September 5 - Bend to Government Camp

Smoke, smoke, and more smoke! The ride home from Burns to Bend and then north again was almost all smoke filled up until about 35 miles south of government camp. It was rather sobering to think of all the homes that might be in danger. How smoky was it you ask? So smoky, the sun was covered (see photo of orange sun behind brown smoke) and my instrument gauge was lit up like it is at night (even though it was only 4pm)! What was kind of eerie was when I was starting to make it past the smoke and there was almost a tunnel opening to the blue sky (see main photo). There were orange caution signs by the side of the road saying something like “fire activity nearby.” I was extremely happy to make it to blue sky and clean air. I still have the raspy voice of a movie actress though. Still, I thoroughly enjoyed the ride. I really can’t think of a single time I’ve gotten off the bike and thought “gee, I wish I hadn’t gone riding today.” It was awesome to feel the wind in my face, lean into the curves, and enjoy the straightaways. 😀