Out of the park by 7:30am, I enjoyed the cool morning that developed into a nice sunny day. Finally, no threat of rain. But today, was going to be a challenge. I had three passes to cross before reaching our campsite in Sumpter, Oregon. I passed through John Day, then on to Prairie City before the climbing started. As I stopped for a break in Prairie City, a nice fellow, Storie, flagged me down and we chatted for a short while. Storie is a cyclist himself and a strong advocate for cycling in the Prairie City area. You can check out more of the efforts he is making in his town at prairiecityoregon.com .
As I left Prairie City the climbs began. The sequence is as follows: A) 7 mile climb from 3,400 feet to 5,277 at Dixie Pass, then a 6 mile descent, B) 6 mile climb from 4,200 feet to 5,124 feet at Tipton Pass, then a 6 mile descent, C) 6 mile climb from 4,300 feet to 5,082 feet followed by a 7 mile descent into the stop for the day in Sumpter, Oregon. Needless to say, I was ready for a break! The campsite was nice and we had some good food on the grill! Oh, the evening routine includes a slide show on the computer of the pictures taken during the day, then we follow the "movie" with a game of cards or dominos.
Storie was sharing his cycling advocate efforts in Prairie City. What a nice fellow! I would like to return someday and have a coffee with him.
One of a couple bald eagle sitings today.
I stopped for a break before the last summit climb and here come the troops!
Since we could not have a campfire, we warmed ourselves by the coals we used to cook dinner. Hummm, very resourceful!
Nothing but the best for our bathroom facilities...just kidding, this was just yard art at the campgrounds.
Tim, you are doing a great job with the pictures and explaining the events of the day!! This will be a trip of a lifetime for all of you.
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