Astoria, Oregon

Our trip will likely go down in history (at least in our minds).  First, it was Lewis and Clarks 2 year journey, but now it is Joe and Jeff’s 4 year journey to reach Astoria. Obviously, our journey was harder because it took longer.  L & C’s adventure started in St. Louis in 1804 and they returned in 1806.  We started in St. Louis in 2009 and went to Havre, Mt. and now in 2013 we have completed the journey.  While L &C’s journals document their triumphant exploration, all we have is this and our prior blog…but we are getting ahead of ourselves.

This morning we started from Cascade Locks by getting on a bike path that took us west along the interstate for about 5 miles.  From there, we had to get on the interstate for only 3 miles.  We were early enough that we only had to endure very little traffic noise and none of the headwinds that challenged us on the previous days.  From there we transitioned back to “Historic Route 30” that took us by the many water falls that are located along this part of the gorge.  Next we had a long climb up to Vista House that was above the clouds and offered a wonderful view.  As we continued west we cycled along the top of the ridge for several miles before we came to the long anticipated down hill.  As we were flying down at 20 to 30 mph, Joe called to Jeff that we needed to stop or miss the short cut that he found in the cycling guide books.  Indeed, this short cut eliminated a mile from staying on Route 30.  What Joe did not tell Jeff, was that to save a mile of great down hill cycling we would need to climb several 100 additional feet before getting an even longer down hill ride.  Needless to say, Jeff was not happy sacrificing his original down hill just to do a big climb with a longer down hill.

As we worked our way into Portland, we cycled mostly on bike paths along the Columbia River with Mount Hood looming behind us.  Once we got into the city we headed for the River City Bike shop where we left our bikes to be shipped home.  Next, Joe’s daughter-in-law picked us up and took us to her home.  After relaxing with her and her daughters we got into a car and headed to Astoria. 

We had to come to Astoria because this is where Lewis and Clark wintered before heading home.  Both of us recently read a cycling article that espoused the charms of Astoria and were looking forward to spending time here.  However, we were disappointed.  We expected a quaint little town with the charm of Cannon Beach, Oregon (just south of here).  Instead, we found is a city that did not meet any of our expectations. It seemed over developed and worn out.  Despite our disappointment, we look forward to our drive back to Portland and then flying to our homes in New York and Virginia.

Today’s photos

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