Monday, September 18, 2017

Saturday, September 16, Day 1 (the real post)

I tried several times to post this entry on Saturday with no luck.  I'm trying this again without any photos to see if that works any better.  In a case, the earliest it will be posted is Monday because there's no phone service at the Moonshine campground, our day two overnight.

When our route got changed at the last minute, there weren't a lot of options, but we were welcomed with open arms by the Spirit Mountain Casino in Grand Ronde.

We rode out from the casino in brisk morning air after a group photo. Initially, we were on busier highways but then moved to quieter country roads. 

The sun came out and we warmed up as we rode.  We passed some nice scenery, almost all new to this ride, but my favorite spot was Slab Creek Road, which we have done before.  This time we had a dry day and plenty of sunlight.  At one time in the distant past, it was part of old 101, now a quiet road that runs through a national forrest.

It was peaceful and relaxing despite being a climb.  Compared to climbs we do at home, it low-moderate.  Hardly a car passed in either direction and trees and ferns everywhere.

Following that we skirted most of the town of Lincoln City by going around the lake.  Good views of the lake and nice houses surrounding.

We did have a stretch on 101, but the traffic wasn't so bad considering it was a Saturday and people inland were coming west to get away from the smoke of the fires.

Although tolerable, it was great to leave 101 behind for the side road that climbs up to Otter Crest.  We have been here as well, but if you are going to repeat an overnight spot, it should be here. Fantastic view of the ocean from the cliffs above. 

I could hear the waves while I typed my original message (but also some snoring, too. 

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