Heat continues

In the Columbia Gorge the nominal crest of the Cascades is at Cascade Locks, where Bridge of the Gods crosses the Columbia. However, it wasn't until a few miles east of Hood River yesterday that the landscape really opened up with views more familiar to us in Bend.

We're having our "stay cool, rest up" day in our motel in The Dalles. Sorry to say goodbye to my sister, who left the group this morning.

I had a good discussion with the group this morning about my own anxieties, physical symptoms of which are impolite to mention. Not just because Margaret left, I wondered if I may not be suited for an adventure this far outside my comfort zone. Feeling tighter with the group as a result of the discussion, and more welcome to face, name, even chat with the "monsters under the bed".

In each of the 3 training weeks I did before the trip I biked 100 miles, and this week we've gone over 200. I'm sore but not dangerously so.

The goal tomorrow is a (relatively) short hop to the campground on the Washington side of the Hwy 97 bridge at Biggs, done in the (relatively) cool morning, followed by another short hop the next day. Don't expect to have Internet or leisure to write more for awhile.

~ Carol