July 29, Florence to Eugene

Well, today was one for the record books. We left the Lighthouse Inn at about 7:30, it was in the high 50s, foggy and the first 15 miles along the river to Mapleton were gorgeous and easy. Eagles nests in the trees, a few folks fishing quietly in the river. We had breakfast in Mapleton at The Depot Inn and crossed the river to begin climbing. Man, did we begin climbing! After about 3 miles there was a stretch that seemed straight up. There was construction going on and the temp had already climbed to near 90. By the time we reached the tunnel it was 95 and tough. We cleared the tunnel and as we continued towards Walton it climbed to 105 degrees. We were feeling really deflated until we were joined by a solo rider who looked to be in his late 20s, rail thin, he had been riding for the last two weeks starting in Sacramento and finishing south of Eugene. He said he had almost given up and tried hitch hiking the final leg. We figured if he was suffering as we were suffering, it wasn't just us and wasn't so hard to take. One more tough climb out of Walton thru Cougar Pass (seriously).
Mid afternoon we changed plans a little, called and canceled our tent camp site and set up a motel with AC to help recover. We struggled to finish but did. We ended up doing 61 miles and made it to Eugene.
Added a coyote to our wildlife list as well as multiple eagles.
Today we'll ride to a hot springs lodge & campgrounds near McKenzie Bridge, still following Rt. 126. About the same mileage as yesterday but very little climbing and the temp is breaking, the high today headed towards only (!) 95.
Happy trails - Michael

Worst day for me ever in the saddle! Who's idea was this anyway??!!!!
Tiredly, Judith