I crossed this bridge on my bicycle! Holy crap. |
On our way back to Jerry and Veronika's, I learned that over 20 friends and family members were on their way to the property for a holiday weekend which would be part reunion and part surprise birthday party for Veronika's niece. When I was invited to join the festivities, I knew diversions were on the horizon. This would not have been a problem, except that at my pace thus far, I was scheduled to arrive in San Francisco just in time for my flight back to Ontario. I obviously forgot to plan for fun along the way...
In the end Veronika convinced me that I would only get stronger and faster, and I figured my quadraceps could use a day of rest. I decided to stay for a day (just long enough to spend Friday night with Erik's friends from Portland, but unfortunately missing the big birthday bash), promising myself to be on the road again on Saturday morning.
Erik hard at work |
Veronika doing the dishes |
cutest kittens ever |
After watching everybody work for a while, I felt like a slacker and decided to go for a walk along the beach. This took me past a home owned by the C.E.O. of Microsoft, though I mostly just saw the beachhouse (about 4 times the size of Jerry and Veronika's cabin, but far less loved I'm sure). On my way back I got pulled in by the blackberries. One handful is never enough. Before long I was filling my cloth purse up with the juicy berries, not caring that they were staining my diary purple. I arrived back home and helped everybody lay down the remainder of the sod before guests began to arrive.
For dinner we ate salad and delicious baked beans that Veronika cooked over the fire. I grilled stuffed mushrooms. Erik's friends arrived just in time for the spectacular sunset. Chatting around the fire, Erik bet that I wouldn't leave the following morning. Between Erik's taunts and Veronika's repeated offers to drive me to Portland with them, temptation was mounting. It was not easy, but I stood firm. After morning crepes cooked over the fire, I left in a flurry of hugs and farewells, hoping I would have the time to take a side trip to Portland and see my new friends once again.
So good to meet you Dana and to talk story about our bike adventures. I look forward to following your blog and your adventure and to share mine with you. Here;s my link to THE OTHER SHORE
ReplyDeleteAloha a hui hou (see you again) ....Li Anne