February 3: Joyful in Jewell
What a magical, joyful day riding through Jewell and beyond. Herds of elk grazing in the fields, trees of all sizes, shapes and colors lining the road, and the glorious sun beaming down on the fields and streams on each side of me. Boy it was good to get out on the bike again!
As it was my first full day off in almost three months, I decided to take my time meandering through the woods on my way to Astoria today. Heading west on Highway 26 I breathed in the cool winter air, gazing up at the bright blue sky above and thanking God for the sun shining down on my back. Brown fields, green crops, and orchards of twisted red colored trees reached out on both sides. As the road rose in elevation, mist appeared on each side of me, swirling across the road in white cotton candy like wisps, framed by the bright green Douglas Fir trees towering above.
Turning north on highway 103, the road narrowed, traffic disappeared, and time stood still as tall white Aspens mixed with the Fir’s, forming a canopy above with the sun streaming through their white and brown branches. Twisting and turning through this glorious tunnel, I caught glimpses of the meandering blue Nehalem River winding back and forth alongside me. With no cars or people in sight, I immersed myself in the beautiful natural surroundings, leaving all of my work-related thoughts behind.
Turning northwest on highway 202 at Jewell, I stopped shortly afterwards at the Jewell State Wildlife Management area to gaze at two different herds of elk. The massive mammals rested in the afternoon sun, meandered from one side of the clearing to another, and grazed on the grass.
Feeling completely recharged, I continued along more winding tree covered roads into Astoria, following the bright blue water of Youngs River into town and then crossing over Youngs Bay on highway 101. Soaring above the deep blue waters where the Columbia River meets Youngs River, I gazed out in both directions, soaking in every bit of sun.
Riding south to Seaside, I headed east on highway 26 to Aloha and the La Pachanga Mexican food cart. I must admit, it is true that I ate there yesterday. But when I found out late last night that the owners just came out with a new burrito featuring their famous slow cooked Barbecoa Beef, I simply had to come back. Biting into the moist and tender burrito, an explosion of delightful flavors hit my taste buds. The mixture of beef, avocado, beans, mozzarella cheese, sour cream, Pico de Gallo, and red salsa wrapped in a flour tortilla was one of the best bites I’ve ever had. Wow! Another great day on the bike.
