First let me say that there are not enough synonyms for the word spectacular to describe the Oregon Coast.  Today was another absolutely (insert your own synonym here because I've run out) day on the bike...but bummer, it was overcast and foggy at the beginning, but still (synonym) none-the-less.  It was pretty foggy when we left the motel so the first few miles, until we got a little inland, was grey and obscured.  The fog didn't start burning off until around 11:00 so we missed most of the highly scenic areas.  It wasn't a total bust though, we saw enough to make it interesting.  And a couple of the riders even hung around until the fog started to dissipate...they weren't disappointed.

Our morning started out with a sudden jolt...right out of the motel we started up.  The first punch was about a 4 mile ascent to the top of the cliffs overlooking the ocean...but we couldn't see most of it.  In spite of the haze and fog, as soon as the views opened up it was hard to ride because of all the distractions of the beautiful views.  For days now we've been witnessing the spectacular handiwork of some supreme being...this area and all it's beauty just couldn't have just happened.  All along the coastline rugged mountains stand majestically over the Pacific Coastline overlooking frothy waves as they splash against large rock formations that thrust themselves out of the the water.  Piles of weather hardened driftwood have been deposited all along quiet sandy beaches which made me wonder how far they had come before finding this final resting place.  Of all the portraits I've seen of scenes in America, I don't think I've ever seen many more beautiful than what we witnessed this morning...Norman Rockwell like when we could see it.  Plus, all along this region there are historical towns like Port Orford, Klamath, Gold Beach, Brookings, and Crescent City.  But the coastline also has smaller more artsy and agricultural communities like Langlois, Aophir, Anesika Beach, Smith River, and Pistol River where the pace is much slower than what most of us are accustomed to and it's nice to see towns without McDonalds arches and all their rivals in fast food dotting the landscape.  Here, there's an abundance of crab shacks, small family owned cafes, and small markets where the owner knows everyone within 10 miles of their business.  Hey, I don't even know my next door neighbor in Prattville.

Now that I've had a little time to stop blithering about how beautiful the scenery is here, I'll describe the rest of the day.  We experienced stark differences throughout the day in spite of the shortish mileage.  The morning climb on 101 was completely tree lined with the focus being on getting to the top.  If you wanted to see any of the sights, you had to take short side trips toward the coast to see them.  It wasn't long before 101 skirted the shoreline which normally gives us breathtaking views of the surf and the rugged coast, but today some of the sights were obscured.  By the afternoon, we left the coast for a trip a bit more inland through rich agricultural areas that definitely broke up the day.  We even rode through the Easter Lilly capital of the world...or at least they claim they are.  Finally, the last 3 miles were back on the coast line again with spectacular views of Castle Rock Game Preserve just off shore as we approached Crescent City.  This preserve is 14 acres of gagged rock and sloping meadows which serves as home for many species of migratory sea and shore birds along with sea lions and elephant seals.  It's the largest seabird colonies on the west coast.  Last year as I was standing gazing through my binoculars, I could hear the loud calls of the sea lions as they lounged along the shore...something you just don't see or hear in Alabama.  I think this has been one of the most enjoyable rides I've been associated with...basically nice weather, great people, and eye candy everywhere.

It's been a great week of riding and the group is getting along well...but tonight we say good bye to Keith who was only scheduled to ride to here.  So we lose one but we gain 3 new riders tomorrow.  Check out the "Meet the Riders" section to meet them on Sunday. 

The last thing on the agenda today was our famous T-shirt swap.  Barb leads the rousing exchange of T-shirts and does her best to keep order...and with this group it was a chore.  I think everyone had a good time and let off a little steam before the down day tomorrow. 

Tomorrow we take a day off.  I think most of the riders are ready for a time off the bike, but I may go ride up the road a piece...it might be tempting if the weather is clear...just can't let the beauty go to waste.  What ever we do, it won't start early.  Tomorrow there won't be a journal entry...see you on Sunday when we leave for Eureka.  Have a nice weekend.