Manzanita, OR to Netarts, OR - 40 miles
The more we meet other touring cyclists, the more I realize how popular this ride is. Yesterday we met a couple from Great Britain. I mention them not just because they came so far to do this ride, but also because this particular pair wasn't carrying any luggage. They had Camelbacks and handlebar bags. At first I assumed they must have a support vehicle, but then I started thinking about the feasibility of making this trip without luggage. If you could fit a change of clothes and a rain jacket in the handlebar bag, and if you planned to stay at hotels and eat out for every meal, then this ride could be done with a Camelback, a handlebar bag and a debit card.
We have been looking forward to this day for 2 weeks - the Tillamook cheese factory. It was great! We watched their production line, tasted cheese samples and bought some ice cream. Their mild cheddar sells for $8.99 for a 2 pound block. Ironically, down the street at Fred Meyer where we stopped for groceries, Tillamook mild cheddar was on sale for $5.99 for a 2 pound block. I guess we payed extra for the all-encompassing cheese experience.
Tonight we camped at Cape Lookout State Park, right on the coast. We set up camp and ate dinner, then headed to the beach. The boys were so excited to play in the ocean! What they didn't expect was how cold it was going to be. All the other campers enjoying the sunset were donning jackets and blankets. Bins and Tan played around in the sand for a while, but the allure of the sea persisted and soon they made the plunge amidst the cheers of bundled-up onlookers. Stephen wasn't to be outdone by the boys and also took a dip. I, however, am perfectly comfortable being called a wimp when it comes to the cold.
