Day 11: Baker City, OR: A Much Needed Day of Rest

[Above: Welcome to Baker City]

While I hadn’t planned on a day of rest in Baker City, it was an absolute must as I was feeling the accumulated stress of fatigue and it got to the point that I was feeling short-tempered too . On top of that, I needed to thoroughly ice my knee because the 5000 feet of climbing and 80+ miles on the bike from the previous day had left it swollen and tender. I can’t risk any serious damage to the knee – it’s just not an option with 3500 miles still ahead of me.

It was a stroke of fortune to have blindly stumbled into a gem of a motel at a late hour the previous evening. This one thankfully made up for my poor choice at the Hoodwink Hotel a few days ago. In fact, the value this innkeeper provided for a measly $38.00 (the same as I had paid at the Hoodwink) is a breath of fresh air and a travelers bargain. I can’t say enough good things about The Bridge Street Inn.


[Above: Bridge Street Inn - the real deal!]


[Above: Thoy and I chatting about her birthplace in Northern Thailand. Note: Cap’n Crunch with crunch berries served with the continental breakfast I told you this hotel is tops!]

I sat for a good hour chatting away with Thoy; she is so delightful. She was born and raised in Northern Thailand, moving to the United States after meeting her husband while he was stationed there during a stint in the Air Force. We shared stories about Thailand - it is one of my all time favorite countries to visit. The people are so welcoming and sincere - and the food, you’ll be hard pressed to find tastier cuisine anywhere.


[Above: Further cementing my love of the Bridge Street Hotel, bargain fans for sale! Perhaps I can rig one on Elvis and use jet propulsion?]


[Above: I'd best check out the local museum while I have the chance.]


[Above: I love these wall history artworks.]


[Above: Baker pride, a nice looking (and smelling) home.]

Finishing off my day of rest, I stopped by the local diner located across from The Bridge Street Inn where I met the waitress - she who shall remain nameless. Since I enjoy learning about local people and hearing small town stories, I’ll generally try to break the ice with some small talk – in this case asking said nameless waitress what Baker City is best known for. She gave me a puzzled stare and with utmost sincerity replied, "Well, I’m not really sure – I’ve only lived her since '96." I thought to myself, time really flies doesn’t it? Needless to say, it can occasionally be difficult to find common ground with people, no matter how hard you try.

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