February 12: From Fog-Filled to Fantastic
What an absolute delight! Today’s ride from the fog-filled streets of West Linn up through Government Camp and then Mount Hood took me past striking snow-covered mountain tops, glistening waterfall-covered rocky cliffs, evergreen-filled hills and valleys, and acres of orchards of pear, apple, and cherry trees. At one point I was so overcome by the beauty of it all that I cried with happiness.
I woke up today excited about getting in a good ride after weeks of intense preparation for this summer’s adventure. Not deterred by the thick blanket of fog encircling my home, I hopped on the bike and headed for the mountains, hoping the sun promised by my weather app would indeed appear as I drove further east.
As I rode east on highway 212 the sun began to show itself from behind the clouds, the fog slowly lifted from the fields and farmlands beside me, and intermittent views of majestic Mount Hood peeked out from behind the evergreen-covered hills of the Mount Hood National Forest. The air was crisp and clean, and I breathed in the fresh invigorating air while I swooped up and down the mountain passes, singing praise songs and thinking thoughts of gratitude.
Driving past Government Camp and then heading north on highway 35, I enjoyed a multitude of magnificent views of Mount Hood while simultaneously keeping the bike between the rows of gravel lining the lane. After traveling through the roads of Alaska last summer, the riding conditions seemed much less daunting than they would have in the past. The chest-high snowbanks on the side of the road were a constant reminder that I was fortunate to have asphalt beneath me. After stopping to appreciate the snow-covered mountainous area, I cried with gratitude for the opportunity to fully experience such beauty after the trials of the past.
Descending into Hood River, I encountered beautiful valley views and numerous tree-lined orchards. Mount Adams appeared in the north, its shiny snow-covered peaks glistening in the afternoon sun. In Hood River, I stopped for lunch at Solstice wood-fired pizza, after having been given a recommendation for the eating establishment from a tutoring client. My pizza was outstanding, with a slightly charred, flaky crust made with dough that was fermented for 72 hours, house-made chorizo sausage, and locally grown cherries.
As I headed west towards home I took in the stunning views of the sparkling waters of the Columbia River framed by the tree-covered hills and valleys. What an amazing day!
