Back to the Pacific.

I say goodbye to Mark and Rachel before they depart for their respective offices on a Monday morning. It was such a great time staying with them.

I load up the bike and take a final tour around Portland on my way out of town. I like the city more than I anticipated. While all of the “certified organic, locally grown by woman farmers and delivered by bicycle” gets old, it doesn’t dominate the experience of the place like I imagined it would. For a small city of 600,000 residents, there are a lot of great things to do and the flavors are numerous and delicious. I have a few other friends who have recently moved to Portland and I look forward to returning to visit them.

As I ride towards the ocean to begin my coastal ride, I realize today marks the first time I feel like I’m heading home. Portland was the last planned stop and the rest of the ride will be with Los Angeles as the ultimate destination. This comes with a mix of emotions as I’m excited to return, but don’t want the trip to end.

The winding road through the pine forest smells incredible. Suddenly the pungent smell of pine is infused with fresh, cool sea air and an amazing view of the Pacific Ocean emerges. It’s a spectacular feeling to be back on the Pacific Coast after leaving it 10,250 miles ago.

[heading for the coast]

[Pacific Ocean]

The view from the Pacific Coast Highway is stunning. The sweeping turns, fresh breeze and vistas make for a very pleasant afternoon of riding.

[Pacific Coast Highway]

[Pacific Coast Highway]

I eventually get hungry and pull over at a roadside fish shack. The local Ling Cod fish and chips basket is outstanding.

[ling cod fish and chips]

As it begins to get late, I decide to look for a spot to camp for the night. I pull into the Rock Creek Campground in the Siuslaw National Forest and luckily nab the last available spot.

[campground for the night]

After setting up my tent, I wander down to the ocean to watch the sunset. There is nobody else on the beach as far as I can see in either direction. The peaceful isolation and mesmerizing hues are a special way to end the day.

[sunset in Siuslaw National Forest]