October 5: Fall Explosion of Colors
What an explosion of fall color! Today’s loop to Astoria and back along twisty country roads was chock full of delightful sights. After a couple hours of relatively thick morning fog, the sun broke through in all its glory, making for an exceptional day.
Leo Guzman Fernandez and I headed north in the morning mist on highway 30 up to Scappoose. Although the temperature was a chilly forty-eight degrees, my electric gear kept me warm as I breathed in the refreshing crisp air, taking in the blue waters of the Columbia Gorge appearing through the white patches of fog on my right.
When we turned west on the Scappoose Vernonia Highway I couldn’t help grinning as the traffic melted away and the curves embraced us. With the roads relatively slick from dew and visibility lower than usual, we moderated our speed, winding our way around one glorious bend after another, covered by a thick canopy overhead. Muted splashes of red, yellow, and orange peeked through the blanket of mist, a promise of more to come.
Turning north on highway 47 and then west again on highway 30 we rode past fields and farmlands dotted with ancient barns as we made our way into Astoria. The fog melted away completely, revealing a great view of barges floating on the Columbia River and the southern edge of Washington in the distance.
After a delicious lunch, we headed south along Young’s Bay on highway 202. With the mist completely cleared, we were able to barrel around the curves along the water’s edge, taking in the warmth of the bright afternoon sun and savoring the sparkling silver-blue bay views off to the west.
Heading through Olney on our way to Jewell, it was as if we were experiencing the grand finale of a fireworks show. The fall colors that had been somewhat subdued earlier in the morning mist now came out in full force. Bright bursts of deep red, vibrant orange, and vivid yellow leaves exploded from the trees and bushes on both sides of the road as well as the branches above us. The deep blue sky peeked through pockets of foliage, creating a beautiful mosaic on the asphalt below us. What a great day on the bike!
