Lewis and Clark Cycling Trek

Wednesday, July 26, 2006

Day 26-Portland, OR to Longview, WA-68.79 miles




We left Portland and thought we might never get out of town. The city seemed to go on forever...we did make it eventually, of course. We stopped for a snack at a coffee shop and noticed a mountain to our northeast. I suspected Mt. St. Helens, but wasn't sure. I inquired at the coffee shop and the first person I asked had no idea. I guess people who live in the mountains don't get quite as excited as I do about mountains. Anyhow, she referred me to a gentleman who confirmed that it was, in fact, Mt. St. Helens. When we came out of the shop, we could actually see some smoke coming from the mountain. The unusually high humidity we are experiencing in this area has caused some haze in the atmosphere, but if you look carefully at the picture, a small plume of smoke can be seen.
We have been looking forward to this ride for some time. Last year we met a fellow biker with whom we shared our campsite. As we parted, David told us to let him know when we reached Astoria the following year. We have kept in contact with David and he kindly offered us an evening meal, hot shower, soft bed, and breakfast as we prepared to make our final day's ride on the Lewis and Clark Trail. David lives in Longview, WA about halfway between Portland and Astoria. As we biked from Portland, David biked out and met us and biked with us back to his home. What a pleasure to see him after a year. We met David with about 10 miles to go towards Rainier, just across the river from his home. We crossed the Columbia River over a beautiful 75 year old bridge. We made a home visit that night. The first of the trip, thanks to David and Janet. We had a great cookout with David and his family and toured a museum where David is the Historian. He took me sightseeing in the mountains near his home which included a peek at both Mr. Rainier and Mt. St. Helens. And to top off the evening, Janet treated us to homemade cobbler. What a great way to prepare for the last day on the trail. Many thanks to David, Janet, Cheryl, and Emily for making the next to the last day of our 12 week journey so special…Mmmmm! Great cobbler!

-clarkwheel

Student question: What do the movies “Free Willie” and “Kindergarten Cop” have in common? Hint: Keep in mind what tomorrow’s destination city will be. (Thanks to David for this question!)

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