Today was a relatively easy and flat ride. It was overcast and even had a short period of drizzle. However not very cold. My route brought me through farming areas near Baker City and then over a ridge to the next drainage with La Grande. There were signs about the Oregon Trail. The area is next to the Blue Mountains and there is a low pass (4193ft) here for I-84. My plan is to cross that pass tomorrow.

Morning leaving Baker City. The ground was wet from overnight and it was cloudy but otherwise dry.

Early this morning, I found a bed bug, the second motel with them. I let the motel owner know.

Eleven miles away was Haines and a brief rest stop.

Whiskey in the water and gold in the streets…

While I saw a few irrigation setups, mostly this seemed to be grazing lands with cattle.

Zach had started in Yakima, Washington and was headed to Bangor, Maine. However, first headed to the Grand Canyon and south for the winter.

Marie Dorion

At North Powder I crossed under I-84 and from here was on OR 237. This road climbed slightly and went past many wind turbines. It was a small back road that descended a winding canyon to reach the town of Union. Apparently this is part of the Grande Tour scenic bikeway – https://traveloregon.com/things-to-do/outdoor-recreation/bicycling/grande-tour-scenic-bikeway/

Union had some impressive old buildings including this high school

Time for lunch

From Union to La Grande was a busier road. It was back to farming areas but the Blue Mountains are ahead.

It was nice to have an easy day in between some days with climbing and to see this part of Oregon. I’ve driven the freeway but not gone through in slower fashion.