Up at 7:00-out at 7:30 Whitney waiting outside door reading newspaper. 60-cold until 1st hill. Unbelievable day for biking-all rds were smooth-scenery spectacular-almost no cars all day. Good hills to climb-long straight down hills-got to 40 mph w/helmet flying behind head. Passed my 1st biker today going uphill-he’s loaded w/camping equipment. Whitney & Armand waiting for me at top of hill. Other biker is right behind me. His name is Ahti Auno from Finland. Started in Anchorage, AK beginning of Aug-going to Mexico-picture of him on blog. Stopped in Toledo (gateway to Mt. St. Helens)-no fresh donuts. Whitney stayed w/us rest of day-short ride. Went to 7-West Motel-looked like a dive-went to Timberland Inn & Suites-gave us a deal–$130 for suite-Whitney is sleeping w/us tonight. Went to EL COMPADRE Restaurant for dinner w/Armand-absolutely the best Mexican food I’ve ever eaten–had shrimp enchiladas w/avocado. Vote this the BEST DAY, BEST MOTEL, & BEST DINNER so far.
44.5 miles 11 mph (4-40 mph) 4 hrs of riding climbed 1,300 ft
ka2012bike 
Looks like a good tour thus far- even finding some good donuts along the way. Still hoping to join you if possible along the OR coast. Tuesday might be my only window, however, as Sun/Mon/Wed PM/Thurs have closed up and you will certainly be too far south by Friday- my next open window. Glad you are running strong and getting some good rest at night! Tom E