October 31 - Magic in the air on the way to Astoria and back

What an abundance of color! Today’s ride to Astoria for lunch and back was downright magical, with bright orange and yellow leaves dancing and flying around the bike in the crisp fall air while sunlight rained down upon me through the canopies of trees. Two good days of riding weather this time of year was such a blessing, and I couldn’t let it go to waste.

From Latus, Grant Myers led us west on Highway 26 and then north on Highway 47 through Vernonia and west again on Highway 202 through the town of Jewell. I love these backroads on the way to the coast, dotted with little towns, farmlands and tons of curves. The traffic was almost non-existent, making the curvy country roads that much more fun as we whizzed past honey-colored meadows and green forests.

Lunch at the Fort George Brewery was excellent as usual. My painted hills beef burger with yellow onions, organic greens, and fort sauce hit the spot as did the side salad. This eatery is a perfect stopping point on the way north as it is so close to the waterfront and just across the bridge from Washington.

After lunch we crossed the Astoria- Megler Bridge into Washington and took highway 101 and then 4 north and east. The ride from Astoria to Longview was one of my favorite parts as so much of it followed the Columbia River with views of the water as well as Mount Saint Helens. What a glorious day!