June 11 – June 17

June 11 Tillamook to Nehalem Bay State Park, Nehalem Oregon

I had a relaxing ride today and the sun was finally shining again. I slept in until 9 and didn’t get on the road until 10:45. After about a mile, I stopped at the Tillamook County Creamery for some cheese and ice cream. I finally got started around 12. I was going great until I had another flat tire. This was my first flat since Arizona. I changed me tube and then arrived at the Nehalem Bay State Park around 3:30. It felt great to have a sunny day and an easy ride.

June 12 Nehalem to Astoria Oregon

Today started with a few good climbs. I was feeling good and making great time until the sidewall of my rear tire blew out. I was stranded on Highway 101, 23 miles from the bike shop. I contacted Alex from Terra Trike for some assistance and he was able to verify that the bike shop did have a tire that would fit my trike. After some time waving down trucks, an Air Force veteran named Justin pulled over to help me. He then gave me a ride all the way to the bike shop in Warrenton Oregon. The bike shop was called Bike Envy. They gave me a new tire, fixed a broken spoke, and got me back on the road (all for free). I then rode to my Warmshowers host house in Astoria. My host, Steve, provided me a great place to sleep, fixed an amazing dinner of fish and pasta, and gave me plenty of tips for my upcoming days. Great place to stay and refuel. Today is my last day in Oregon. Looking forward to Washington.

June 13 Astoria to Elochoman Slough Marina, Cathlamet Washington

I started riding today at 9 in a little rain. It rained for the first several hours. I also had a serious issue with my rear derailer today. It would change to a higher gear but not back into the lower gears for climbing. I rode for a while and eventually made it to a ferry crossing. I rode on the ferry from Oregon crossing into Washington. I am staying in a yurt at the marina in Cathlamet, Washington.

June 14 Cathlamet to Paradise Cove Resort, Castle Rock Washington

I had a late start today while waiting for the rain to stop. I started at 10:30. I had a good ride and my gears worked better than yesterday. I had some beautiful views of the river today and only had a few hills. I arrived at the Paridise Cove Resort at 4:30. The rain held off all day so far. Campsite is set up, shower done, fire started, dinner cooking, ready for bed. Great day.

June 15 Castle Rock to Stan Hedwall Park, Chehalis Washington

I had a great day today. Started at 9:30. I had very good roads with very little traffic. I stopped for lunch in Napavine at Taste of Alaska. I had the all-you-can eat fish and chips and a bowl of clam chowder. The owner bought my lunch and I was given a few donations. Great people. After lunch, I rode almost all downhill to the Stan Hedwall Park. Nice quiet place. While there, I met an Air Force veteran named Travis. He was a nice guy that knew about the struggles of PTSD. I also met a man named John and his wife. His son in law also struggles with PTSD. It was good to share with these men.

June 16 Chehalis to Elma RV Park, Elma Washington

I had a great ride today. Best ride in over a month. I was able to finish 40 miles in less than 4 hours. I arrived at the Elma RV Park and it only cost $10 to camp for a biker. The camp host owned a Terra Trike Rover. I was given fresh baked cookies. I set up my campsite, took a shower, made a fire, and ate dinner. What a beautiful day. I am feeling great.

June 17 Elma to Potlatch State Park, Shelton Washington

I had a good ride again today. I left Elma at 10:00 and rode mostly on back country roads. I went past a very large prison today. Finally made it back to Highway 101. I had a great view of the snow topped Mount Olympus mountain. I arrived at the Potlatch State Park at 2. Nice campground. The weather was a little warmer today, in the mid 70’s. Feeling great. 3,356 miles down.