We started the day with an early breakfast anticipating the trip over the coastal mountain range to Junction City. Junction City is just outside Eugene, Oregon and is the starting point for our trip up the Willamette River to take us back northbound to Portland.
The day started great and only got better. For a great period of time, we paralleled different forks of the Siuslaw River. We enjoyed gentle grades for long distances. As we increased in altitude, the gorgeous foliage improved (if that is even possible) and the terrain features and variety of wildlife increased as well.
We saw many raptors flying in the area. My riding partner for day, Doug, and I were passing a mown field strewn with bound hay bails. As we looked across the field, we observed what we think was an eagle approaching at high speed looking for prey. He was heading right for us and passed right over our heads. We noticed that his wing span was at least as wide as the width of the hay bales!
We crossed over many beautiful and interesting bridges and encountered our first covered bridge.
The weather was perfect today; clear skies and temperatures in the 70's. One of our first shirtsleeve riding days.
I think that all of us are getting stronger on the rides. Our nearly 69 miles today actually felt easy! Having little elevation gain compared to our previous day's rides and the perfect weather must have contributed to this feeling, I'm sure.
We're starting the home stretch. Tomorrow on to the state Capitol, Salem, then the last day returning to Portland.
Today's stats: 68.68 miles and 1482 feet of climb.
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