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Published: August 15th 2018
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I woke up this morning very excited about the day.
Today was my last big climb before Florence!
One of these days, I will sit down and figure out how many BIG climbs I have been over.
I’ll define a big climb as one in which a steady effort of at least a thousand feet occurs.
Today, the climb was about 2200 feet.
At the very northern end of the town of Sisters, I turned left onto Hwy 240, (the Historic McKenzie Highway), and very soon I knew it was going to be a special day.
The highway follows the path of an 1860s wagon route. Before that it was a Native American route.
The road that exists today actually opened for travel in 1872. It was a toll road back then!
It is a very narrow twisty road that has very few cars. Nothing over 35 feet long is allowed on it!
On both sides of the road, one is immersed in a forest of mostly lodge pole pines.
It is perfect for a bicycle, and there are numerous signs posting it as a scenic bicycle route. I saw perhaps a dozen
cars all day!
At a place called Windy Point, (maybe 2/3 of the way up), the road emerges from the forest to a jaw-dropping vista of a lava flow with the Jagged Mount Washington in the background.
The climb continues up through the lava
until finally reaching the 5,325-foot McKenzie Pass. At the top you are enveloped by lava on all sides.
There is also a lava rock structure called the Dee Wright Observatory. It was constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1935, and named for their foreman.
I climbed up into it and took many pictures.
It was very hazy today from the many fires, and the six Cascade Mountains on the signs were hard to see clearly.
I took a lot of pictures, but am disappointed because they just don’t show the beauty as they should on a clear day.
I especially loved the Three Sisters to the south; three volcanoes in close proximity to each other named Faith, Hope and Charity.
If you are ever flying from California to Portland or Seattle, or vice versa, take a look out the window as you are abeam Eugene and you
will see them nestled together in all their magnificence!
I spent quite a while up at the top of McKenzie, taking it all in with the realization that in a few days this three month adventure will all be memories.
After a lengthy pause, I climbed back on the bike and began the downhill ride on the west side of the Cascades.
What a difference the wetter climate makes!
This side of the Cascades were abundant with lush forests of Cedar and Douglas Fir.
The undergrowth is filled with ferns and other glossy green plants.
Simply breathtaking in its beauty.
I got to enjoy this for about 20 twisty miles before the almost private bicycle paradise merged back onto the busy 126 highway that will take me all the way to Eugene.
For today, I ended my day at a wonderful B&B at the 56 mile point. It is called Eagle Rock Lodge B&B and is situated right on the McKenzie River. The waterfront is probably 150 feet or more and there are lots of comfortable places to sit and take in the beauty of the river and it’s surroundings.
I
recommend it to any couple that wants to get away from the hustle bustle for awhile.
Tomorrow, I will take advantage of the 0800 breakfast and head for Eugene where I will meet Denise, Ann and Bill.
What a great day that will be!
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