Hello Everyone,

Well I didn’t quite make it to Newell, though I trekked 21.30 miles today. I think it may be about another 3-4 miles to Newell? I did not really want to go this far and late today but found myself out of the forested area and in open flat country without any trees or real big bushes. It was after four and the clouds had started to roll in and the wind was blowing fairly hard. I was a little concerned that it would start to rain and didn’t want to set up somewhere without some protection from the wind. I was told that once I was in the valley there would be nothing but farms and then it would be even more difficult to find a secluded camp site. I saw this long entrance that had wood sides and it looked like it would give me some shelter from the wind. There weren’t any real flat spots and the ground everywhere is covered with lava rock, so I made the best level area by cutting some sage brush out of the way with my Swiss Army Knife. Couldn’t be without it!

The wind was blowing under the fence at the rear of the tent, so I stacked large lava rock under the fence to block the wind. It worked and thankfully the wind has died down. Weather calls for some showers tonight and an increase in the chance for rain tomorrow. I was told Newell does not have a motel, but there may be one in Tulelake, which might be 6-8 miles further. If it is not raining in the morning I may try and make it there before it does?

I got an early start today, a little after eight, and found the Ag Station four miles down the road. It was manned by two nice people who told me just to come in to fill my bottles. I passed a Forest Service fire station later in the afternoon and also stopped there to top off my bottles. I just want to be on the safe side just in case I have to hunker down in the tent if it rains.

The weather was funny in that it was partially cloudy and windy, yet the temperature was still about eighty. I did have the wind to my back, which helps, psychologically I think? Traffic wasn’t too heavy, but I have to say that the drivers on this stretch on SR 139 has been the least courteous of the whole trek. I don’t know what it is because from the license plates it’s both cars from California and Oregon. The shoulder is very narrow, from 3-4′, and I noticed more cars not moving over even when there are no other cars coming the other way.

So with all the time on my hand as I walk, my mind begins to wander a little. So, I conducted a scientific study and survey of my roadway observations, and came up with these accurate figures. Well, for the most part!

Q. Who are the most friendly people?
A. Everyone, no specific age, gender, or type of car.

Q. Who are the most courteous drivers?
A. Without question, the professional truck drivers as a whole. They move over almost every time and constantly wave a hello.

Q. Who have been the scariest drivers that get too close?
A. Older women. They tend to stay just this side of the lane, even when the center lines are broken and there are no cars coming in the opposite direction.

Q. What is the most peaceful sound on the road!
A. Nothing, silence, and the sound of the wind and birds.

Q. What is the most annoying sound?
A. A Harley Davidson with modified exhaust pipes!

Q. What is the ultimate annoying sound?
A. A group of Harley Davidson riders with modified exhaust pipes.

Q. Who are the friendliest motorcycle riders?
A. Riders on big Japanese touring bikes and BMW riders. Most wave hello.

Q. Who are the least friendly motorcycle riders?
A. Harley Davidson riders. Even though they are a larger percentage, proportionately they are the least likely to wave or move over.

Q. What is the average age of a Harley Davidson rider?
A. 80-85! Ok, I made that one up. Maybe 60?

Q. What percentage of Harley Davidson riders have gray or white hair and/or facial hair?
A. 80-90%. The ones that don’t, are probably at home working.

This survey was based on my observations and may have been affected by my personal opinion. Sorry Harley riders (Jerry and the rest).

Ok, enough of my silly trivia.

Still have no cell service with ATT Wireless. I started to get a few bars but wasn’t able to make a call or send anything out tonight. Hopefully as I get closer to Oregon I will get service. If it does not rain, I will hit the road in the morning and may make Klamath Falls by Friday.

Please send me your positive thoughts and prayers. Please excuse the typos, grammar, spelling, etc.

Ted