- Even though we had done two cabin trips already this year, there is something special about the first tent camping trip of the year, and we felt it. Before we left town we made a quick trip to the store to pick up food for the night. This is a common ritual for any bike camping excursion, so it shouldn't be a big deal. But I remember how...giddy I felt in the market, looking for yummy things to eat for dinner and breakfast. It added another level of anticipation to the day, and made me really excited for the adventure to come.
- The weather wasn't as great as the forecast predicted. It stayed in the high 50s F, and we saw a couple brief showers, but the biggest weather let-down was the stiff headwind we had heading out (even though it was predicted to be a tailwind.) We had to cut our stop at Crown Point short because we were getting blown around so much.
- Speaking of Crown Point, there's been a major road construction project going on. The big benefit to it is the new pavement on a notoriously bad three mile stretch of road. They're still working on the Crown Point Viaduct through early summer, though.
- Ainsworth was PACKED! Seriously. All six of the walk-in sites, our preferred camping spot here, were full, the only time I've ever seen that happen (and I've been out to this popular campground in the middle of summer.) We had to make do with the regular sites. (Apparently it was "spring break".) The good news: They are supposed to make an official hiker-biker site at Ainsworth this summer. Long overdue in my opinion, as none of the Oregon State Parks in the Columbia Gorge have hiker-biker sites. (Beacon Rock on the Washington side has one lone spot.)
All in all, it was a fun trip. I can't wait to get back out to camp. And it looks like the weather will be good next week...
More photos of our trip here.
Sounds like y'all had an awesome time of it! Man,you're REALLY making me want to get out there myself :D
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