Thought Distillery

On Friday the financial markets were nice to me, and closed to honor the Big Gipper. (anyone remember the song “Ronnie’s Rap” from 1987?) Though bummed because I wouldn’t be able to lose more money, I decided to make the best of the situation and take a bicycle ride. Setting out on my folding Pocket Llama from Bike Friday, my destination was Champoeg State Park. Earlier today I returned after two days and 135 miles. My body is now like a wet string that couldn’t be pushed farther if I tried. Unfortunately I’m no Ray Jardine!

The Highlights

• The mint fields about 15 miles northeast of Corvallis. Yum! (that would be a “blech” had there been any ice cream fields nearby)
• Riding the Buena Vista Ferry across the Willamette River in almost the middle of nowhere.
• Marveling at the fields of 6+ foot green-planty-things just east of the ferry. They looked like weeds, but the dense organized rows suggested otherwise. Oh, and the amazing fragrance… though actually a bit too powerful as it sent me into a sneezing frenzy.
• The tranquility of biking through the Ankeny National Wildlife Refuge. Its so great to hear BIRDS rather than CARS for a change.
• And speaking of birds, I saw a few amusing killdeer who I deeply miss from my hometown in LaGrange Indiana. Just thinking about mama killdeer running around in a panic trying to spoof me with a broken wing act brings a grin to my face!
• Cherry orchards - lots of them! North of Salem, it was very difficult to obey the “No Trespassing or I’ll Turn You Into Dogfood” signs.
• Actually reaching Champoeg park in one piece after 65 miles and 6.5 hours. (mission objective 1 accomplished)
• Trying out Champoeg’s 15 hole disc golf course. Though I didn’t think it were possible, I think my disc flinging skills actually notched in a few ticks LOWER than they were a few weeks ago. I’m very thankful there was no one else around to bear witness to my embarassment!
• After much effort, finally evoking the fire gods with my bow drill kit. Good thing too, as I wasn’t in the mood for uncooked pasta. There was no way I was going to accept a disgraceful defeat and borrow a match from someone. Thankfully my skill hadn’t completely diminished over the last 7 months. (mission objective 2 accomplished)
• Popping up some nostalgic Jiffy-Pop popcorn over my fire. Though I didn’t even come close to my 1-in-a-million perfect pop 5 years ago on the Appalachian Trail, I did manage to pop about half the kernels with only a couple of scorchies. I did my best to ignore the ingredient list. (mission objective 3 accomplished)
• Surviving (barely!) the 70 mile ride back the following day. Unfortunately my “shortcut” to avoid a few big hills ended up finding me not only more miles, but also BIGGER hills. (mission objective 4 accomplished)

The Things I’d Rather Forget
Though there are several things that had me swearing on occasion (#$%! WIND), I’ll just mention one that may be entertaining - at least to others.

• Mega sunburn - but only on the left half of my exposed body. (sun shined only Saturday morning as I traveled south). My face looks like a raging IU fan with half painted cream, and the other painted crimson. I think mine will have me shouting with pain rather than with school spirit, however. Why do I always forget the sunscreen?!

All in all this was a good trip, but I think it will be awhile (like maybe 130 years) before I’m ready for Race Across America!