OTT Day #10- July 22, 2018:Bunchgrass My Ass!

And then there were three. Bill, Evan, and I took an easy transition morning. The whole crew had an breakfast at a local spot across from the motel. Deann took Aliza to go ride while the three of us that were continuing got packed, to head out. Late morning, Deann and Karey drove Bill, Evan, and I to the Bunchgrass trailhead, after a quick stop to pick up my bike. 

With a hug goodbye and an "I'm proud of you" from Karey, we pedaled away. 

The south/ west end of Bunchgrass Ridge somewhat sucks. A recent wildfire burn made for a rowdy ride, with plenty (too much) push-a-hike-a-lift-a-use-as-walker bike section. The overgrown trail, rocky, burned section looks less than 10 years old, it was already pretty hot, and we could smell wildfire smoke from somewhere south.

It took us about 2 hours to travel less than 4 miles. I struggled. Bill struggled. Evan hadn't ridden the day before, so he was a bit bot spry. As our new friend, he waited at the top to a beautiful view. The descent was full of California Corn Lily (somewhat like beargrass with different style blossoms.) fireweed. Seriously Fireweed to go with the smoke smell.

We finally made it to a road that took us to a small pond to refill our water. Bill wasn't feeling well, so we took a little longer break, but not too long, due to mosquitoes. It was at this point of the ride, we just kept our mosquito nets on our heads. They are surprisingly comfortable to ride with!

 

Another 2 miles of gravel up to the next trailhead. We finally got the reward of a gorgeous, trail, thick with trees, and many small lakes. And mosquitoes. At some point, we got off the official Oregon Timber Trail and on a trail headed straight to Waldo Lake. Oops! And... score! We made it to the Waldo Lake [mosquito] shelter. 

The mosquitoes were bad! We very quickly ate and hopped into our tents and in bed by 9:30. I took some time to read and not be eaten by.... those insects.

So now, by awesome accident, we are 12 miles from tomorrow's planned end at Waldo North Campground. We are planning to make it there now by lunch. Then it's another 18 miles to Cultus Lake. The terrain looks to be mostly flattish.