July 23, 05

We are taking a day off here at the coast to tour some of the historic coastal sites and downtown Astoria.  It is interesting to watch the way our group has grown and developed.  We have come a long way since Missoula both as individuals and as a group.

By the time that Lewis and Clark reached the Pacific, it is said that they had a good understanding of the particular strengths of each and every expedition member.  They knew who could build a fire out of wet wood, who the best hunters were, and who the best cooks were.  Our group has developed similar knowledge of one another; they know how each other rides, who the best van packers are, who can change a tire the quickest and even who can fall asleep while sitting straight up (Jason Crisp).

Even tough the riding is done, the group remains focused on the task at hand and they seem devoted to finishing strong.  Tonight we will celebrate with a cookout at the campground and tomorrow we will tour the winter camp of Lewis and Clark and visit the beach.