Day 5, Bandon, OR to Gold Beach, OR, 57 miles and (only) 2400 feet of climbing.  A GREAT day of riding.  It was cool and overcast all day with a 5 mph tail wind.  Majority of the day was spent on highway 101 and was right on the coast line.  Everytime I looked to the right there was incredible views.  Only a bright sun would have made them better.  I continue to ride at a very relaxed pace.  Unlike other rides a gauge my success not by my average speed or time on the bike, but how many pictures I take. Other riders have noted that they don't understand how it is that I can pass them so many times during the day and still be the last one to check into the motel.  I figure that as long as I get here in time for dinner I am doing just fine.  Speaking of dinners, the food on this tour is very good.  Each nite we are directed to a local restaurant where we order off the menu.  So far it has worked out very well.  Breakfast is "continental" at the motel or a local restaurant.  Lunch is on our own.  Today my lunch consisted of a DQ large chocolate shake and a large order of fries.  Ummm.  Tonite our motel is right on the beach and as I sit here typing I can hear the surf crashing on the shore.  I got in at 2 pm today and was able to go for a long walk on the beach.  Wanted to go swimming but the water is frigid!  Tomorrow we will say good by to Oregon and enter California.  I can't imagine it getting better but they assure me that it will.............

 

This and the next couple of pics are of the same area that I went up the road and took pics of yesteday when the sun was shining.

 

Even when surrounded by fog the views are great.

 

Ths is face rock.  Can you make out the face profile?

 

Bought Espresso at "Susan's Expresso and Candy Shop".  She makes her own Truffels.  I bought a two and by the time I left she insisted that I sample a few more.  She sure takes pride in her work. I had the impression that not many people come into her shop. Did not think I was ever going to get out of there!  Coffee was good.  Truffels were delish!

 

Scenes between Bandon and Gold Beach.  Susan said that this section of the coast is the most beautiful in all of Oregon.  I agreed with her and she insisted that I sample her version of a Mounds bar Truffel.  Ummmm,

 

All of the little dots you see on the water are boats.  This section of the river easily had 100 boats in it.  The King Salmon are running and the entire coast is swarming with fishermen and probably a few fisherwomen too.

 

Beach in front of our motel.