May and I rode together today – it was fun to have a new riding partner and some opportunity to chat. With the many logging trucks and RVs towing cars, it was not exactly a relaxing ride.

Most of the day we were in the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area.  We did stop along the road near Gardiner to take pictures of morning reflections of the pine trees and the sand dunes that were moving down toward the road.  Another McCullough bridge over the Umpqua River – we were held up by the opening of the bridge for a boat.  Ann got caught on the bridge taking pictures and had a funny story involving the bridge attendant.  Some of the traffic, once moving, was not happy that we were riding on the bridge: we are vehicles and have a right to the road.

Just across the bridge, the SAG was in Reedsport and we notified her we were planning to take a “detour” to the Umpqua River lighthouse.  This detour only added 3 miles to the day and we enjoyed the tour and information.  The lighthouse dates from 1890 with a distinct light of white, white then red strobes.  The bricks are of special construction to allow absorption and release of the moisture in the double thick walls.  Check out the photos of the prisms inside the lighthouse.

We ate our peanut sandwiches beside the road, deciding not to venture for an ATV ride (Marilee and Joan did).  I was apprehensive of the bridge over Coos Bay, after Leilani was hit on the bridge two years ago.  We activated the bike warning lights, but still had a few rude remarks as we crossed.

We are staying at a Quality Inn in North Bend, no ocean views here, though we can see the infamous bridge in the distance.

47.7 miles, 11.75 mph, 3,090 ft ascent

Relive:  https://www.relive.cc/view/1206387716