THE END OF HOPE

Well, not the end of hope, but the end of CAMP HOPE ;’-). Yep, saying our goodbyes was not easy. But we do now know that we sisters will cross paths again ‘down the road’ with many other sisters.

My plan, that Susan agreed to, was to ride my bike from camp toward Agassiz and she would complete the break down tasks of camp and pick me up along the way. But, I could not find my bike glove. After emptying the entire content of both panniers I went back to the van and told Susan I would have to borrow her gloves. STOP where you are she said, and put your hands up…

Gloves now found, I was on my way. The morning mountains were beautiful enough to make me forget about the heavy head wind I was fighting against.

As I rolled along the highway, with not much in scenic views, I pondered where I should stop to wait for Susan. There was the junction to Rtes 9 & 7 (I was on 7) and I knew to stop before that, but where? THEN I saw the sign to Seabird Island Rd. Anyplace with the word island draws me in just like sighting a bicycle does.

I learned from this sign that this is Maria Slough wetlands, and protects the Oregon Spotted Frog.

This looks like a ‘long boat’, or maybe a rowing shell (?) awaiting a tide shift.

Another Island sign I liked.

This is such a great place to bike – long flat paved roads with no traffic! I liked coming upon this little roadside stand.

I may have had almost three delightful miles along this gem of a find, and could have done a bit more if Susan was not now nearby, ready to pick me up. A place to return to if we come back here. A place I would never have seen and experienced if I had not been riding my bike. Thank you Susan, for encouraging my ride, being my back up, and doing (some of my) camp chores to pick me up after my ride.