À LA CAMPAGNE NON PLUS (POUR LE MOMENT).

Last evening was a little unusual. Around eight, I retreated to my tent to rest my eyes for a few minutes. I passed the fuck out. Unfortunately, I did not get a full night's rest. I was awakened around eleven, thanks to some extremely powerful winds. It did not take long for the rain to join in. While being bombarded by nature, my tent bearings came loose. Rather than get soaked, I used my pack to hold one end and my body to keep the other side grounded. My return to sleep was determined when nature finished her fit. Regardless of my restless evening, I still managed to wake up rather early and surprisingly rejuvenated. 

It was an easy eight miles to Vale. I had to stop and grab a little energy at the local diner. The breakfast special was as follows: two eggs, hash browns, toast with grape jelly, a four-ounce steak, and coffee. It only cost me 7.99$ (plus tip). This was undoubtedly the best morning meal deal of the trip, and it was not half bad either. After my breakfast, I returned to my favorite U.S Route 26. The morning traffic was busy, and the shoulder was small. These zooming vehicles do not phase me anymore. 

After about seven miles, I turned off onto some backroads. They were filled with farms, and it was an enjoyable twelve or so miles. Anytime you can get away from vehicles, it is a dandy affair. Nyssa was my last Oregonian town. I stopped at a tiny cafe and grill on the main strip. The double-shot espresso is not even worth mentioning. However, the kindness from the owner is. After chatting for a bit, she gave me ten dollars. She was just checking up on her employees. When she left, I spent that money on more things at her establishment. Two steak tacos and a smoothie later, I set off for a state that I had never encountered before. Oh boy Oregon, I will see you next time. A mile later, I crossed The Snake River into the land of potatoes. I found myself flying through some fertile farmlands. I love the back roads. 

Once I hit Parma, I jumped back onto Highway 26. It was eight miles to the next small town of Notus. Knowing that I was nearing my final destination, I stopped for an early dinner. My meal was a small salad, some fries, cottage cheese with a lot of pepper, and a Fat Tire. I just wanted something light because there was still some biking left to do. This town also had a food store, but the options were limited. My selection was a can of tomato soup, a can of vegetable soup, and a tall boy Coors. The plan was to slurp all these up for dinner. Plans tend to change. Upon arriving at the campsite, a lovely middle-aged couple chatted with me briefly. Being used to the bombardment of questions, I did not overthink of this lovely interaction. 

I continued my campsite duties. After unpacking the necessities, it was time to shower. When I arrived back at my site, dinner was prepared for me at my picnic table. Ribs, mashed potatoes, salad, and sweet tea became my dinner for the evening. Wow, it was wonderful. They walked past later in the evening, and I thanked them for their generosity. My night was spent writing and working on TEFL. My french has been seriously suffering, but that is all going to change when I depart from Boise. Oh baby, the next stop is Boise. I am thrilled to discover a new city. We will see if I can get any sleep, this campsite is in earshot of Interstate 84. Until tomorrow. Do not forget about today's route, here.