We crossed into Oregon yesterday via a tiny ferry from Cathlamet, WA to Westport, OR.
Riding the ferry across the Columbia River.
Following the Columbia River west to Astoria, OR. Not pictured: many long hills.
The Astoria Megler Bridge - this would have been our other option for crossing into Oregon, but we were deterred by the fact that it’s four miles long, uphill, and doesn’t have a shoulder.
The view as we crossed into Lewis and Clark National Park.
We stopped at Fort Clatsop, where Lewis and Clark spent the winter on their expedition.
Following the Lewis and Clark River south to Seaside, OR.
Another flat!
This morning, we had planned to get an early start, but woke up to rain, so we slept for another hour until the rain stopped. Then we headed south on 101 for a full day of riding on the coast, ending just north of Tillamook, OR.
The beach in Seaside this morning.
A pit stop at Cannon Beach.
More Cannon Beach.
Riding through our first tunnel! They have a button for cyclists to push so that lights flash to warn cars that cyclists are in the tunnel. Still a little terrifying.
Resting after a long climb, overlooking Manzanita.
We had views like this for most of the afternoon.
Coming into Tillamook Bay.
It feels good to be on the coast, but this leg of our trip is definitely different than Washington. In Washington, we were in small towns and on country roads. Here we’re going through coastal tourist towns on a busy road. Also, apparently Oregon is land of the RVs. I can’t believe the size of some of them—bigger than a city bus! And definitely not driven by the most competent drivers. But in the midst of the traffic, there have been some amazing moments. We passed a huge herd of elk yesterday outside Astoria. This afternoon, a bald eagle cruised right over our heads. These roads are much harder on a bike than in a car, but we get to see all the amazing little details that our RV roadmates are missing out on.
So far we’re six days biking without a rest since Seattle, and we’re both feeling it. We’re hungry (even though we’re eating A LOT) and sore (beyond sore) and I’m sporting a sunburn on both my legs. But we’re planning to get to Devil’s Lake tomorrow, north of Lincoln City, and then take a day off to sleep in and eat our body weight in diner breakfasts. For now, I’m going to go heat up a pot of beans, take a shower, and go to sleep!