On The Road Again
Morning of day two brought much relief. After checking the bikes, all three made it through the night untouched. We grabbed a continental breakfast, loaded up, and were off again. It was bright and sunny, but a bit chilly. Especially once we started climbing in elevation.
Coffee Break
Francis had a destination in mind for a coffee break and rest stop. The St. John’s Monastery & Bakery on U.S. Hwy 97 close to Goldendale, WA. All of the food and bakery items sold there are made by the nuns. I tried the Chocolate Pumpkin Swirl loaf paired with a caramel latte. Both were delicious! So flavorful and moist.
Windmills
Leaving behind the forested, mountainous area, the land opened up to gentle hilled grasslands that were lacking any substantial trees. In there place, the landscape was populated with thousands of windmills. From a distance, the windmills look to be average size. Up close is a totally different story…they are monstrosities. Not very many of them had their huge blades spinning on our ride through the area.
John Day River Territory
A location we rode upon that deserved to be a rest stop, was a Mountain Identifier. You stand in the center of a raised cement pad, and it has arrows pointing to, and naming, the mountains you can see in the distance.
We carried on riding on U.S. Hwy 26 which took us into Fossil, Oregon. It had such a western feel that I thought we should have been riding the four-legged type of horsepower. Such a quaint little village. Loved the old western feel to it. Great Mercantile where we grabbed more snacks. A couple of young kids had a lemonade stand set up so we had to checked it out. James bought a cup and supported the little ones business.
Break Time
We try to stop and take regular breaks throughout the ride. It may be to see an interesting view point or place, or just to stretch and have a snack and water. This rest stop on U.S. Hwy 26 had spectacular rock formations towering above the road.
The next stop we made, on the way to John Day for the night, was Blue Basin Overlook Trail. It was a recommended stop by an employee at the Fossil Mercantile. That area and hike was so spectacular, it needs a post all on its own…stay tuned to check it out.