OREGON

Crossed over into Oregon this morning on the Astoria Bridge. The bridge is 4 1/2 miles across the mighty Columbia River. The Columbia River is very turbulent where it meets the Ocean. It looks calm enough but there are unseen powerful undercurrents. Over the years, there has been many a ship wreck as they have tried to go through this area. Lewis and Clark learned about the mighty river and the ocean confluence. As I started out it was raining. Biked over 60 miles today and it never let up once. I was completely soaked through again. The fog set in by 11:00 a.m., and when I had to climb over a thousand feet over some mountain passes, there was very little visibility at the top. Furthermore, I had to fight a strong headwind. I actually had to get off my bikeand push it for over a mile because the head wind was pushing me out in traffic. At one point I noticed that I was pushing the bike over a very high cliff area, probably over a thousand foot drop. It was very good that I was off the bike at that point. Here I thought that the traffic wS my biggest risk, but just several feet on the other side were the cliffs. That was my adventure for the day. I am missing some awesome scenery because of the rain and fog, but I know there is much to see yet as I move down the coast. Saw other bikers today - all young riders in their twenties. Several days ago I did meet a woman from Germany who was probably around 50 or so. Signing off for now. jerry