Friday, May 9, 2014

Humbug State Park to Brookings, Oregon

Hills and Headwinds

Thursday, May 8, 2014
Humbug State Park to Brookings, Oregon
51 miles

We woke up to the pitter patter sound of rain hitting the tent.  Our guide book had suggested we get an early start for this next stretch in order to avoid afternoon winds, logging trucks and tourists.  We quickly packed up and huddled under a tree to eat our oatmeal and peanut butter bagels.

The views along the highway as we left Humbug were amazing, and we made several stops to take pictures.





I was also thrilled by the number of lilies just growing wild along the route.


As we pedaled on the weather worsened considerably.  Our research told us to travel the route north to south as the prevailing winds come from the north.  Today, Mother Nature decided to change her mind.  We fought a relentless battle against southerly winds.


Wind gusts - an understatement!

We checked the weather at the end of the day to discover the winds were from the south at 16 - 20 miles per hour.  I confess that I spent a considerable part of the day wondering and worrying about the German couple cycling with the baby.  I hope they found a warm hotel to snuggle up in.

Many years ago (I won't say how many in order to protect the innocent) I found myself falling in love with Rob because of his endless optimism.  Today, I believe it was Rob's positive energy that got us through the day.  We encountered heavy rain, mist and fog for the majority of the day and each time the weather changed Rob would say those three little words I always want to hear - "it's clearing up".  These are weather conditions we are accustomed to.  However, today we were also faced with climbing to the summit of Cape Sebastian at 712 feet against the headwinds.

I found the winds to be really demoralizing.  You push as hard as you can, and at times our speed was only 3 or 4 miles per hour.  To add insult to injury, on the downhills the winds were so strong, that instead of coasting and recovering, we actually had to pedal.


This is our last full day on the Oregon coast and despite the weather we are already making plans to come back and visit this section of the coast.  Cliffs, sea stacks, long sandy beaches and natural bridges.  We also noticed a hiking trail along this section.....something to think about for sure!

Sea stacks line the coast

It's clearing up!

We fought for nine hours to gain 52 miles.  We arrived in Brookings tired, cold, wet and grumpy and made the executive decision to stay at the Spindrift Motor Inn....and so, as we sign off tonight we are eating chicken, drinking cold beer and watching NHL playoffs.  Tomorrow is another day!

There is no such thing as bad weather....just bad gear.  

Giggle of the day:

We descended from the Cape Sebastian Summit and pulled into a viewpoint to warm up.  It was so cold on the summit that we could see our breath and we were pelted with rain as we descended.  A car was stopped at the same pullout.  As we were taking pictures a gentleman came over to us carrying power bars.  He and his wife and just moved to Canada from Germany and were travelling along the coast in search of sunshine.  We all wondered if any of us would find it.  As he was about to depart, he asked if we needed anything else.  I requested younger, stronger legs.  He looked at me and with a huge grin said (in his fantastic German accent) - ah, but older legs are more determined!

Power bar gifts - the kindess of strangers

6 comments:

  1. You had rough conditions but have conquered Oregon 101! Have a safe trip into California--don't forget to enjoy your second breakfasts! Ron and Sharon

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    1. Thanks Sharon and Ron....today's second breakfast was the best yet. The entire cafe was involved in the conversation....lots of great laughs with locals, bikers and tourists and the omelette was to die for! Cheers!

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  2. When Marco and I drove the coast at the end of April, we thought of the two of you and how breathtaking (and tiring!) cycling through there would be. You are amazing!

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    1. Merci Paulo.....we really aren't amazing, just stubborn! And yes, the scenery is amazing.

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