Shivering cold in Waldport, Oregon

It was late after I rode the Aufderheide National Scenic Byway and I ended up much farther south than I expected. My plan was to ride half way down to the Box Canyon sign, but I must have missed it and passed the point of no return. It was my intention to turn around but then I had travelled so far that it was more expedient to just continue to the end where I was rewarded with my first Covered Bridge at Westfir. I am happy to report that I am no longer a Covered Bridge Virgin



This bridge looks like it was recently restored with new timber. It goes nowhere except to a small parking lot and park with flush toilets. Perfect ! Just what I needed. You are not able to see how long it us until you ride pass, so when I noticed it in my rear view mirror, I turned around for this photo



I was lucky to find one where you could still drive across. I finally reached Hwy 58 and headed West to Eugene, Oregon for the night. I was tired and homeless and I made use of the WiFi at McD's to find my temporary home.

The next day I made my way to Florence, Oregon and wrote about it HERE


As mentioned before it was a cool night in the tent. I was set up for the warmer temperatures of Eastern Oregon. I had no cold weather gear and I wasn't prepared for temps in the mid 60's °F. Being in a campground you go to sleep and rise by the light of the sun. Marine mist was rolling in but I felt cozy and warm in my meagre sleeping bag which is rated down to 45°F, but it wasn't enough. At 3:19am I couldn't take it any more. My teeth were chattering. I needed to find a washroom and put on everything I had. Lucky I brought along a nylon convertible pants, the ones where the legs can be unzipped to reveal a pair of short pants, and I layered with two T-shirts and a silk thermolayer

I managed a few more winks but then I awoke naturally and it was now 7:30am. I had survived the night, but still chilly. I made my way to the washroom/showers and warmed myself up in the shower. I let the water drizzle everywhere until I felt normal again.



It is rare to see me without shorts and a tank/T-shirt but here I am wearing my bundle of clothes. I have really never camped before so luckily I bought that green microfibre drying towel and had soap along as they don't supply anything other than provide the facilities

Richard recently made a comment about using my MSR Whisperlite Internationle stove so here I am getting it ready to make morning coffee


MSR Whisperlite being primed for use

This is the 2nd time I have used it on this trip. The first time was in Baker City at the Mountain View RV campsite where I stayed on my first night and was lucky to have a photogenic neighbour who is much wiser in the camping ways


V-Star Lady

With body temperatures nearly back to normal I change back into my trademark shorts as I savour a hot cup of coffee to start the day and start packing up



I don't really have a system and I fumble trying to figure out where to put everything. The tent is wet from the Marine Fog but



soon enough I manage and I am nearly ready to leave without a trace that I was even here



I leave my side case to the last and drink the last drops of my now cold beverage and go in search of a hearty breakfast to start the day



I leave my campsite and ride over the Alsea bridge into Waldport and there is nowhere to have a meal, except for the Subway, so I head East on Hwy 34



hoping to find a meal and at the next corner what do I see ?



but Carol's place. The place is packed and when I enter all eyes focus on me. I felt humbled by all these locals. This seems to be the only place in town and I order a hearty breakfast to start the day, unlike previous days where I just starved until my stomach started to hurt



I am a creature of habit. I seem to always order the same thing where ever I roam. This is a ham and cheese omlette with a small stack of pancakes. I should have deleted the coffee as my Vietnamese brand which I had earlier makes most other coffees seem bland and tasteless.

so with a FULL bulging belly (want to see it ? don't dare me or your wish may come true) I head eastbound on Hwy 34, which in spots is very challenging. As I ride alone I tend to travel at "scenic" speed which is at or under the posted speed. Today I was much slower as I was just enjoying the day and the new sights along the way. Not too many photos as I didn't stop. The road was melodic with gentle curves and I was in the groove. I noticed many cows and pastures along the way and soon I got guilty for not stopping for a photo for You Know Who . I mumbled to myself in my helmet to stop at the next opportunity



I don't think we have any oreo cows here. They are all dark and the one on the left started to walk away so I MOOED as loud as I could many times. MOO, MOO, MOO until he turned his head in my direction. If there were any people around they would have thought that I was nuts

This morning I didn't have the desire to explore the chilly Oregon coast anymore preferring the warmth of the valley. I noticed the sign for Newport 14 miles, gave it a 2 second consideration and decided to go the other direction

I did a quick drive through downtown Corvallis and I like it. It is a compact small town. I needed a snack as it was now past noon. I thought it was getting a bit warm, especially having to wear full riding gear so I thought about going to a park and just vegetate. I know that once I relax it is hard to get motivated again and the thought of having to put on my riding gear again made me rethink my options. So I decided to just go to my destination for the night and set up camp. I also checked my oil, lubed my chain and dressed down to my usual summer outfit and relaxed under the shade of the trees. I felt very relaxed and the neighbours didn't blink any eye



It felt good to feel the sun and relax in my new Monarch Chair Contented in Paradise, food & friends, what else is there ?