When I got over the McKenzie Pass yesterday, I didn't realise I was entering a desert. Apart from some shrubs and hardy trees, nothing grows here without irrigation.
This makes the heat is a real problem for cycling. If it goes on like that, I will be setting out at midnight. Tomorrow I will probably start cycling at 5 and get to my campsite by 11 or 12.
Today I met Josh, living in Portland but originally from Colorado. He was on the last leg of his trip. Lucky for him, he had a road crew, his girlfriend, in an RV, I am sure air-conditioned. This means he only needs to carry what he needs for the day. At the moment, sitting here in the heat, this feels a very attractive opinion. Hilary, want to come over at short notice an hire an RV?
On a more positive note, I got a can of bear spray. Josh offered me his, as it was unlikely that he would needed between here and Astoria.
I have also been rather please with my gadget setup. Since setting out for Astoria, my solar charger has kept my battery packs fully charged, so my plugin charger is obsolete. Overnight, if necessary , I changed my phones, Kindle, bike lights and head torch. The next day I recharge the pack on the back of my bike. Also, I haven't lost my way once, thanks to the navigation app, OsmAnd.
So, all good, if only I could do something about the heat...
