So nice. Last night before bed I heard a thump sound from the sink cabinet. Could it be? Opened the door and the second mouse was in death throes min the sprung trap. I pitched it and the trap outside. In the morning the 2 were where they hit the ground. So nice after like 3 nights of hearing chewing to peaceful quiet and not wondering what the critters might be chewing.
And the storm hit. Forecast called for more storms later but where I was stayed dry or at least not flooded.
Made Sunday scratch pancakes and drank a luxury second cup of coffee.
Plan was to drive into town, west side, to get sink water at gas station, and groceries, maybe propane. Score with water and gas station has propane again. Newport Market for my quality of groceries. Still haven’t found favorite oatmeal, Bob’s Scottish.
Drove up to Swampy Snow Park passing visitor center on highway which is gated closed. Cars were parked filling the drive opening. Can’t get in for water, cross that spot off itinerary. Parking at Storm King crossing was plugged. Swampy had a few cars but nowhere as many as down below. The storm dropped the temps to needing long sleeve mid weight wool jersey and knee warmers. 5800′. Wearing the long sleeve wool shirt inside with door shut and furnace running. At least no mosquitoes so far.
My ride was down South fork of Tumalo creek, 3.3 miles dropping 1068′. Deep forest cover, old hiking trail. One of my more favorite descents. Turn onto Tumalo creek which drops on smooth open sight line trail. Hit 25 mph. Hump climb up Tumalo ridge for 1 viewshed. Shared the downhill with one trail runner climbing, ran into her later as she was making a loop. Otherwise there were several bikers not enough to scrap over the same piece of tread. On the ridge the single track empties out onto a former haul road gently climbing up to Swede ridge shelter. Last year I paid attention to how long it took me to pedal that piece, it took 18 mins whether I was straight or buzzed. Today I was buzzed, I knocked off 50 seconds, it was a hump.
Much of this upper area has never been logged as it is connected to the watershed. Trails are old hiking trails. This is what I like to ride.
Viewshed in the trees:
Sleeping at empty Swampy trailhead. 42 degrees at 9:06 PM. Drinking a cup of sleepy time tea as I am wont to do when it is chilly.
Welcome home to the Northwest, Craig.
Wed love to see your property sometime.