Odometer: 650kmWelcome to Oregon the sign said, but we were too busy rounding the bend and applying our brakes to pay much attention---we'd just made it across the Astoria bridge--4.1 miles of bridge spanning the Columbia River between Washington and Oregon! Hooray!
After riding an hour from Cape Disappointment we reached the bridge to find the traffic light and the winds ok--much MUCH better than the previous couple of days. So we went for it -all 22 minutes. First you climb a short bridge, then descend to a long flat section that is right at river level for a few miles--which was just fine. Only 1 logging truck passed us, which is a record for the 101. Then you start a long climb-about 1/2 mile or so to reach another high part of th bridge...the adrenaline pumped more just from the sheer height and small railings than anything else. Then down down we spiralled into Oregon, and at last came to rest at a chic coffee shop in Astoria while we waited for Chris' bike to be examined.
I must say, we quite enjoyed the bridge & I personally find it much more relaxing that the crazy tunnels! Those have the scariest accoustics imaginable and you feel like a huge freight train is bearing down on you--or perhaps the tunnel is collapsing. All is well, and we continue towards the happy land of $4 campsites and beautiful beaches.
After riding an hour from Cape Disappointment we reached the bridge to find the traffic light and the winds ok--much MUCH better than the previous couple of days. So we went for it -all 22 minutes. First you climb a short bridge, then descend to a long flat section that is right at river level for a few miles--which was just fine. Only 1 logging truck passed us, which is a record for the 101. Then you start a long climb-about 1/2 mile or so to reach another high part of th bridge...the adrenaline pumped more just from the sheer height and small railings than anything else. Then down down we spiralled into Oregon, and at last came to rest at a chic coffee shop in Astoria while we waited for Chris' bike to be examined.
I must say, we quite enjoyed the bridge & I personally find it much more relaxing that the crazy tunnels! Those have the scariest accoustics imaginable and you feel like a huge freight train is bearing down on you--or perhaps the tunnel is collapsing. All is well, and we continue towards the happy land of $4 campsites and beautiful beaches.
3 comments:
Hmmm, dad told me that you were going to take a bus over this bridge.
Wow Chloe! Your bike trip seems like such an exciting adventure. It's so cool to be able to check out how and what you are doing! I am so jealous that you get to cycle tour and I am stuck in school.:P
Have a great trip!
Evil evil bridge!
Post a Comment