tans, which I suspect will become more pronounced as we continue our journey east. We didn’t get any volunteers to pose for the early trip before pictures. Our soak in the pool was followed by an exotic lunch: a mix of top ramen, cup of noodles, chips, etc., all of which are amazing high in sodium to replenish our electrolytes.
It is currently 1 PM, and I expect the rest of the day will be spent reorganizing our bags, looking outside at the rain, another soak in the hot pool, reading books and getting excited about a wet ride up the old McKenzie hwy. My daughter Laura and I had tried to take this route 15 years ago when we rode to Cody, Wyoming but it was closed for construction. Dave and Nancy are planning on cooking us their famous anchovies, capers and pasta dinner.
Junior editor’s note: Thanks Chris for giving me a day off. Good summary. Photo overdose of camp flowers and inside out hut follow.
Flower overdose follows – especially for Pete!
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The Rhododendrons are gorgeous ! I loved all the pics! Sounds like a good rest day! Hoping you will have no rain going up the pass tomorrow !
Boy, double fingers crossed – bucketing here at 8PM the night before!
I’m so glad you don’t have to ride over Santiam. That was one of my least favorite parts of Dad and my trip.
Quick, on-yer-bike and join us!
I can attest tob the bear and mice deterrent. I recommend benadryl and having him sleep on his side. It might help, but might not. 😬
Benadryl on tap tonight…
Don’t be making fun of Chris’ snore. It has been compared and shown to be quieter than the snore of a teeny tiny Brussels Griffon.
We heard that story – it’s worth retelling.
Finally getting a moment to catch up with you. Imagine what a drag I would be if trying to keep up on a bicycle. No matter it is exciting to read your descriptions and see pictures which remind me of the year spent in Eugene. The U of O students would have raft races down the Mackenzie which was always problematic since alcohol flowed freely. And the vistas with flowers and blue sky reminds me of how special Oregon is. I’ll try not to get behind though don’t depend on me.
All the rain from this year has made Oregon especially green – gorgeous!
I like how the bikes are nice and warm and safely housed in the cabin..