Don was interested in my route so I showed him what the Adventure Cycling map had in store for me. He said he was heading to Hosner Lake to do some fishing. I told him I'd be about 2 days from there, but would look him up at the Mallard Marsh CG.
In Sisters -- a quaint and charming place -- I connected with Kent and Al in tow. I'd never met Al and Jane before, but Kent and Cece always had the nicest things to say. I now knew why.
After they went to lunch, I met them at the clock shop. By then Al and Jane invited me to their place in Bend for the next night. Indeed I would!!! I looked forward to getting to know them better even though their place was a little out of the way, but then again they offered a free place to camp. Call me El Cheapo.
Originally I'd chosen a place for the night in Sisters from the ACA map. It was out of town at the ranch of Jim and Patty. Al noticed the Bike Inn which I'd researched while they went to lunch. I'm sure the place was nice, but I didn't want to spend $100/night.
So after parting with Kent and co., I rode out to where the ranch was. Even though I'd said I'd make it there by 1400 when I talked to Patty on the phone the day prior, I figured from her attitude that you get there when you get there, and she's there if she's there. I can work with that.
So at the end of the road, I wasn't sure which driveway was there. After 3 calls, 1 every 15 minutes, I finally got ahold of Patty. Meanwhile, I deliberated spending the $100, but I sure am glad I did not.
Turns out that not only is Jim&Patty's place a slice of heaven, Patty is one of those souls you will never forget and will always look to as an example of how to be. Example, somehow she managed to get me to talk my head off about myself and my life. For a solo tourer that's a nice reprieve from talking to oneself all the time, but shows the extent of her realness. Although I didn't get to meet Jim, I get the distinct impression that he is the same. Hopefully one day I'll find out.
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