Peg's post -- Wednesday, July 17

I thought I was going to have a long, quiet, uninterupted evening to post another blog.  As it turns out, we have been joined by another cyclist who also needs to use this computer, so my time is going to be cut short (yet again).

As Russell pointed out in the last posting, "serendipity rules."  We met a very nice couple from England who are riding a tandum recumbent bicycle they purchased in Germany.  (R has a photo of them but this computer has no ports.  In fact, it's still on dial-up for the connection, but we're thankful that the church members are letting us use it for free.  So, no complaints.) In fact, they are letting us sleep, eat, wash clothes and shower here in the church, all free of charge.  The church is evidently listed on the Adventure Cycling map and that is how all these bikers (from England, Ireland, East Coast, etc) are finding this place.  We found it because the bikers we met on the road told us about it.  Most of the bikers we've run into so far are riding for some sort of charity organization.  Julie and Mark from England are doing it just because it's been a life-long dream of theirs.  We're doing it just because we can :-)

A brief pause for a commercial announcement:  Do you have plastic/rubber tubs that have somehow through the years lost their lids?  Are you frustrated to pack your tub and then find out that the lid is missing?  If that's the case, this could be your lucky day!  America the Beautiful is offering tub or cooler lids for free (yes, FREE)!  They come in all shapes, sizes and colors and they are yours for the picking.  Just drive along any major highway or interstate in the good ole US of A to find hundreds of these lids available at no charge.  You must hurry, though.  This offer will be ending soon (like the next mowing?)  Sorry, ballcaps and sunglasses don't seem to be available this year. (We've been looking).  And along this same train of thought......Too bad R didn't bring his Ipad.  I think we could have financed our entire trip by selling on Craig's List the items we find along the road. For instance: a ski jacket, life preserver, clothing of all sorts, a lap top, dozens of cell phones, dishes, pots and pans, a complete tent, tools, car parts, swim wear, shoes, and an assortment of electronic wiring for phones, autos, computers, etc.

We are in Dayville, Oregon, heading toward John Day and then Ontario.  We'll be crossing over into Idaho by the weekend.  There have been many, many UPs and very few downs this route.  Last weekend we climbed a pass called "Tombstone Pass."  Very appropriately named.  They bury all the bikers that don't make it!!  Should probably bury some of them that do.  I was DEAD tired by the end of that day.

We had a very enjoyable week off when we drove to Sacramento to see my sons (Jason, Steven and Nathan). Thanks, boys, for letting us visit and for putting up with us and for being such wonderful hosts and hostesses.  We met Nathan's new wife, Kari, for the first time.

Guess I'd better sign out for now and jump into the shower before I have to share that too  (LOL).

Til later.....................................