I broke camp and hit the road around 9:30 am this morning, bound for Astoria and beyond. Today was the day I’d enter the great state of Oregon.
As I passed through Astoria I remembered Kevin’s suggestion to check out the wreck of the Peter Iredale, a ship that ran ashore in 1906. I made my way over and took a look at it. It was cool to see how much the salt and wind have eroded that thing in just 120 years.
I wandered around a bit more then headed to the John. As I stumbled out, I made brief eye contact with an older gentleman who, seeing me in my gear, commented that I ride safe.
I appreciated his wishes and began to prep for my journey further south. As I donned my gloves he circled back over and we started chatting. His name was Dan and he rode a Harley. He was here with his wife though, otherwise he would’ve ridden over, he explained. I told him about my plans to ride down to San Diego and he thought it was exciting but he wanted to make sure I’d be safe. He asked if he could bless my bike. I said of course.
It was a very nice prayer, I could tell he’s done this before. One of the things he said was that he hopes God will give me the clarity to make good decisions. Although I’m not religious I do appreciate Dan’s wishes that I keep good judgement on the road. That’s make or break.
With the lord on my side, I rolled into Cannon Beach looking for a good lunch spot. Passing through Hemlock St, everything I saw looked a bit crowded and touristy. Then I saw a dingy looking sign for $10 burgers - jackpot. I pulled aside and made my way over. But had I read a little more carefully I’d have seen that this place opened at 5 pm. Woe is me.
At this point I was nearing the end of the strip so I pulled out my phone to try and look up some options. But I quickly realized my phone was at 4% and I shouldn’t be wasting it on such trivialities. So I decided instead to use the best phone of all: the human eye. Across the street I saw a hardware store and under it signage for a “Screw and Brew”. Assuming a brothel wouldn’t be open at this hour, I swung the bike over to that side of the street and made my way inside.
I took a seat at the bar and the cute waitress suggested I try the chicken sandwich, so I did. Did I mention she was cute?
They put that thing together as quickly as I devoured it. It hit the spot. Then I kind of sat around to see if the waitress would want to chat at all, but she was busy. That’s ok, I know us bikers can be a little intimidating. Besides, I had places to be. Tonight I’d be staying at Tobias’ hemp farm.
…
Tobias is an interesting character. I sit here now tented on the grass just within his fence. There’s a very industrial look going on with this place. The fence spans the entire front of the property and the gates blend right into it. If it weren’t for the other three sides of the property being blocked in by trees, I wouldn’t have guessed I needed to enter this way. The wall in front of me has no windows, it’s just a sheet of steel. He also has this little dog that follows him around.
It seems his hip camp setup is at least in part for the money - “this site brings in the big bucks” is what he said about the other plot across the yard. And I can tell by the half acre of hemp crop that he must be a serial entrepreneur. I will get to hear all about it tomorrow morning on the $20 hemp education tour I signed up for.
Being a residential/industrial complex, the facilities here are excellent. I think this is the most I’ve ever appreciated having access to a hose. It’s so nice to have infinite clean water to cook with. We really take that for granted.
And that kind of highlights why I’m choosing to camp all these nights. If all you ever get is a nice bed in a perfectly climate controlled room with a clean shower with shampoo, conditioner and body wash all there marked out for you, you might just forget that these things are extremely luxurious and amazing. Honestly I didn’t even realize how grandiose that is until just now.
Even a Motel 6 sounds like a luxury right now. Anything with a bed. And so I’ll keep camping because I want to make the eventual couch I sleep on that much comfier.
But for now, the sleeping pad will have to do. I’m getting used to it.
PS: I appreciate all the positive feedback I’ve been getting about the blog! I’m glad people are getting something from it. I will continue to do my best to post often. I have also heard that people would like the ability to comment. I appreciate the enthusiasm but I don’t really have the ability to edit the site while on the road. I’m also enjoying the simplicity of it. But please continue to send your thoughts via text!
Miles Today: 205
Total Miles: 879
Camp: Tobias’ Hemp Farm, Waldport, OR