Day 10-Maddening, But Working Out For the Best

Early getting going this morning, even though I slept through my alarm. We were on the road by 7:30. Today was the push to Eugene, and Armitage County Park. The County Park didn’t happen, but more on that in a moment. 

We worked our way over the Coastal Range through tiny towns (many not even on our map). It looked a lot more climby on the map than it was in reality. Mostly, we were going by green pastures, and old barns. 

Superman must live here!

Good road, but no shoulder. Also very few cars for most of the morning. 

Even a covered bridge (but we didn’t go through it).

Thank you Captain Obvious!

Further down, there was a substantial water fall, but there wasn’t a spot to pull off. 

Triangle Lake (don’t know what kind of triangle it is… isosceles?)

This round barn was being restored (looked like they had a bit more work to do).

We did the climb up and over to Low Pass (a town). We stopped at the market (convenience store) and got some chips and something to drink. There were picnic tables, one with an umbrella. Since it started to sprinkle, we enjoyed our lunch at the one with the umbrella. 

We made quick work of the 11 miles from Low Pass to Richardson County Park (because it was mostly downhill). Stopped there to use the restroom, then continued on to the Fern Ridge Path into Eugene. 

I’ve been on this path many times. Doug enjoyed it. 

We scooted through Eugene and on to Armitage County Park. I last stayed there three years ago. Then, the park was full, and the manager put me “where we put the cyclists”. It was in the day use area. Again, the park was full. However, this time the woman said they had nothing for us. When I told her where I had camped before, she said they don’t do that. I asked if we could see if we could share a site with someone. Nope, we were not allowed to do that. She said we should have made a reservation. I told her why would we make a reservation when the last time I had stayed there they had a place for cyclists! We also talked to the manager, and he didn’t budge either. He told me he would lose his job if he allowed us to stay there. It is so maddening that these people fear for their jobs if they were humane toward cyclists! 

Not getting anywhere with these people, we looked at other possibilities. There was a Kamping World in Coburg (3 miles more north). I called them and they had space for a few tents (but it’s mostly an RV park). On the route, there is a B&B. I called them, and Tom, the owner, said we could camp there. It was a little over 4 more miles, but on the Trans Am. 

We arrived, and Tom showed us where we could set up. 

Notice the Bike Friendly sign? Armitage doesn’t get to have one of those signs!

We are set up on the bocce court. There isn’t a shower, but there is a bathroom with a toilet, sink, and hot water. Don’t need anymore than that! I asked what he charged, and he said he charges nothing. Even brought us some muffins! We sat in our chairs to fix our dinners. Here’s mine. 

Chopped apple, avocado, chicken, curry powder, and topped with a pile of Fritos…YUM!

So, I’m still pissed at Armitage (after all, it is the beginning or end of the Willamette Valley Scenic Bikeway, you’d think they’d have accommodations for cyclists), but this is place it much better!