Rosedale to Troutdale
It was a
pleasantly cool night and I decided to sleep under the picnic shelter with the
bike. I guess it was just the highway noise and I did not sleep that well. Last
time I woke was close to sunrise, so I just got up. I had the eggs, so made two
fried egg sandwiches on toast a well as my usual oatmeal. With a church kitchen
at my disposal I can eat well, or at least better.
It was foggy
again, so I took my time eating and
packing up. After 0830 it looked safe to pedal off. I had about 35 miles to
Damascus and one big hill. Thankfully it was a more gradual grade, so
relatively easy to pedal up and modest braking descending. It was a pretty
route also. Very few cars and Rocky outcropping where it was cut into the
hillside and a rushing stream on the other. The sound of flowing water is
always a treat when cycling. No cars to distract, just the quiet forest and the
sounds of the water flowing over rocks. What an experience! Cycling quiet
backroads there is always some sound of nature; the wind, birds and even
insects singing their songs to occupy the stillness.
I stopped at
Meadowview at a small grocery. In the south these places are more restaurant
and sell groceries as a side business. I was just going to get coffee but a
customer gave a rousing testimonial about the chili coleslaw hot dog. Not
wishing to miss out on this Southern culinary delight, I went back in and
ordered one from Miss Betty. I was not disappointed, it was pretty good! And it
got me the last 15 miles to Damascus.
I found the
bike shop but the mechanic called in sick . They sold me the new plain post
cantilever brake shoes and loaned me the 10mm wrench to do it myself. Finishing
in about an hour I decided I had time to eat at a pizza place with an OK salad
bar. I also got a calzone with double hot peppers that was pretty good. But
when cycling, most anything is pretty good! I had decided Damascus is a busy
place and that I had time to make Troutdale. About 25 miles with a big hill to
cross. Troutdale also has a church run hostel and I thought I could get there
by 8 PM.
The ride was
exceptionally nice. The big climb was not steeply graded and went thru deep
forest and had a stream most of the way to Troutdale. There was a long mostly
flat tabletop plateau that was wonderful cycling in the cool evening. There
were two interesting churches I took pictures of. One made of stone and the
other log cabin style. I wished one of them were a hostel as each was so unique
in appearance.
The hostel
at the Troutdale Baptist Church did look like it’s name, The Bunkhouse. Up on a
hill with a beautiful view and showers a short walk at the church. I did not
have the use of the church kitchen but did fine with the microwave at the
bunkhouse. I had a baked potato, sliced zucchini and green pepper, corn on the
cob and a piece of chicken. Desert was a bag of microwave popcorn from the
bunkhouse stock. Many of the hostels, not close to a grocery, church members
will stock with non-perishable food items.
After
eating, I took the short walk down to the showers. Some of the hostels have
outside cold showers. I was looking forward to a hot shower to relax tired
muscles.
With bath
done, bed made, I was tired and slept very well on my plywood bunk.
Days miles
about 60 with a little over 3000 feet climbing.
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