Ryan:

Haven't been on here in a while and to be honest, I have no idea what to write... Oregon basically encapsulates four or five other states. From leaving Astoria on the fourth of July we passed through coastal towns, Colorado-esque landscape, Midwest (rolling hills), and Arizona (dry and deserty... although if it were desserty I'd be happy, Stu wouldn't, he's a salty friend who doesn't like sweets).

We biked nearly 800 miles since we left Vancouver and only have about 6000 left. Days feel like weeks and weeks feel like months because the days seem so long. We shoot to get up at 8 every morning, but we take FOREVER to get ready and usually get out late. Then we ride through the heat of the day- Brilliant.

Andy hit some bike problems, broke a couple of spokes, and decided he had too much weight on his back tire, so he got a front rack and some front saddle bags.

This is not an entertaining Blog at all, sorry, I just woke up.

We've met some extraordinary people and have stayed some cool places. We've camped behind a grocery store, in several people's yards, in a city park in Vancouver Canada, on the side of a couple roads, and in several state parks.

Here's a story; we were by Castle Rock Washington and had no place to stay despite the setting sun. We saw a house and decided we'd knock on the door. A sign said "Trespassers will be shot, survivors will be shot again"... we could only assume that the owner of such a hilarious sign was joking, so Stu and I started up the block long driveway. Half way up the drive we stumbled upon a gate that we are a little weary to cross. We see a neighbor outside next door, so Stu yells to him and tells him our situation, and that we have no place to stay. The extremely nice man calmly explains, "I wouldn't keep going up that driveway, he doesn't take too kindly to trespassers. Come on over I'll get ya'll set up."

What a nice man, he saved Stu and I from a possible bullet. Thanks again Pat, Patti and Dixie.

Long post.

Ryan C. Kolegas