Crater Lake, forests and shore lines of the wonderful state of Oregon.
I know it has been several weeks since I updated you on my travels. Upon leaving New England, I drove back to Denver with the van and met a different guide and we headed off to the Pacific Northwest. We started in Eugene,OR on 8/14 and led a 9-day ride in OR. It was great being in a college town again. We headed for the coast on small, seldom used back country roads from Eugene to Reedsport. I don’t know how Dick (Timberline’s owner) does it, but he oftentimes finds roads that are not traveled much at all, and he does it time after time. Going through the tall trees of Central OR are awe inspiring and majestic. It is like riding through a green canyon.
This group of 13 was a great mix. There were 6 women (5 guests and 1 guide) who love to bicycle and their husbands do not. One woman who has ridden with this group of women in the past brought her husband on this trip. We also had 3 men on this trip and 1 brought his wife, who didn’t like to ride, so she did sightseeing on her own and met us every night at the hotel and joined us for dinner. The group bonded well and was supportive and encouraging of each other and had a wonderful sense of humor. All were strong riders and handled the challenges of this tough ride well. We experienced the heat of central OR, the coolness of the coast, and the splendor of Crater Lake. Several friends had mentioned how wonderful Crater Lake was and I thought, just great could it really be? It is jaw dropping Gorgeous and maybe one of my favorite spots in the country.
A man from Switzerland came up on a spot in Canyonlands and said, "This is the picture of the year". By the time we left, I think we were up to 2042. But Peter, Crater Lake is truly one of the best spots in the US!
One of the nice fringe benefits of my travels this summer, has been the opportunity to see family and friends. I have been able to see all of the Lentini clan except fdr Duane. Uncle Tony, Aunt Maxine, Carmela and Jane and Larry met me for dinner out side of Grant's Pass. What a treat!
I also was able to make an unexpected trip to Denver, and I must admit Colorado is a good place to return home to. Cris and I worked our second trip together and had a great time and a great trip with some very special people.
I am continually amazed at the wonderful experiences I get to see and do everyday, with wonderful people in wonderful places.
I am, we are sooooo blessed!!!!
