Day 8: Redmond to Mitchell (Oregon) Part Deux

After a precarious night sleeping in the Hoodwink Hotel, I left feeling relieved that I wasn’t hacked to death - never to be seen again. I don’t think it is much of a stretch to suggest the hotel is suffering low occupancy as a result of the frightening conditions either. It looked like only a half a dozen cars were in the parking lot; surely the maintenance budget has been impacted as a result, which might possibly explain the hairy pillows and other innkeeper anomalies.

My biking for the day started around 11 a.m., later than I recommend, since I waited until the temperature had reached a point that was too hot for biking, at least by most people’s standards. Truth be known, I’m conditioned for extreme temperatures having lived in the southern California deserts for nearly 20 years. My goal for the day was to reach the tiny town of Mitchell (pop. 170) by nightfall, some 70 miles and the Ochoco Pass away.

[Above: Looking me straight in the eye, this horse confirms his suspicions that I’m nuts.]

[Above: Following her entrepreneurial dreams, Robin opened the RC Corral just a couple months ago. Good luck Robin, I love your location and attitude!]

[Above: Taking a much needed break on the climb up Ochoco Pass, seriously – I’m not kidding!]

[Above: Midway up the pass, I spot a sign signaling a photo op (and a rest break). Yes, I am truly this sweaty.]

[Above: The summit. Whew, another one in the books!]

[Above: Ignoring the Do-Not-Sit-On sign, I take my chances that the giant is out of the area, and snap a quick picture. I hope he isn’t reading my blog.]

[Above: Night blogging. While tent camping in the city park at Mitchell Oregon, I do some blogging using a red light for keyboard illumination. The bugs are not attracted to red lights.]