Day 4 – June 16, 2015

Day 4 – June 16, 2015
Fort Stevens to Claskanie

OK this is our first real day of riding. Day starts fine after the water spill in the tent is cleaned up. We decide to try to get out as early as possible because HW 30 has narrow shoulders and loads of logging trucks.

One funny thing that did happen before we left is Gregg attempted at quietly unlocking our motion detecting bike lock backfired. It went off and went off and went off. Gregg couldn’t figure out how to stop it. At one point he desperately tried to cover it with his down jacket to muffle it, but to no avail. Finally it stopped. Gregg left it alone for a while and tried again successfully.
I am sure the 4 other campers in the hiker/biker were wide awake by now-7am.

One thing we did decide to do it try to get out of camp quickly and find a “full” breakfast on the road. So at camp we have instant Starbuck coffee and a cup of instant oatmeal. Will see if that works the whole way across America.

Getting out of Fort Stevens we just had a short ride of about 8 miles to Astoria where we found a nice breakfast at the Commodore Hotel, they even served Stumptown coffee which I have been skeptical about since having bad experiences with them in Portland.

Now for the challenge, 45 miles with hills and trucks. Off we went. Our fears were unwarranted less trucks and relatively moderate hills. We made it fine to our first stop the Lumber Restaurant about 20 miles in. No muscle aches, everything just fine. Another 12 miles down the road we stopped at the Berry Patch where Gregg tried a Marionberry cream pie and I had my fav strawberry rhubarb.

Claskanie is a funny little town. We camped in the local city park that had good facilities even warm showers at the little public pool. The camp hosts were nice and it only cost $5.00. Went to have a pizza and ordered the local favorite the Stimson Lumberman. It wasn’t very good. Sausage, pepperoni, ground beef, peppers, olives, pineapple, and uncooked tomatoes on top. But the beer was good and we were hungry.

This little town is known for its winds and wind they had. It got cold fast. I piled on most of my clothing but still felt a chill. Off to the local pub for a warming whiskey. Had a Yukon Jack would not recommend it unless you really like sweet spicy whiskey. The bar special was anything and everything with Marionberry whiskey. I had to try it since it seemed to be the theme of the day. It made the Yukon Jack taste pretty good in comparison. Another must miss. Get the pie at the Berry Patch instead. Oh and while at this local watering hole we saw the Golden State Warriors deservedly beat the Cavs in the NBA finals.

The park was right next to a little river. Our only neighbors were a family of 4 ducks and the occasional visiting dogs out for a run in the park. In the morning we did the same get up and have oatmeal and coffee and away we went.