Sunday, July 20, 2008

Leaving OR --> Hells Canyon


Camping Dayville, Ochocho National Forest, Mt Hood (reverse order, I'm having technical issues).



I'm now in Baker City, OR where I've stopped and taken a tour of the "Adler House" (really god guy who left a crap load of money to fund local kids scholarships, made it all selling magazines), late breakfast at the Geyser Hotel (excellent stained glass ceiling), ...all waiting for the library to open to get to a PC. Since last post the Warm Springs Indian museum was neat. Crazy that us Euro Americans thought the Americans to be naive since they didn't farm.....of course they didn't need to as food was abundant everywhere. I'd be in a lot of trouble w/out processed goo and power bars. Ended up Thursday in Prineville where I joined the "classic" route across, so now seeing other tourers. Friday ended up in Dayville after biking through both the Ochoco National Forest and John Day Fossil Beds. A lot of climbing! Camped out in the city park in Dayville and got a shower and food and the Presbyterian Church. Saturday was Dayville to Sumpter. Sumpter is an old mining town with a massive dredge boat perhaps named by Confederate symapthizers, it's right below Dixie Pass. Road through both Malheur and Wallowa-Whitman National Forest Saturday, several passes seemed like always uphill. Much more hilly in eastern Oregon than I figured (I think I knew). This afternoon I'll check out the OR Trail Museum and head to Halfway which is the last little outpost prior to Hells Canyon which I need to time good as the daytime highs hit 120'F on the floor. Eastern OR is Ron Paul country! I'll try to post some pictures. Knee is manageable just taking a handful of ibuprofen for breakfast. 366 miles so far....it's starting to feel like I'll be at this for a bit.

4 comments:

JimmyKestrel said...

Whew, between following you on your blog and my own treks from couch to keg-r-ator, I'm exhausted. Don't know how you'll make it w/no inner tubes(and an unwaxed ass [?!]), but we're all rootin' for ya. Remember, when you get to Kansas, make a left.
Go, Bill, Go!!!

Annie Bryant said...

Hey,
It sounds like other than the knee you are having a great time. Another day or two and you'll be a tenth of the way there;-) It has been wicked hot and humid out here, nothing like 120' but enough for us lazy bums to sit inside in the air conditioned enviroment and complain about it. Be Safe, Annie

everfam said...

Hey Bill

The scenery looks great. Take care of the knee ice and elevation.
Find a bike shop along the way and get some Chamos "Butt'R". Take care

TEverson

steve said...

Get a knee brace, like the one I was wearing in Idaho, that extra support and warmth really helps. So does 800mg of I-b-broken every 4-6 hours. The ace brand one that you can get at most super markets seems to work well and stay in place when I'm riding.