Off to Honduras
We're using Spirit Airlines. I like the name and it's cheap. To avoid baggage fees, I got everything I'd need for 2 weeks into a small knapsack. You can do it! I had to discipline myself to wash out some of my clothes every night. Another money saving idea is packing a lunch and bringing a few breakfast bars and tea-bags.
We got to San Pedro Sulas, no problem and after some nervous minutes waiting I spied Frank and Don outside. We got into a 10 passenger van with Aida, our translator from our last trip, and Wuina (Winny), our driver. We hit the road for Siguatepeque, about 2-3 hours away.
The road's much better than it used to be. They've been widening and straightening it over the past several years to make what the call a "concrete canal" from the Pacific to the Atlantic. I also noticed more toll gates and fewer donkey carts. Maybe poor folks have to go around...
It's hot! Still it seems more like home every time we come down. We're staying closer to downtown Sigua... a lot of people are out just as the sun comes down and it's cooler. We found a supermarket with a restaurant that seems to be a hangout, "La Corral". I took the opportunity to familiarize myself with local veggies like pataste and ayote (squash-like), yucca ( a root), camote (a hard squash). I also inspected all the herbal teas: tile (linden), manzanita (comfrey), jamaica (hibiscus) , zacata, etc. We met up with Norma, the first head of Agros in Hond. She continues to work with poor farmers in the area, with a micro-loan program that helps them pay for things like fertilizer. We're hoping she can expand her ministry to help our friends at Nuevo Amanecer.
The following day we made a trip to nearby Comayagua, where we connected with the family of a Honduran refugee who stayed at our house in Seattle . It was great meeting his mom, his brother, and little niece. At the same time Frank saw someone from the back. "I know that guy!" he thought. It turned out to be Juan Lopez, the first president of NA, who'd left the village about 10 years ago!
More Later...
Monday, May 15, 2017
Thursday, October 27, 2016
Gil and Jane kayaking the Columbia. Wed 8/17/16 Scapoose Bay to Sand Island
Hi again!
We put the kayak in at Scapoose Bay Marine Park. The staff at the Kayak Center were super helpful with suggestions for paddle trips and they had a good map for sale (one used by fishermen that included tips on where to catch fish). We started out on a slack tide moving to a flood tide. We hadn't figured on the stiff wind that we ran into as we left the bay and moved into the Multnomah Channel. We took a break on a little beach to renew our strength. Lots of osprey along the way. They take advantage of dead trees, pilings, abandoned cranes and towers that offer safe nest sites and river view-points. It seemed they'd bought up all the waterfront we passed. Good fishing, I bet. I noticed that they used whatever was handy to build their aeries: rushes, branches, even old plastic bags. We got used to their high pitched complaining cry: cri-cri-cri-cri-cri!
Finally the town of St Helen's came into view. Opposite the town there is an island built from dredging the river and channel over the years. It's name is as you might suspect, Sand Island. Over time a forest of cotton-woods has grown up. St. Helens has built a park there and there are several campsites for travelers. After pulling the kayak up on the beach, I ventured a short ways up the beach until I encountered a wicked burr which I have named Harpoon Hooks. It was the fiercest name I could come up with for this weed that won't let go without tearing holes in your skin. They seem to have taken a foothold with all the other plant colonists on the west side of the island.
The paddle from St Helens is very short and it seems that homeless camp here, too. It is a well built camp ground with a dock, tables, metal fire-pits, and vault toilets. No water, but that's something you have to expect when you visit islands and we always carry several gallons when we're paddling. Tomorrow our plan is to paddle to St Helens for our morning coffee. Good Night All!
We put the kayak in at Scapoose Bay Marine Park. The staff at the Kayak Center were super helpful with suggestions for paddle trips and they had a good map for sale (one used by fishermen that included tips on where to catch fish). We started out on a slack tide moving to a flood tide. We hadn't figured on the stiff wind that we ran into as we left the bay and moved into the Multnomah Channel. We took a break on a little beach to renew our strength. Lots of osprey along the way. They take advantage of dead trees, pilings, abandoned cranes and towers that offer safe nest sites and river view-points. It seemed they'd bought up all the waterfront we passed. Good fishing, I bet. I noticed that they used whatever was handy to build their aeries: rushes, branches, even old plastic bags. We got used to their high pitched complaining cry: cri-cri-cri-cri-cri!
Finally the town of St Helen's came into view. Opposite the town there is an island built from dredging the river and channel over the years. It's name is as you might suspect, Sand Island. Over time a forest of cotton-woods has grown up. St. Helens has built a park there and there are several campsites for travelers. After pulling the kayak up on the beach, I ventured a short ways up the beach until I encountered a wicked burr which I have named Harpoon Hooks. It was the fiercest name I could come up with for this weed that won't let go without tearing holes in your skin. They seem to have taken a foothold with all the other plant colonists on the west side of the island.
The paddle from St Helens is very short and it seems that homeless camp here, too. It is a well built camp ground with a dock, tables, metal fire-pits, and vault toilets. No water, but that's something you have to expect when you visit islands and we always carry several gallons when we're paddling. Tomorrow our plan is to paddle to St Helens for our morning coffee. Good Night All!
Sunday, October 16, 2016
Kayaking on the Columbia with Gil and Jane 8/10/16
Hi There!
Shortly after returning home from my Oregon adventure, I was back on the road, this time driving south on I-5 with a 20 ft kayak on the roof. Jane had been helping a friend move from La Grande OR to Idaho Falls ID, and thanks to a generous new friend, who gave her a bonus certificate, was flying to meet me in Portland. Just as I came rolling into the Arrivals Pick-up, there was Jane. I must say, I was really glad to see her smiling face.
Soon we were on the road to Sauvie Island , the biggest island in the Columbia, several miles north of Portland on Hwy 30. This would be our first time kayaking on the Columbia. Sauvie Island is home to the massive Ridgefield wildlife reserve and at the same time it is a major farming area, supplying vegetables and fruits to metropolitan Portland. That first day we surveyed the island, first checking out the Multnomah channel, which runs along it's east side, and noting launch sites and potential campsites/picnic spots we could make use of. Two good launch sites included the Hadley Dock at the end of Ferry Rd. not far from the Sauvie Island Bridge and the Gilbert River boat launch at the far north end of Sauvie. Here I'd like to mention two good resources that I used: the website of the Lower Columbia Estuary Partnership and the book " the Lewis and Clark Columbia River Water Trail " by Hay. Sauvie Island is very popular with cyclists, but the roads are narrow with no paved shoulders and the speed limits are too high, 45 mph plus. If you do cycle pick low traffic and daylight hours.
We were both a little tired from all our rushing around, so we hunted for a nearby campsite, which we found a little north and west just off Hwy 30 near Scapoose ( Indian for 'gravel'). It was a little county park "Scapoose Co. RV park". It cost $20/night to tent and the host let us put our tent wherever we wanted. Free hot water showers, too. It was next to the co. airport, and unfortunately, a large development was going in down the road with gravel trucks starting up early in the AM. Well... time to get some rest. See you in the morning.
Shortly after returning home from my Oregon adventure, I was back on the road, this time driving south on I-5 with a 20 ft kayak on the roof. Jane had been helping a friend move from La Grande OR to Idaho Falls ID, and thanks to a generous new friend, who gave her a bonus certificate, was flying to meet me in Portland. Just as I came rolling into the Arrivals Pick-up, there was Jane. I must say, I was really glad to see her smiling face.
Soon we were on the road to Sauvie Island , the biggest island in the Columbia, several miles north of Portland on Hwy 30. This would be our first time kayaking on the Columbia. Sauvie Island is home to the massive Ridgefield wildlife reserve and at the same time it is a major farming area, supplying vegetables and fruits to metropolitan Portland. That first day we surveyed the island, first checking out the Multnomah channel, which runs along it's east side, and noting launch sites and potential campsites/picnic spots we could make use of. Two good launch sites included the Hadley Dock at the end of Ferry Rd. not far from the Sauvie Island Bridge and the Gilbert River boat launch at the far north end of Sauvie. Here I'd like to mention two good resources that I used: the website of the Lower Columbia Estuary Partnership and the book " the Lewis and Clark Columbia River Water Trail " by Hay. Sauvie Island is very popular with cyclists, but the roads are narrow with no paved shoulders and the speed limits are too high, 45 mph plus. If you do cycle pick low traffic and daylight hours.
We were both a little tired from all our rushing around, so we hunted for a nearby campsite, which we found a little north and west just off Hwy 30 near Scapoose ( Indian for 'gravel'). It was a little county park "Scapoose Co. RV park". It cost $20/night to tent and the host let us put our tent wherever we wanted. Free hot water showers, too. It was next to the co. airport, and unfortunately, a large development was going in down the road with gravel trucks starting up early in the AM. Well... time to get some rest. See you in the morning.
Wednesday, October 5, 2016
Gil's Oregon Trail- Albany, OR cont.
I'm back...
Visited the Santiam-Albany Canal. It's described as a 19th century engineering marvel, first constructed in the 1860's, improved and lengthened over time. It's now 18 miles long. At first it was used more for transportation, but now is used more for power and water.In 2005 a fish ladder was added.
I rode all around Albany: up and down Bryant Road ( part of the northbound Willamett Valley Trail) along the Calapooia River, where restoration efforts are underway. They grow hazelnuts here. The ground is scraped clean of weeds and packed flat. Each tree is surrounded by plastic barriers. I'd like to grow these in Discovery Bay, since the climate is about the same and wild hazelnut grows all around. I need to study up on orchard farming.
I camped out along the river, watched bats flying overhead in the fading evening light. In the morning a woman at the info center helped me out with maps, both historical and current, and I went off on an exploration of local bike routes. At first I checked out the waterfront using the Monteith and Dave Clark trails. I rode down to a Bowman Park, north of the DC trail, then cruised Water,1st, and 2nd Streets. I picked up a thorn, probably while trundling my bike through the brush. No matter, it was an easy fix. I Got breakfast at Pop's Branding Iron, as you'd expect it had a distinctly western flavor and the food was good.
I explored some dirt trail from Bowman Park which ran a couple of miles or more along the Willamet and neighboring oxbow lakes and sloughs. This was quite do-able on my road bike. Then I bumped into a TV reporter, Amber of KVI? Albany. She was doing a story about some caves dug out into the riverbank by homeless people, which the city had decided to demolish for safety reasons. I could sympathize with the difficult circumstances of the homeless, but recognized how caves could be a dangerous attraction to kids. She interviewed me since I'd been there and had an opinion.
I finished out the day riding exploring the Spring? trail and worked my way back to the RR station. I was lamenting the loss of my Camel-back water bottle when suddenly there it was, right beside the pot-hole that had jostled it out of my bag!
I had a short wait til the north-bound train for Seattle arrived. The trip home was one last long scenic movie highlighting the Willamett Valley and the country life. It was a good trip. I covered 466 miles in 10 days, or about 47 miles a day.
Stay tuned. I will be writing about Jane and me paddling the Columbia from 8/16 to 8/22.
Visited the Santiam-Albany Canal. It's described as a 19th century engineering marvel, first constructed in the 1860's, improved and lengthened over time. It's now 18 miles long. At first it was used more for transportation, but now is used more for power and water.In 2005 a fish ladder was added.
I rode all around Albany: up and down Bryant Road ( part of the northbound Willamett Valley Trail) along the Calapooia River, where restoration efforts are underway. They grow hazelnuts here. The ground is scraped clean of weeds and packed flat. Each tree is surrounded by plastic barriers. I'd like to grow these in Discovery Bay, since the climate is about the same and wild hazelnut grows all around. I need to study up on orchard farming.
I camped out along the river, watched bats flying overhead in the fading evening light. In the morning a woman at the info center helped me out with maps, both historical and current, and I went off on an exploration of local bike routes. At first I checked out the waterfront using the Monteith and Dave Clark trails. I rode down to a Bowman Park, north of the DC trail, then cruised Water,1st, and 2nd Streets. I picked up a thorn, probably while trundling my bike through the brush. No matter, it was an easy fix. I Got breakfast at Pop's Branding Iron, as you'd expect it had a distinctly western flavor and the food was good.
I explored some dirt trail from Bowman Park which ran a couple of miles or more along the Willamet and neighboring oxbow lakes and sloughs. This was quite do-able on my road bike. Then I bumped into a TV reporter, Amber of KVI? Albany. She was doing a story about some caves dug out into the riverbank by homeless people, which the city had decided to demolish for safety reasons. I could sympathize with the difficult circumstances of the homeless, but recognized how caves could be a dangerous attraction to kids. She interviewed me since I'd been there and had an opinion.
I finished out the day riding exploring the Spring? trail and worked my way back to the RR station. I was lamenting the loss of my Camel-back water bottle when suddenly there it was, right beside the pot-hole that had jostled it out of my bag!
I had a short wait til the north-bound train for Seattle arrived. The trip home was one last long scenic movie highlighting the Willamett Valley and the country life. It was a good trip. I covered 466 miles in 10 days, or about 47 miles a day.
Stay tuned. I will be writing about Jane and me paddling the Columbia from 8/16 to 8/22.
Tuesday, October 4, 2016
Gil's Oregon Trail-Sunday in Corvallis to Albany
Hello Again!
Thought I'd go to church, today. I'm not sure where my friends go, so I picked a Presbyterian Church like my home church back in Seattle.The church was planted by a Presbyterian missionary named John Hannah back in the mid 1800's The text of the sermon was Jesus' visit to John the Baptist. John saw right off who Jesus was. "It's me who needs to be baptized by you!" Jesus insists. He is the reality the Hope stood for. The Messiah has come as a human being. I understood something... that God is enlivening his Word. Not just then but right now! Jesus inhabits his Word. As real as flesh and blood. At that time God gave His stamp by His Spirit: there was the sign of God's Peace, the Dove and there was the voice coming from the Fire ( like the Burning Bush in Moses story) a sign of God's Eternal Presence. Good thoughts to carry with me as I wander in the "wilderness".
I had planned to visit the fair, but sadly I was too late, things had closed down. I've been fortunate, days have been in the 80's, though nights are cold. I think a blanket might be better to carry than my sleeping bag, except for the weight. Maybe a poly-fill 'throw' would work. Vistas very beautiful in the AM, with the sun coming up in the east and everything golden, even the trees are into the golden thing with Fall peering over the mountain ridges. Clouds are moving in and the chance of rain is 20%. I pass the Jackson Frazier wetland, a great place for bird watching. Plants include Bradshaw's Lomatium and Checker Mallow. Queen Anne's Lace is everywhere in the Willamet Valley.
I leave Corvallis by the north and east pedaling into Albany. Sunday's not the best time to arrive in a new town. I couldn't find any shops open, especially bike shops. I missed not having a map. After getting a little frazzled, I decided to slow down. A blackberry sundae at the Mr Freeze helped immensely, I recommend it. I started cruising up and down the streets of old Albany looking at old, old houses, kind of like Port Townsend, but more of them. I roamed Bryant Park which spreads across both sides of the Willamett. I sat on a picnic bench and listened to a Mexican Oompah band, playing for a private barbeque. Then there were the ducks, almost doing head-stands with their rear-ends in the air, while they dabbled for vegetation. More later...
Sunday, September 18, 2016
Gil's Oregon Trail- Riding around Corvallis
Hi all! Today my plan is to ride around Corvallis, home to Oregon St. University and one of the most bike friendly towns in the US. I learned that this area, part of the Mary's Creek watershed, was long ago home to the Kalapuyans. They burned forest to make places for Camas Lily, deer, and elk, which they lived on. Years later around the early 1800's fur-trappers working for the Hudson's Bay Company arruved. At first the whites only wanted to trade for beaver skins, but then they decided they wanted their land. In 1834 came the Indian Trade and Intercourse Act. Then in 1850 The Willamett Valley Treaty. In 1851 the Kalapuya were asked to leave. "Never! Never! We do not wish to leave our Country!" said Daboe, a Luckiamutes head-man. " We wish to remain, our fathers, our families, and our friends are buried here." said Scho-la-que of the Mary's River clan. Despite their protests, they were moved to Grand Ronde, a small area far to the north, where many of the coastal people were moved.
The US took over little by little. Spain ceded control in 1819. Russia gave over it's claims in 1824. For awhile Britain or the Hudson's Bay Company dominated until the time of President Polk ( 54' 40" or Fight!). Britain settled the issue in 1844, leaving Oregon to us, while establishing the present US-Canadian border. Corvallis was a transportation hub. Settlers began moving in by the "Trappers Trail", the "California Trail", the "Applegate Trail" ( which came out of the Great Basin via the Humboldt Sink, crossing the Klamath , Rogue, Umpqua and Long Tom rivers). in 1840 Methodist missionaries, Hines and White arrived. A college was established in in 1852, which became OSU in1886. I'll be studying my history books to fill in the gaps, which are many.
Today, I enjoyed hanging out at the Corvallis Farmer's Market which was set up in a the park that lies along the Willamett River. I bought figs from a local farm stand, enjoyed home-made Polish sausage, and listen to blues music. I picked up a Corvallis Bike Map at the library and then tried out all the routes I could in a day, including the Willamett, Philomath, Bald Hill, and Brooklane trails. I put 33 miles on my odometer today. Tonight I pedaled up to Reservoir Hill and found a place to camp. See you in the morning!
The US took over little by little. Spain ceded control in 1819. Russia gave over it's claims in 1824. For awhile Britain or the Hudson's Bay Company dominated until the time of President Polk ( 54' 40" or Fight!). Britain settled the issue in 1844, leaving Oregon to us, while establishing the present US-Canadian border. Corvallis was a transportation hub. Settlers began moving in by the "Trappers Trail", the "California Trail", the "Applegate Trail" ( which came out of the Great Basin via the Humboldt Sink, crossing the Klamath , Rogue, Umpqua and Long Tom rivers). in 1840 Methodist missionaries, Hines and White arrived. A college was established in in 1852, which became OSU in1886. I'll be studying my history books to fill in the gaps, which are many.
Today, I enjoyed hanging out at the Corvallis Farmer's Market which was set up in a the park that lies along the Willamett River. I bought figs from a local farm stand, enjoyed home-made Polish sausage, and listen to blues music. I picked up a Corvallis Bike Map at the library and then tried out all the routes I could in a day, including the Willamett, Philomath, Bald Hill, and Brooklane trails. I put 33 miles on my odometer today. Tonight I pedaled up to Reservoir Hill and found a place to camp. See you in the morning!
Friday, September 16, 2016
Gil's Oregon Trail (Eugene to Corvallis via the Willamett Valley Trail)
Hi again! Perused some issues of Adventure Cycling in the laundry room: Riding Taiwan, Biking Japan, Using Amtrak and biking Vermont, Biking Morrocco, cycling in Northern Italy....something to think about. I learned about the US Bike Route System (USBRS), EuroVelo in Europe, La Route Verte in Quebec, and the Mississippi River Trail Way (both sides!).
The next morning I got started early, pedaling down Coburg Road. Just as I entered town I found the Coburg Bakery and Pizza Co. After enjoying a coffee and a monster cinnamon bun, I donned my helmet and saddled up only to find my tire was flat. Oh well, it happens... then I noticed a serious crack in my rear rim. Going back to the bakery, I inquired about nearby bike shops. "In Eugene." I was told. I was at least 10 miles out of town. Then an angel appeared. Debra was her name. "Come, put your bike in my car and I'll take you there." She drops me off and leaves me outside Willie's bike shop. Then she's gone, only the echo of her wings fluttering in my ears.
As I waited for the shop to open, I talked with Jonah, also waiting at the door. He's a new bike rider, thanks his discovery of an old Schwinn at a garage sale. He's pretty excited to be able to ride to work after some tedious miles walking and waiting for buses. I cheer him on, giving him a few tips that helped me keep going after I started. Like "carry a patch kit and a pump... and don't worry about rain, just get a good raincoat..."
Willy doesn't have the right size rim, so, after fixing the flat I pedal a little ways to Bicycle Way of Life. No, It's not a church. Michael the owner and master mechanic fixes me up, not just the rim but the brakes and derailers. God is watching over me! Ready to restart from downtown Eugene I coffee up at Dutch Brothers and get a little rap music for my sound track.
The way back to Coburg is very familiar by now, so it goes fast. Stopping in at the bakery, I ask the server I met earlier if he knows Debra. He does. So I leave the price of a latte with him, " Tell her it's from the biker you helped." I leave town taking the North Coburg Road it's numbing-ly straight... and goes for miles. Finally I turn onto Gap Road ... and then it's climb, climb, climb to a pass ( must be the Gap) ...then racing down-hill, "twisting and shouting". I come into Brownsville, a historic little town with a feisty streak of independence. Lots of pioneer age buildings ... still standing! Then 7 mile Road, W. Linn Road, Robert's Road... Watch out for soft shoulders on these roads...and be ready for wind, cause there's not much out there between you and it. Then Boston Mill Rd. to Shedd, another historic farm town. I was saddened to see an old Methodist church, where services had been held continuously since 1853, with auction sign nailed to the timbers. I believe in the Resurrection.
I turned on Fayetteville Rd. So many "Fayettevilles" in the US. My mom lived in Fayetteville Arkansas. Down the road I saw black walnut trees, tall and straight, another thing that reminded me of my mom. I crossed over Muddy Creek and saw a score of salmon of spawning size. Then Peoria Rd, and White Oak, and then suddenly Highway 34. I stood there puzzled for a few minutes till I realized that there was a separate bike lane across the Highway. The Willamett Valley Trail is mostly country road with very few signs ( usually at a road change and not very big.) Anyway, you take the bike way west until you come to a right curving, arching overpass, which you follow over the river. You'll see a sign on the downhill that assures you that you're in a bike lane. There before you is Corvallis, "Heart of the Valley" in Latin.
I'd hoped to get to the Library and email my friends Phil and Audra, but alas I got to town at 730pm and the library closes at 6. I did bump into Brian, who I could see by his outfit that he was a serious biker. He pointed me to Squirrel's, a pub known for it's good food. I ordered the Squirrel Burger, which has "everything", including a fried egg! I peddled off to the West side of town to where I'd camped before, near the fairgrounds. Though a good ways off, I could hear the Gospel and Country music, I think everyone was singing. Later it was the little critters that live among the Garry Oak that kept me awake. I think I plunked down on one of their trails... probably the one between the bathroom and the refridgerator. And now a little "shut-eye". Goodnight!
The next morning I got started early, pedaling down Coburg Road. Just as I entered town I found the Coburg Bakery and Pizza Co. After enjoying a coffee and a monster cinnamon bun, I donned my helmet and saddled up only to find my tire was flat. Oh well, it happens... then I noticed a serious crack in my rear rim. Going back to the bakery, I inquired about nearby bike shops. "In Eugene." I was told. I was at least 10 miles out of town. Then an angel appeared. Debra was her name. "Come, put your bike in my car and I'll take you there." She drops me off and leaves me outside Willie's bike shop. Then she's gone, only the echo of her wings fluttering in my ears.
As I waited for the shop to open, I talked with Jonah, also waiting at the door. He's a new bike rider, thanks his discovery of an old Schwinn at a garage sale. He's pretty excited to be able to ride to work after some tedious miles walking and waiting for buses. I cheer him on, giving him a few tips that helped me keep going after I started. Like "carry a patch kit and a pump... and don't worry about rain, just get a good raincoat..."
Willy doesn't have the right size rim, so, after fixing the flat I pedal a little ways to Bicycle Way of Life. No, It's not a church. Michael the owner and master mechanic fixes me up, not just the rim but the brakes and derailers. God is watching over me! Ready to restart from downtown Eugene I coffee up at Dutch Brothers and get a little rap music for my sound track.
The way back to Coburg is very familiar by now, so it goes fast. Stopping in at the bakery, I ask the server I met earlier if he knows Debra. He does. So I leave the price of a latte with him, " Tell her it's from the biker you helped." I leave town taking the North Coburg Road it's numbing-ly straight... and goes for miles. Finally I turn onto Gap Road ... and then it's climb, climb, climb to a pass ( must be the Gap) ...then racing down-hill, "twisting and shouting". I come into Brownsville, a historic little town with a feisty streak of independence. Lots of pioneer age buildings ... still standing! Then 7 mile Road, W. Linn Road, Robert's Road... Watch out for soft shoulders on these roads...and be ready for wind, cause there's not much out there between you and it. Then Boston Mill Rd. to Shedd, another historic farm town. I was saddened to see an old Methodist church, where services had been held continuously since 1853, with auction sign nailed to the timbers. I believe in the Resurrection.
I turned on Fayetteville Rd. So many "Fayettevilles" in the US. My mom lived in Fayetteville Arkansas. Down the road I saw black walnut trees, tall and straight, another thing that reminded me of my mom. I crossed over Muddy Creek and saw a score of salmon of spawning size. Then Peoria Rd, and White Oak, and then suddenly Highway 34. I stood there puzzled for a few minutes till I realized that there was a separate bike lane across the Highway. The Willamett Valley Trail is mostly country road with very few signs ( usually at a road change and not very big.) Anyway, you take the bike way west until you come to a right curving, arching overpass, which you follow over the river. You'll see a sign on the downhill that assures you that you're in a bike lane. There before you is Corvallis, "Heart of the Valley" in Latin.
I'd hoped to get to the Library and email my friends Phil and Audra, but alas I got to town at 730pm and the library closes at 6. I did bump into Brian, who I could see by his outfit that he was a serious biker. He pointed me to Squirrel's, a pub known for it's good food. I ordered the Squirrel Burger, which has "everything", including a fried egg! I peddled off to the West side of town to where I'd camped before, near the fairgrounds. Though a good ways off, I could hear the Gospel and Country music, I think everyone was singing. Later it was the little critters that live among the Garry Oak that kept me awake. I think I plunked down on one of their trails... probably the one between the bathroom and the refridgerator. And now a little "shut-eye". Goodnight!
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