CALIFORNIA!!!

Pretty excited to hit California.  I know, I know, it's a BIG state.  Two states done and we're not quite half way.  59 (hilly again)  miles to Crescent City. We're camping at an RV park.  We plan to take our time through the redwoods.

                                          Very exhilarating to see this sign.

                                      We crossed highest bridge in Oregon

                   More exquisite beaches as we leave Oregon.

Rouge River Bridge

We love the charming historical bridges we've ridden over. The bridge over the Rogue River where it enters the ocean at Gold Beach may be our favorite so far.

33 hilly miles today with beaches, woods, busy road, quiet roads, river, osprey, and a very cool bridge to finish the day.

                                                    Bridge over Rogue River

                          Wishing our grand kids were with us!

                          Morning breakfast spot-Port Orford

Bridge to the Myrtlewood Grove

                                          

Rise and Shine

Rise as in starting the day with a 15 mile significant climb.  It was a beautiful quiet rode and we enjoyed it with fresh morning legs.  53 miles to a nice RV camp with a laundry.  I've been delighted that we have been able to score a shower every night so far.

Bluebell got a tune-up in Bandon.  Needed a new chain and cable and some bike shop TLC.

Bandon has lovely beaches and unique rock formations.

                                                                      Face Rock

Egrets!

Thursday, July 24.  Honeyman State Park to Sunset Bay State Park-56 miles. We rode away from the beaches, through woods, and by lots of lakes today. A whole different kind of beauty. The most remarkable treat of the day was seeing a whole flock of egrets on a lake shore. There were a few blue heron hanging out with them.

Many of the campgrounds are full this time of year, but state campgrounds have hiker and biker sites and never turn you away if you're on a bike.  It's a nice thing to be able to count on.  It was a little crowded, but we were grateful to be rolled out like burritos:)

                                                                          Egrets!

                                                         One of many lakes today.

                                                                    Big Woods

                 Sunset Bay State Park - we enjoyed a spectacular sunset!
         

Serendipity-Blessings-Luck . . . at Every Turn

Heceta Head Lighthouse

Today we traveled what is reputedly some of the most scenic part of the Oregon coast.  54 miles from Newport to Honeyman State Park, just south of Florence.  As we road through Waldport, a kind fellow pointed out the local bike shop (where he volunteered). It's called Green Bikes Co-op and is a nonprofit shop supporting family literacy.  I've been looking to replace a shirt I lost and he had one exactly like I needed .  I traded him for my back fender I no longer wanted. Whatta deal.
Cape Perpetua, Devil's Churn, and Heceta Head Lighthouse were a few of the highlights.
Saw more whales and sea lions!

                                              Lucky find at a fine non-profit bike shop.

Lunch picnic site for today .

We Saw Whales!

Lincoln City to Newport 33 miles.  (We took the scenic Otter Crest Loop to Cape Foul Weather).  We saw gray whales there  and then saw more near Otter Rock - amazing!  Blue Heron have been our constant companions and a hummingbird graced us today as well.
First flat tire on my bike. Mel is a cheerful skilled helper for which I was most grateful. Nice to have assistance with a pesky back tire.
Our bikes got a good look over at a unique shop called Bike Newport. They cater to bicycle tourists with a lounge,free shower, and laundry- woo hoo!  Turned out I had a tire sidewall puncture so got a new tire and ready to roll again.
We met Mel's daughter here where she is attending a workshop.  We get to bunk with her in a nice hotel AND borrow her car for our rest day. Thank you Betsy!  Oh my goodness, just have to add that we got wonderfully therapeutic massages today - further proof I am a bona fide lucky ducky!

Rock Creek Bridge

         

                                                                Otter Crest Loop

Thank you Betsy!

From Now On You Shall be Known as Bluebell

I have been wanting to name my bicycle and figured it would come to me on the trail.  Sure enough . . . Bluebell!  She's a trusty steed.  So comfortable and dependable.  She has earned her very own blog post and is here on a picturesque old bridge on old hiway 101.