Left the campsite early, but not as early as I had wanted. After feeling like I did yesterday, all I wanted was to keep moving. But it was COLD! coldest I've felt yet. hands barley worked packing up and tying all the gear down to Norm. He also had a rough time getting going. Took a few tries to get his parts moving. I think we both felt the thirty day calendar this morning.
Bolted North through Bend, Redmond and Madras. Had to keep stopping to fuss w/ the adding or arranging of clothing for the weather. Decided to take HW 26 into the Mt. Hood National Forest and then 35 North right past Mt. Hood itself. And I thought it was cold this morning. Just passing Mt. Hood on the low, little blacktop two laner, I could feel the temperature dropping by the second .Brrrr! I think this was a premonition of what's to come.
I have decided to keep heading North to Vancouver Island, British Colombia (BC). I met quite a few people this last week who had nothing but compliments about the place and they definitely encouraged me keep this Northern heading.
Made it into Portland late afternoon. No enthusiasm to find a campsite, poor planing on my part. However, got the last available room at the Ace Hotel. I've heard of this hotel chain before (okay I get the monthly email) and it is the best hotel I have I have ever stayed in to date. Check their website out if you get a chance, my photos don't do the hotel any justice http://www.acehotel.com/. Great vibe, great decor and great price (respectively). Actually, couldn't have asked for anything better. Senior Bri, if your reading this, I tried your suggested hostel, but it was all full up. Met some folks at the Deschutes Brewery tonight who were staying at that hostel, they booked three weeks in advance. I guess that's what happens when lack of planning happens.
Adam,
ReplyDeleteThis is Dale on the Dakar, we met on the Ferry from Port Angeles to Victoria.
It was really great to meet you and to hear you are enjoying your 650GS as much as I am. Enjoyed reading your blog and have to say I am jealous and inspired of the journey you have had so far. My quick trip top Northern Cal. was pretty cool but too rushed with not enough time to appreciate all the things along the way. Great pics of the Oregon Coast and the giant Redwoods. I should have mentioned this while we were talking , if you need anything while you are here in Victoria let me know. dalexr400r@gmail.com. Even if you need a place to stay for a night or two let me know via email and I can give you my number.
Hope to hear back, if not have a great journey and good luck with you trip to Denver.
Cheers
Dale