August 16, 2008: La Grande to Baker City, Oregon
Today’s ride was mercifully flat. Only a thousand feet of up and down over the course of 58 miles instead of the 4400 feet of climbing over the same distance yesterday when I rode from Pendleton over Cabbage Mountain to La Grande.
Today, with the flat roads, I was able to pull into Baker City at about noon. With it being so hot, I was tempted by the sight of several major chain motels, but I felt it was still early enough that I could spare 30 minutes or so to explore camping possibilities.
There ended up being two options. The second one I never checked out because the first one, the Trails West RV Park, had an ample supply of cool shade. I picked out one of the completely shaded spots — perfect for a hot, tired bicyclist. Then I went inside to register. There, I filled out the necessary form, paid my money, and then they told me I was assigned to tent site number 1. I told them about the wonderful spot I picked out myself and they told me that was “overflow” for RV guests. I didn’t think too much about it until I saw the meager shade offered in tent site number 1. Holy crap. You’d think tent site 1 would be “overflow.” It certainly made clear who their customer really is: it’s an RV park.
Still, I managed to make it work. I didn’t put up my tent until late afternoon after I had had a chance to observe the way the shade was moving as the sun moved. While I waited, I found myself a temporary spot in some shade and took a nap.
Peter,
During my cross country tour in 2006 I had a few RV park dealings that did not make me too happy. Near Crandon, Wisconsin I called a “RV” park and was told tha they did not accept tents! What the …. Actually worked out since I stayed at a wonderful County Park right on a beautiful crystal clear lake. I also had an experience early on in Maine where I was sent to a remote hilly spot with very little shade while the RVs got nice flat shady spots close to the toilets and showers. Also cost $31 for the privilage. On the other hand I stayed in several small private campgrounds where the proprieter refused any payment since I was on a bike. Those are the best of memories.
Enjoying your journal
Joe