With each push of the pedal, I managed to move a few feet forward, despite my first taste of the famous Columbia Gorge Winds! I have been fortunate in NOT having to pedal into a fierce headwind on our Journey, that is until last Saturday’s ride from Walla Walla to Umatilla. Tough ride, but at the end of the day, both my Atlantis and I arrived in Umatilla safe and sound. The above was my first view of the mighty Columbia River and even a windy day could not dull my enthusiasm for actually seeing this magnificent river. (As I pedaled closer to the river, I could see white caps due to the wind.)
Another gorgeous photo of the Columbia River, as well as a long lost companion, a freight train.
With so much water flowing past these cliffs, I am amazed to see the surrounding landscape so dry and desolate. Millions of gallons of water, less than 200 yards away, are flowing past “The Rattlesnake Hotel” and yet the area looks exactly like the desert near Tucson. I wasn’t close enough to hear the distinctive “Tick-tick-tick-tick” as I heard a few days ago, but I could “feel” beady little eyes staring at me as I struggled to make 5 mph into the wind! Yuck!
Wind generators are EVERYWHERE along the Columbia River Gorge. I would guesstimate at least 1,000 or more crowd the skyline from Pomeroy to Biggs Junction, OR. The above tug and barge were the only water craft I saw on the Columbia in three days of riding. I assume there are people fishing this river, but maybe the hurricane like winds kept boaters off the water.
Mt. Hood + Vietnam Veterans Memorial Highway = Portland, Oregon! I find myself both excited and saddened at the prospect of beginning the last chapter in our Journey book. I am fighting to stay focused on “Pedaling for memories” versus “Pedaling for miles!” Over the next week I will continue to seek out the unusual, visit with locals, and capture the magnificent scenery on my iPhone. At the same time I will attempt to block out thoughts of embracing the love of my life while standing in the Pacific Ocean and celebrating the completion of this magnificent tribute to my Mom’s “Zest for Life!”
Cheers and thanks for riding along with Snowstorm, OMJSN (safely tucked away in the bag next to Snowstorm) and me!
Greg
You are amazing Greg Vancil! I will forever be grateful I was hired at the same time that you were! I haven’t always commented but reading your stories and seeing your pictures has been the best distraction from the normal daily junk!! Wind, rain, angels along the road…you’ve weathered and been blessed by all! Thank you for inspiring and including us all on your journey!
Remember – if you’re bored after all the excitement of travelling cross country you can always Rail Guide or drive a luggage truck! We’ve missed you and loved seeing you through these blogs! Love you and feel lucky to know you!
Regardless of the challenges encountered, the anticipation of ending the journey creates a certain sadness of spirit because the experience has also nurtured a certain high involving thrill and adventure. We can only believe that there is much more ahead, but it will be different. Trail’s end!
Alex
Wind isnt anything but bug control unless you have rain blowing sidways as in dockside you know where. So smile and pedal on for your reasons await you at journys end soo close. I have so loved this time together injoying the views the coments and the love you brought and received across this wonderful country of ours. With all of the crazy awful things our times have had and are iduring now you are a bright example of good and hope for the future, ever the teacher showing us all how its supposed to be done with strength courage and faith in the goodness in all of us. Iam truly blessed to be able to call you and Anita friends.
You have weathered a lot of storms in your life, so these winds will not stop you either. I’m not sure where all of your determination comes for, but if you could bottle it up, we could pay off the national debt. 4 more sleeps. Love you more than the strongest wind.
You are almost at the end of this grand journey, Greg, and I am a bit sad that it will soon come to an end. I love reading your blog entries and all the wonderful stories you have shared with us. You are like a magnet bringing interesting people into your orbit and have shown us all what determination, perseverance, and just plain hard work can produce. Such a great adventure!! Enjoy the last few days of this great ride and savor all that has happened since you left Portland, Maine. You have touched our lives this summer. Go, Greg, go!!
That is one magnificent river! It makes the Rio Grande look like a ditch! Please enjoy the last leg of your journey! Gayle’s bear, Sandy Lou, would have loved riding with Snowstorm! She is the one who accompanied Gayle to Iceland.
Ride safely on knowing you are wrapped in love by all who have followed your journey.
Loved following along on your journey, I don’t want it to end either! So exciting to read your blog and hear what you have encountered and most of all to hear your voice come through your writings. Enjoy the last leg, breathe, take time to smell the roses or salt air and don’t hurry this momentous trip! Thanks for taking us along on your journey!