Intro

Welcome to a story, or stories I should say. A compilation of adventure tales. An ongoing itch to see, smell, and touch the world, or at least the deserted roads and rarely trampled mountains of America. Characters within the descriptive paragraphs of these stories carve out the coming and going companions in life; vital life people and pieces that parallel a universe for moments, days, years. And then spear off, leaving granules of magnificent memories of magical places. They leave a lasting trace, a gained sense of courage to stand tall on oxygen deprived mountains and shout absurdities like: I love you Ralph! Ralph is a teenage reindeer stuffed of the finest synthetic polyester fiber poof; he says made in Indonesia but really tells me he is from the North Pole. Delivered through a chimney one December night 20 years ago, we instantly became cuddle buddies upon that morning's sunrise. He is the instigator. The inspiration. And the imagination. He breathes creativity. Laughter. His is a dear companion. And yes, at 4lbs he tags along atop a pack or strapped to a rack. In delirium of 107 degree heat, the small possession of material belongings gain a persona. Innate objects become friends of the road and trails. And as for the humans who accompany, their presence reads priceless. Without O'Reilly, a 29 year old New Hampshirian with superior taste buds, the mathematical six foot four inch tall German, or handful of organic peanut butter and 99 cent jam eating munchkins, there would be a lot less excitement. The encounters we make with our specie, encapsulating the world with their awkward ways and over consumerist love, somehow we have managed to become overly adored creatures. Their generous hearts restore a faith that goodness prevails in the upheaval of a sometimes lost humanity. As for myself, I'm just the navigator, paddling up the stream of life munching on Clif Bars, with an iPhone documenting the frailties and goodies underneath all the simplified complexities in the world we reside. So again, I welcome you to get lost and dream a little through this typed text and your imagination. My name is Kristen Gentilucci. I live in Berkeley California and I love dogs.


Monday, August 11, 2014

Day 29. The Big City.

Miles: 98 
Elevation gain: coasting along the river with one big climb
Temperature: bank sign read 108. Let's just call excruciatingly hot and humid. 

Vines laced and overflowing with dripping blackberries. We overdosed. The heat of the day melted them like a rich sweet pie. We will hit Portland at mile 98. Ralph will be in hibernation in a friend's freezer next to the cartons of organic carrot cake ice cream. A Portland speciality. Zeb and Action boy will rest their worn toes. And O'Reilly and I will be hitting the city streets in jean shorts and sandals. Hopefully Portland gives us a taste of its notorious weather. Of course there's a three day heat wave running down the cascades as we roll through. See you in a few days. We're on vacation. 

Following the river all day:

Tunnels and fun:

Field notes: hwy 14 West. Amazing! Shoulder can be a bit sketchy in small places, but so worth the view. Eat lots of blackberries. Crossed the bridge at Stevenson and took the old hwy all the way to Portland. Gerogous road.