Barking Sea Lions

A freighter at sunset headed to the Pacific 

The Columbia River Valley 

My new drinking buddy 

I finally met Big Foot on my way out of Washington 

The ferry ride across the Columbia River to Oregon 

Our morning rest stop 

 Riding along the Columbia River  I’m sitting in Astoria, Oregon listening to the barking of sea lions and watching the sun set on the Columbia River. We’re staying at the First Lutheran Church of Astoria. It’s a little church that sits on a hill looking down on the Columbia River just before it empties into the Pacific. I may be looking out on the river at the very spot Lewis and Clark once stood and gazed at the seemingly endless ocean. Today’s ride was a 67 mile day that included nice morning stretches of rolling roads to an afternoon of longer climbs. The afternoon ride was on a busy roadway that made me a little nervous at times. Sometimes we had a large shoulder and at other times there was no shoulder at all. Cars flew by only a usfew feet from our bikes. As we entered Astoria cars slowed down and the ride was more comfortable. I’m looking forward to exploring Astoria tomorrow as we have a rest day here. I’m hoping the town will allow to participate in their Regatta Parade tomorrow afternoon. Our mission is to raise money and awareness for and of multiple sclerosis. I hope the parade’s organizers allow us to participate.