Push and Pull

I am meditating on this subject so I won't expunge too much now. I will say that the very unique dynamic of a two person touring team is one of the most challenging experiences of my life. What a lesson to learn. I have to trust her, motivate and support her, allow her to motivate and support me, and most important, we have to stick together. I have already expressed feelings of excitement and enjoyment, followed by frustration and resentment, impatience, and then shear joy when we race down whatever climb we just puffed our way up, and re-set my emotions. I wonder what Cerridwyn is feeling?! I am so happy I am doing this with a friend. I would not change a single thing about our trip- other than a little less gear, a little more reflective and warm clothes!- I am certain I will do a solo tour someday, but you can't beat having a pal to share the beautiful views with!

We are enjoying a pit stop in the picturesque, Cape Kiwanda, an awesome surf town. We are warming our mitts and enjoying our coffee fix at Cafe Stimulus, and are about to hit the road for climb numero dos, and about 20 more miles until camp at Devil's Lake State Park in Lincoln City, OR.
So long for now. Remember to check out our pics through the flickr slideshow.
Peace and Love,
Cerridwyn and Maureen

Adventure

Today we met up with an old pal of Cerridwyn's who is also a cyclist. Troy is his name and biking, traveling, and grad school is the name of his game. We rode to the top of Mt. Tabor and had a lovely time of it. It felt great to get the heart pumping, the legs warm, and the lungs full of fresh mountain air. Mt. Tabor is not any real mountain- it is a volcanic vent for Mt. Hood, which was picturesque on the horizon- but we still experienced a change in elevation and a nice, mild climb to the top. This got me revved up and ready to start tomorrow. Tillamook or bust! After the ride, we stopped at Stumptown Coffee for a double soy machiatto and some good conversation. Troy ran into some pals from his hometown in Michigan and we all chilled and enjoyed the beautiful weather. We went to Andy and Bax Army surplus store for fun and final supplies before we leave and made a quick stop by the Whole Foods for a simple yet hearty dinner of black beans, brown rice and fried egg. I foresee that being a very regular meal for the next month and a half! It is getting late and time to pack up the gear for an early start tomorrow.

My Uncle Randy recently wrote me an email on June 23rd saying that his son, my cousin Mike, and Mike's girlfriend, Anna, set off on their exciting journeys around China the same day as I left with Cerridwyn to start this adventure. I started thinking about the importance of travel and the experience of new cultures in my life and am so happy to come from a family that embraces that philosophy and promotes it. I am definitely not cut from the normal nine to five, Monday through Friday lifestyle that so many Americans believe in, and I am so happy and lucky to be supported by my beloved family members and friends in spite of that fact(that difference!). I know that this is the start of many adventures for me. I hope to inspire the pursuit of adventure in all of you. THANK YOU to everyone who has donated to my travels! Expect a personalized thanks via post!

It is really time to get packing and grab some shut eye before morning.
Pleasant dreams to all!

Love,
Cerridwyn and Maureen

* THANKS ANDREA! *

I was without the digi cam my last night in Seattle, WA when I hung with my dear old CBH buddy, Andrea. We had a grand ol' time and she took me out on the town! We went to Capital Hill and had a pitcher of Manny's and dinner at Linda's, then shot some pool and knocked back a Mac N' Jack's Amber Ale at the Garage. Thanks a million for contributing to the "Feed Mo" fund!
Love,
Mo
p.s. can't wait to see you soon in Halifax!

Live from the City of Roses!

Greetings!

We are taking a minute for correspondence and coffee at Stumptown Coffee Roasters and bought fun ink pens and weird food for the ride. We had a three hour trek around the Puget Sound in Portland, Oregon. We missed our first train from Seattle to Portland on Wednesday, so we kicked it in Chinatown for a couple of hours. We went to an awesome market called Uwajimayawhich took us through Tacoma, Olympia, and Vancouver, Washington. What a beautiful ride. Small towns and farms sprinkled the land as well as breathtaking waterfronts and woods.

We got off the train and were met by friendly people, bikes everywhere, a tasty hefeweizen at a nearby bar, and the setting sun creating a warm, golden city. We are staying with Robyn, an old Santa Cruz friend of Cerridwyn's. She is swell. We had a vegetarian southern comfort brunch at the Tin Shed this morning, and were serenaded by the Old 97's throughout! I like Portland. I may LOVE Portland. The weather is just right- cool mornings and evenings and warm, sunny days. I can't seem to breathe in enough of the fresh air here. Lush, overflowing gardens full of roses, ferns, ivy, daisies, flowers, flowers, and more flowers. Green, emerald, and moss colors everywhere. We just missed the Rose Parade and came across a compost pile full of the remains of that day. Decomposing petals of every color....I grabbed a few for drying.

We went to a local bike co-op called City Bikes and met Mike from Moscow, Idaho. He was awesome, and helpful! We really like that shop and may go back again before we leave. Check 'em out if you ever get to Portland.

Two more nights in Portland then the journey begins! Next stop- Tillamook, Oregon! Stay tuned for stories of the cheese factory tour and later constipation woes!
Happy Summer!

xoxo,
Cerridwyn and Maureen

Seattle

Our journey has begun. We had a wonderful farewell party on Friday night and got to hang with lots of good people. (Thanks to all who stopped by and who provided food and drink!)

Today we broke down our bicycles and headed to the airport. Boxing the bikes was a bit of an ordeal, but we figured it out. We had a van taxi pick us up and it cost us $50 to check our bikes. Austin to Seattle is quite a flight. We had a layover in Denver but all in all it was uneventful...just long.

We arrived to our stay in style...via limousine, and were greeted by a cute house full of crafty bike kids having their weekly movie night.Washington is gorgeous. The sun stayed out until almost 10 pm and the weather is in the 60's. I am in heaven, and I know it is only going to get better!Looking forward to a good night's rest and building our bikes back up tomorrow. One more night in Seattle then we train to Portland.Stay tuned.

Love,
Maureen and Cerridwyn