I think we are finally getting used to our tent as we had our best sleep last night. An enjoyable breakfast of cereal, bread, pb, and banana before exploring Cape Kiwanda Park.
Our goal was to find the popular viewpoint with 360 degree views we had read about. One turn around the corner at the beach and we found our viewpoint; at the top of 700ft Sand dune rising from the beach at a steep angle. Naturally, we went right for it, ascending in reasonable time and rewarded with phenomenal views of the three capes we cycled but did not see much of as well of the valley we would travel today. We had a good laugh watching 4 young sisters descend the hill rolling, laughing, and rolling some more.
We got some last second route advice from yet another bike-friendly Oregonian. We run into them every day, always asking where we’re from, we’re were headed and quick to offer some local knowledge. Today’s tidbit was to take a detour through the Siuslaw forest bypass off the now busy 101. It would lead to a café and then link to the next town. The detour was excellent – 10 miles with exactly one car and two cyclists on it. The sun rays began to peek through at noon and we enjoyed the descent through the forest to the valley bottom.
As we rolled into the café we happened across two fellow cycle tourists, the first we had seen on the trip. Phil and Liz are Brits who left the UK last February to first cycle South America from South to North (quite a challenge) before coming to Vancouver to begin the coast route we have chosen, We quickly made acquaintences over tea and an amazing sticky bun as we picked their brains about SA. They were quick with numerous humourous anecdotes (Liz had never cycled toured before this trip) and it was an inspiring meeting.
We rolled on with wind at our back and sun in our face through Lincoln City, the beautiful coves and lookout near Depoe Bay and over the last climb of the day at Cape Foulweather which was anything but. With a glorious sunset awaiting us we only had to find a hot shower and some sustenance…
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