A third of the trip DONE

7/22/10
This was the most fascinating and wondrous day of riding so far. It began with a beautiful and peaceful ride with no traffic
and views that took your breath away.
I covered the 10 mile scenic view over about 2 hours stopping to gape at the amazing views of this rugged Oregon coast!! Stopped for a great coffee in Newport and continued
on to even more spectacular coastline vistas that were simply breathtaking. Wish I could show you all the shots we took (actually we will send the mobile me link later so that you CAN see it all.) Had a wonderful experience today, as I met a cyclist who was 77 years old and who was doing a 2000 mile trip down Oregon coast and then to Eugene and then to Montana!! We rode together through a tunnel to get to the vista point to see the Heceta Lighthouse and the marvellous view from that point. We parted there and Mo and I went on to Reedsport which was our destination of the day. (70 mile leg!! I knew I was leg man,
especially long legs)






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7/23/10 : After ascending a short but steep,heavily forested and beautiful climb, got to the Umpqua River Lighthouse and discovered that it is still operational and can be seen as far as 19 miles out to sea.
Then went to Bandon (another 40 miles) via a relatively picturesque route consisting of forested
areas through which you could see the sea shoreline,with occasional glimpses 0f a small creek alongside the road. Then into a mild climb through the forests again, punctuated by
short areas of deforestation , and then , out of the blue, you reach the top of the climb and see
a gorgeous blue lake with tree-lined shores like you see in picture postcards. While riding the 7 devils road through low bush and 1st growth forest a Black bear cub darted out on to the road, took one look at this Yellow jacketed monster and shot back into the forest. I, of course, and fortunately, was coasting down hill with a 20 mile per hour wind behind me looking carefully for Mama Bear in case I was between her and the cub!!
The final stretch was through a rolling hill route (tough rollers!!) and not very interesting but going through the Famous sand dunes ( dune buggy haven of the Oregon coast) to reach Bandon which was today's destination.(50 miles today).
One third of the trip accomplished.