Oregon!

To Halfway, Oregon -- 54.4 miles, 12.3 mph, 2975 ft

Oregon!  For decades, the sought after destination of tens of thousands of American pioneers. Fifty years after Lewis and Clark followed the Missouri and Columbia Rivers, Americans began the arduous journey west by covered wagons, mules and oxen in search of land, opportunity, and adventure. We are currently reading The Oregon Trail: A New American Journey about brothers that decided a few years back to retrace as much of the trail as possible -- Missouri to Oregon.

Today, as usual, we started the morning with a climb. Keeter and Patrice had been thwarted on their hike yesterday when they encountered mile after mile of roadway covered with “Mormon Crickets.” Apparently, they are actually a type of grasshopper, which we had the good fortune to see on the way up. The worst of the infestation appeared to be over so we only got to see a couple hundred. A lot of the group seemed to be grossed out by the little critters and, in particular, the fact that the ones still alive seemed to enjoy feasting on their less fortunate comrades.

A few "Mormon Crickets" on the roadway

After seventeen miles, we were at the top and ready for a screaming downhill for seven. This is where tandems totally rock. The same force that drags them back on the uphill, propels them downhill with a vengeance. We blasted by the slow poke, single riders hitting 40 mph on the way down.

Ready for the descent

Fortunately, the downhill dropped us off at a convenience store where we could eat and drink. The summer days are really heating up, so a couple hours later we gratefully took advantage of a quick plunge in the Snake River before starting the climb out of Hell’s Canyon.

Despite the quick swim, I was completely out of gas a few miles later. A few Cokes, some food and an hour off the bike seemed to work miracles. Kylie must have been feeling good too because we jammed up the road for the next fifteen miles. I suspect the cooling cloud cover may have helped a bit as well.

During the ride into Halfway, we enjoyed beautiful scenery of pine covered hillsides and idyllic farms all with the snow covered Wallowa range in the background. The RV park, just a quarter mile out of town wasn't much to look at, but had everything we needed -- bathrooms, shower, water, electricity, and tables.  And most importantly, when we arrived, shade!

For the first time in a week, we decided to treat ourselves to dinner out. We walked the quarter mile into the quaint little downtown and to the surprisingly fancy The Main Place restaurant. Wine, salad, bread, pasta, shrimp and a healthy portion of mud pie for dessert. Delicious.