Yesterday (Tuesday) was a MUCH better day...We woke up, grabbed coffee, wrote a few postcards, packed up then hit the road! We thought we would treat ourselves to a short day, but the ride was so quick and we were having so much fun (however much you can have on a bike..) that we decided to just keep going. We had headed off the coast and started realizing there weren't too many towns around. We were at mile 45 and decided to find a place to camp. Spirit Mountain Casino seemed like a brilliant option, they even had a parking lot designated just for RV parking..however, we were soon scolded and told that they do not allow camping there. So we packed back up and went to the the gas station 200 yards away to ask if we could set up in their yard. The manager thought that the casino security might not like that, so he told us he would make a few calls. Three short minutes later Chris came out and told us to follow him, they had found a place for us to camp! A mile off the highway we came upon this huge open field... Chris told us that it was an Indian Pow Wow site and that they had called Chief Mike Larson and we were given the O.K. to set up camp there! Ed, the security man, unlocked the bathrooms for us, and gave us some tips in the slight chance that the black bear who lives in the woods nearby starts roaming over in our direction. Kelsey conquered her bear fear last night and didn't even sleep in the bathroom like she said she was going to--I WAS SO PROUD! :) :) After setting up camp we went to the casino!!! duhhhh!!! and ATE! our last real meal, we decided we are saving our bucks and eating Ravioli from the can the rest of the trip! With full bellys we meandered over to the casino hotel lobby, sat in front of their huge awesome fireplace, put up our feet and chilled... what a good night :) Just as the rain was starting we headed home (to the pow wow grounds) and fell fast asleep... it was only 9pm.. biking sure wears you out.

The day wasn't ALL bad... We got our bikes on bus for free to Astoria and when we got there it turned out to be a goonie anniversary week celebration-- you can't plan that kind of perfect timing! After the afternoon of putting our bikes together we walked them to the gas station since our bike pump didn't work/we didn't have the patience for it, then hit the road! Only to stop a few blocks later when Kelsey yelled at me that my camelback was leaking everywhere-- but at least I got it for 10% off - thanks Scott! And there's nothing a role of duct tape can't fix! After a beautiful ride to cannon beach we found the Hilton of all campsites.. And enjoyed the longest showers ever. Then tried out cooking over the propane tank, good thing I had lots of practice last summer! We had a hearty meal of ramen and granola bars! Snuggled down to bed at 9:15 and dead asleep before it even got dark.. Maybe I'll get to try out the flashlight tomo night :)

We survived day one... Barely. :). Nothing Went as planned. It downpoured. Took the wrong train... Thank u rach :) almost missed our bus to astoria but I sprinted in the middle of traffic n rain for a cab. Got to bus station n they said they didn't have my bike. Rach calmly asked them to check again. Once in Astoria, the frustrations of putting our bikes together in the rain are undescribable. Hungry and wet we rode 37 miles to our camp site. The major question of the day was what in the heck were we thinking coming out here? It was like everyone elses reality was finally hitting us. But there was good in the mist of our day. We laughed until we cried and built some character. Here's rach to tell you what we are THANKFUL for...

WE MADE IT!!!

Wow, can't believe we're finally here!!

We stayed in Portland last night and guess what-- they had a parade for us! (not really FOR us, but it was fun to think so). We mastered the MAX and are takin it downtown this morning to meet up with our BIKES at the Greyhound station (BEST MODE OF SHIPPING EVER!!) and take the 9:10 bus to Astoria!

We're getting our first taste of Oregon weather-- woke up and went outside to enjoy Econo Lodge continental breakfast and see downpour....sweet. Shout out to Mom who got me an awesome rainjacket for my birthday! I'll let ya know how it holds up!

Last night I woke up with the worst earache ever!!! I am embarrassed to say that I even cried! Special shout out to Dr. Gross for getting me in to see him today and putting me right on medication! Have no fear Oregon, I will be ready for you tomorrow!!!!! :)

I just got the call that my bike made it to Oregon safe and sound! Hopefully in just two days I will be able to report that Rachel and I have as well! :)

Rachel left yesterday to head out for the West coast. She is attending a conference in California for her position next year with Every Ethne. She'll be mobilizing college students to go out into the world to tell people about Jesus! I fly out from Minneapolis on Saturday (June 5th), and I will be meeting Rachel in Portland. Our bikes are officially on their way to Oregon, and we pray that they will make it there before us and in good shape! I am completely ready for this adventure. I hope that it will change the way I look at the world and really move me to go after more of life. I feel excited, blessed, and slightly terrified! Leave your address on the blog comments if you want a sweet postcard from the Northwest! :)