CONTINUEZ!

Sleep was shitty. I was in my tent by eight o'clock. Even though most campsites have some sort of quiet time hours, it is never enforced. The truth, people do not give a flying fuck about rules. In my previous post, I mentioned how multiple campsites throughout Oregon had banned fires. The dryness in certain areas is so intense that the slightest spark can surely set the forest ablaze. Yet flames flauntingly filled the rebelling campsites. By ten o'clock, I had to pop in my headphones to drown out the noisy campers. It was the fourth of July, so I can sympathize with the celebration. Even though I tossed and turned all night, I still managed to get up fairly early. 

Unfortunately, this campsite did not have a single water pump or any available water. This is an issue that I had not come across yet. It was shocking because this was undoubtedly the hottest and driest site yet. Regardless, I rationed five ounces of water and a juicy apple for myself. My body could have easily made it ten miles to town on this tiny amount of hydration. All my years in the sauna were merely training for situations like this. As a last-ditch effort, I attempted to purchase some water from my neighbors. Gladly, they filled up my bottles free of charge. The sun was still cool, and I happily hit the highway. 

The ten miles to Spray was superb. The landscape was the same, desert sprinkled with forestry. The John Day River mirrored Highway 19 (also called John Day Highway) for the entirety of the voyage. It is extremely reassuring being riverside, especially in this hellish heat. I have not had to use my LifeStraw yet, but possessing it on my person produces peace of mind. The ride to Spray was prompt and peaceful. Upon my arrival, I sought out the nearest cafe. This was not too difficult, for there was only one in town, and of course, it doubled as a market. 

The place was surprisingly packed. One poor girl was managing the store register and handling eight full tables. I informed her of my presence and retreated to the outdoor patio. Assuming it was going to be a while, I worked on several items via my tablet. Finally, things thinned out, and I was able to get my brunch. My order was two over-easy eggs, hash browns, several slices of toast, and black coffee. The meal was rather disappointing, and the service was slow. Luckily for her, I was the last person to care and still left a sizable tip. On my way out, I encountered some fellow bikers. They hailed from California and were riding through the scenic Oregon byways. The couple was quite impressed with my story and offered me guidance on the road ahead. I learned that the campsite down the way was clearing out quickly. Also that there was a little trading post close to the camp. It did not take long to trek ten more miles to the small town of Kimberly. 

The John Day Trading Post was sparse on supplies, but I made due. After packing up my new supplies, I headed to Lone Pine Campground. The grounds were nearly empty, and the only site with substantial shade was provided by a lone pine tree. I chose this spot to set up shop. It was indeed ironic. After doing my habitual unpacking, I cracked open a tall boy Coors before it got too warm. Feeling refueled, I snagged my camera and set off for the highest peak. 

Climbing these mountains without a proper path was pretty arduous. The slope is super steep. Slick sand and rigid rocks are your main source of footing. It was quite the climb, to say the least. After snapping a few successful photos, I began my descent, which was just as dangerous. My adventure was not over yet. Some campers guided me to a low point in the river next to camp. Again the footing was seriously unstable, and the raging rapids did not help. With my camera high above my head and a walking stick, I slowly traversed this stream. The water reached about chest level. One slip and my camera was surely soiled. 

After conquering the river, it was time for my daily cleanse. There is something seriously sacred about scrubbing yourself in a river. Usually when I bathe myself, I do a little laundry as well, just wanted to throw that out there. Shockingly, I have managed to be rather well-groomed thus far. Tonight's grub weirdly worked. It is as follows: one can of refried beans, one can of black olives (even drank the juice), one cucumber, one zucchini and some left over trail mix. The remainder of the evening was dedicated to writing and relaxing. Bonne fin soirée et aussi la route ici.