Escape from Portland

Getting out of Portland was rough. Started in Clackamas, where we spent 'a night' with Emily. Leaving morning turned into leaving afternoon turned into leaving evening. By the time it was all ready, it was 7pm, so we imposed for another night. Lydia's legs hurt so much after running erands that she could barely move. Fortunately they were better the next day.

Now it's September.... leaving morning #2. Got half a mile out of town, took a wrong turn that led us straight back into town, Lydia discovered that the mysterious thumping coming from her rear tire was actually a flat (now we know what they sound/feel like, at least), changed the tube, and ventured out again. At 330. We were terrified that leaving would fail a second time, and were feeling somewhat more than noobish riding around with all these experienced bikers staring at us, but it worked.

Made it safely along a -very- sketchy, twisty little road, and camped near a river a mile short of Barton, OR. Went wading in our undies and suffered the stares of teenagers floating the river, read 'the alchemist' on a log with our feet in the water, watched the sunset, the space shuttle, and an eagle, and passed out.

Day 2 was epic. Biked roughly 30 miles all done, ending up 2 miles out of Molalla. Easy stretch to Estacada, took a 2 hour break to eat and read, and then paid dearly for it. Just south of Estacada on 211 is 'Day Hill'. We tried to bike it. After 10 rests or so, we decided to walk it the rest of the way.... after all, it couldn't be -that- far... right? 4 miles later we were dead. Rewarded with a downhill coast for 6 miles, but still.

Parked for a while in Colton, where we splurged and bought a salad. DELICIOUS. Six more miles to the Molalla River, picked several cups of blackberries (the remainder are in a waterbottle becoming blackberry jam), and camped in the middle of an ancient blackberry thicket.

Sitting on the riverbank as it got dark, we were watching a hawk when a heron swooped down in front of us and flew off again. It gave us a full belly view from about 4 feet away. Somewhat terrifying, but totally awesome.

Now we're in Molalla, resting from the blistering heat that is the 3rd of September. Miah's wringing out his shirt in the bathroom, and my internet usage is about up. From here we head to Silverton to try our luck at selling crafty things, then we follow the 22 and 18 through Salem and over to the coast. Depoe bay, Newport, Coos bay, and south. Heading towards the Oregon Caves National Monument.... is that where the lava tubes are, or is it a different spot? (Daddy, the itinerary is for you. Have some peace of mind and a few imaginary blackberries. Love ya. :)

Hugs from your favorite sweaty smiles!

(Esther, you should have told us that biking was hard on your shoulders. Grar.)