Yesterday Susan detected the smell of propane emanating from our RV. We use propane only for the heater, but the outside switch was turned on in case we needed it. We turned that off so to feel safe, and Susan called around to find a place to at least look at it. We got an appointment in Ellensburg (40 minutes away) for 8:30 this morning. So we were up and out quite early. Long story somewhat shorter — we need a new regulator which that shop did not have. We will have to wait until we get home to find one and will not use propane of course. Not a big loss for us on this trip with temps near 100!! And of course, being the REAL campers that we are, we have backup — an electric blanket AND an electric heater if we need warmth through the night.
Today was a driving day to get to Stub Stewart State Park near Buxton Oregon. We took the route through the Yakima Canyon with the Yakima River running right next to us. A beautiful drive today. All these photos are taken from inside the van as we were driving.
We reminisced a lot and enjoyed recalling our (somewhat distant) past several bike tours in this area and along the Columbia River. The parts that I could not remember, Susan could, and vice versa. Between the two of us we remembered a lot and relived much of those trips ;’-).
When Susan did research and found camp spots along the way to Florence, many/most places were full or had only one night available. Not ideal, but we will be here for only one night and I will ride the Banks-Vernonia bike trail tomorrow. More about that ——- tomorrow ;’-).
And here it is “tomorrow”…
The Banks-Vernonica State Trail is a rail trail that runs 21 miles between the cities of Banks and Vernonia. In the 1920s trains moved logs and lumber along this rail until the lumber mill closed in 1957. The rail-trail was built starting in 1994 well after the rail had been abandoned. The Stub Stewart State Park, where we camped last night, is located in the middle of the trail. Susan and I made the plan that I would bike to Banks from here, turn around and bike to Vernonia where we are camping tonight. So my miles were 34 along this wonderful trail.
It was very hot this morning with extremely hot coming in the afternoon. The first 5 miles on the trail were through the forest with lots of shade that kept me nice and cool.
Going through riparian areas which are water ways and bodies of water, there are 13 bridges on the entire trail (yes, I counted them). This 733 long bridge in Buxton is the longest, and from the trestle — 80 feet high — is a view of the Equestrian bypass below.
Here we see light at the end of the tunnel —- of trees…
One of the other longer bridges that I liked…
All the other 11 bridges were short and crossed small areas of forest, rivulets, or other impassable areas.
Those first five miles were a delicious coast down hill! After that is was flat as I exited most of the forest part of the ride into open sunshine and meadow.
The town of Banks has a population of 1900 and is surrounded by agricultural operations. Much of the agricultural fields are shielded from the trail riders by bush and trees, so not too much is visible. I did stop for some blackberries along the way ;’-). I noticed this house off the path, and almost passed it by but was intrigued enough to come back and get a photo.
When I get to the end of this half of the trail in Banks, I see this very functional thing… I have never seen a charging station anywhere for public use, this one is at the restrooms at the end of the Banks part of the trail. Thank you Banks.
The route passes though agricultural lands, riparian areas and then into thickly forested foothills of the Coast Range. On my return from Banks, I found a few more interesting photo subjects.
Ivy covered outbuilding…
A barn in the meadow…
There are walls placed along the way and I first I wondered why. Then I realized they are for equestrians to tether their horses. This is a MUP (Multi Use Path) that has the soft path alongside the hard paved bike trail. How convenient for a stop along the way.
Almost to Vernonia and the end of the trail, I came to the highlight of my little tour.
A sample of the Cheep Housing..
The owner came to greet me, we entered this oh so cute shed, she offered me to sample which ever preserve I would like. I chose Rhubarb & Pineapple to take back for Susan.
A place to park your bike…
I reach Vernonia (town of 2200) and try to find Susan. Try is the right word. We did not find each other at the intended place, but ended up readjusting and meeting for ice cream in town ;’-). By now the temps had reached 100+ and we were both wilting. So glad to have gotten in the ride today.
We will be on more of our drive but I will post this one as soon as we have wifi as it is quite a long post. Will make more posts as we continue on our way.
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