Tuesday, May 12, 2009

Day 10, rest, by command, Coos Bay, Oregon

Sometimes the commandments are easy to keep! Sundays are such a pleasure. We went to church @ 9AM, partook of the Sacrament, and then went to a diner for "breakfast" at noon. I think the waiter was a bit surprised when we all ordered double meals, including Kristi. Big platters of biscuits and gravy, hash browns  (large size), with full orders of French toast "on the side". There were 7 plates of food for the 3 of us. When the waiter returned the plates were completely cleaned. Not a scrap was left. Then the coup de gras--Matt and Kristi ordered large milk shakes each. The waiter had a hard time keeping a straight face. We are in a motel that looks out on the bay. It's beautiful. It never really warms up though. Despite the difficulty of the ubiquitous 10 and 12 percent hills, we find ourselves awed and renewed by the spectacular vistas. We often are perched 200 and 300 feet above the angry surf on roads tacked to the mountainside. There are tall bridges every 10 miles or so spanning bay inlets or deep mossy gorges. The bridges are often several hundred feet above the water, a mile or more across, and treacherously windy. Rivers and smaller streams pass under the road constantly tumbling towards the sea.  To see all this with people you love, sharing a quest, is a rare moment to be cherished.

One of the things about a long bike trip is that it intensifies all your emotions and senses. You feel a deep sense of gratitude for all your blessings. Your family and friends are dearer. It also has a unique ability to put life in perspective. There is ample time to think and reflect. I'll write more on this later. Now I must get to bed.  Tomorrow rain is forecast--a safe bet for the weathermen here! Bye for now. Happy Mother's Day to all.

- Richard

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