Day 1 Rockaway to Sandpark campground (41 miles today 41 total)

7:22 PM  on May 11, 2010

As I write this I’m sitting at my camping spot loaded on three Ibuprofen sitting next to the fire I built. I’m very proud of this fire, all the wood here is still wet from a rain that passed through last night. The group next to me used lighter fluid - I had to make mine from scratch. As I’ve taught little kids fire not only provides warmth but a sense of security. The downside, that I didn’t realize until now, is that sitting by a fire alone is very lonely. The last time I was around a fire I was surrounded by 100 kids at Camp Laurel, a camp I volunteer with. 

So anyway, today was a great but physically hard day. My legs are not quite in biking shape yet and they’ve already been through, what I anticipate will be the highest/steepest mountain north of the California border. It reminded me of riding through Piedmont with my brother and dad only this time I had sixty pounds of gear. It was brutal and saying I’m sore is the understatement of the day.

But, the views were amazing. I was close to the ocean the whole time seeing seals, birds, a few deer, horses and tons of cows. I enjoyed being able to not have to return the same way I came; each mile is new as I’m heading in one direction. And the trees were amazing.

The fact that I’m heading in towards home seems to alleviate any concern I have about being 1000 miles away.

My bike held up well. She is need of shifting tune-up that I’ll work on tomorrow morning with a fresh head. I adjusted her multiple times throughout the day. I joked with myself (who else am I going to joke with) that I should have her all tuned up by the time I’m finished.

To say I’m looking forward to sleep is like saying a 10 year old is looking forward to Christmas. But prior to my slumber I still have to hang my food bag (also contains soaps and anything else that smells good) up from a tree. I’m not expecting the sun to set for another hour so I have plenty of time.

The ride itself started out in Rockaway as noted in the headline. It was great to pass through multiple spots (see the pictures) where I have so many memories from child hood.

For lunch I stopped at some horrible place across from Tillamook Cheese Factory. Dinner consisted of freeze dried chili mac with beef (whatever that is).

The camp site is nice

I regret not calling my mom or Christine today but I’m out of cell phone range and seven miles from a payphone, I’m told. I suppose this will set expectations that I’ll call in the mornings.

But this whole day would not have been possible if not for my family and Christine. (Last night was spent at my grandmother’s place.) Christine somehow managed to not only deal with my stress of putting a bike back together (from the flight) but also helped a great deal. I miss her.

Off to bed.

sellers