Scenic and hip

DAY 58
Mitchell, OR to Sisters, OR

The night before, the Baptist Church in Mitchell opened up their doors and allowed us along with our new friends to sleep in the basement of their church. A married couple close to our age, Jeff and Natasha, had crossed the country riding REI brand Novara Randonee bicycles same as us. It's too bad we had met them so late in our adventure because we have a lot in common and would have enjoyed their company. Unfortunately, they will be finishing in Florence Oregon instead of Astoria and we will not see them again after today.

The scent of grapefruit has been randomly haunting us the last week. Mostly in the intermittent area of the forested mountains and the river valley farm land. A distinct potent citrus aroma mixed with a light crisp pine scent floods our nostrils. If Pine-Sol doesn't already offer this scent it should. But why grapefruit? We don't see any grapefruit trees and I'd strongly doubt this is the climate or terrain they thrive in. I don't get it, but I like it!

Only one more pass remains!

Heading down into Prineville

As we crest Ochoco Pass, our second to last pass of the entire trek, the anticipation of seeing the volcanic peaks of the Cascade Range is overwhelming. Not only do I have a personal connection to the Cascades having grown up with them in my backyard of Western Washington, but they are the last significant barrier between us and the Pacific Ocean. The heavily treed pass bars us from any view. We have to wait another 20 miles further before our first unobstructed panorama of four 10,000 foot plus volcanoes. The three sisters, South, Middle, and North are visible to the southwest, while massive Mount Jefferson stands alone dominating the northwestern horizon. Although not nearly as tall as the mountains we rode among in Colorado, their majestic beauty is unparalleled.

Setting up camp at the town of Sisters city park, we enjoy a hiker/biker campsite. $5 a person for a spot on a lawn and a warm shower. Nothing fancy, but all we need at a reasonable price. The 90+ degree temperature of the day lingers into the evening. Our friends Suzanne and Mike live in Bend and have played the role of Trail Angel for us before on our PCT hiking adventure. Unfortunately, Mike works late, but Suzanne played the role again, driving us to a grocery store and the Three Sisters Brewery for dinner. It's great to catch up with her in one of the most scenic and hip areas on the entire trek. Thank you Suzanne!

Stats:
Miles: 89.57 mph
Average speed: 12.1 mph
Max speed: 35 mph
Odometer: 4088 miles