MT. HOOD

Mt. Hood

DATE:  Tue, Sept. 20, 2011

HOME:  Government Camp, Oregon  Best Western

DISTANCE:  45 miles

CLIMBING:  5670ft

NARRATIVE:  Today's ride was all about Mt. Hood.  The entire ride was around the base of this majestic mountain, and we had views of it all day long!

The ride was long, and we were climbing - at a steady 5% grade but it was a gorgeous, warm day and the continual views of Mt. Hood erased any pain we may be feeling.  About 3 hours into the ride we came to a small burg, Parkdale, where we had cappuccino and wonderful blueberry cobbler.  A few hours later we found a picnic area with tables and had a great lunch in the sun next to the river.  This is what touring is all about.

Government Camp is a ski resort just off the road about 3 miles on the way to Portland, which we realized was only a biking day away!  Found a really nice Best Western with a Jacuzzi, a good restaurant, and are realizing that our next few days are going to be long.

So far Oregon has been good to us.  We're taking one day at a time - and enjoying it.