day four... a recap

madras to mitchell = 76 miles, 4000ish feet of climbing, desert, forest, desert. watch out for the rattlers on your way down the mountain, i almost ran over one sunning himself in the highway. 

we spent last night in the beautiful town of mitchell, oregon, straight out of a hollywood western.  no wifi or att to speak of.  surprisingly a lot of bikers, some doing over 200 miles/day... but not too many full time residents to speak of.  not much traffic on the road either which was a welcomed break from the greater portland area.

here are some highlights of our trek through the ochoco forest:

 leaving the cascades at our backs.... seems like so long ago

thinking of you nicole : )

pretty birdies and red barns on the reservoir

this was a long haul up (30 +miles), and thrilling 12 mile descent into the painted desert

those ksyriums sure do look big...

 ... but not quite as big as the people in mitchell, apparently!

the lone pine cafe and lodge.... 

black bear diner in madras, a five blimp* rated establishment


*phil and rita are putting together a special guide.