We put you under and work you over.
On my way to Oregon. Google told me to cross the Columbia over the Bonneville Dam, which is not open to the public. (Google also suggested I walk out of Manhattan through the Lincoln Tunnel. Google has yet to master river crossings.) I called ahead to request permission to cross the dam and was told it is "too hazardous".
My first stop in my last state: the restroom. Even the urinal flush button is reminding me I'm almost done.
A sign on the bridge lists a 50-cent pedestrian toll, but the toll collector told me walkers cross for free! This bridge is part of the Pacific Crest Trail, meaning I've now crossed all three major north-south US hiking trails: the Appalachian Trail, the Continental Divide Trail, and the PCT.
Little chopped-up pieces of old signs are used to stabilize temporary construction sign posts.
The biggest one I've seen. And a fresh coat of paint!
I had a tough hobo-choice to make last night: sleep in a (non-vehicular) tunnel or under a bridge. I ultimately chose the tunnel for its accessibility and its greater protection from rain and high winds.
Day 145
Multnomah Falls
August 18th, 2010
Dropping 620 feet (upper and lower falls combined), it's the second-highest year-round waterfall in the US. Hyphen.
According to a sign at the falls:
"September 4, 1995 at about 5:30 p.m., a 400-ton rock slid from the face of upper Multnomah Falls and dropped 225 feet into the Falls upper plunge pool. Weighing as much as a school bus filled with concrete, it sent a 70-foot splash over the Benson Bridge-- drenching a wedding party."
This young feller was my walking companion yesterday as I crossed the 3000-mile mark on a short stretch of the Springwater Corridor Trail. In case you're wondering, that crab squeaks when you squeeze it.
I received many emails from people in the Portland metro area offering me places to stay as I passed through, so I decided to line up four nights with different hosts on a leisurely stroll across town.
I spent last night with this lovely family. Emma took charge right away, helping me unpack, showing me around, and keeping me company while I got situated in the guest room. After dinner she brought out a special dessert for the occasion: mini-cupcakes (brightly colored!). Michele, Dan, and I stayed up talking for a while after Emma retired for the evening. It was a really nice, relaxing way to end the day.
From left to right: Michele, Emma, Leya, Dan
Emma made me this beautiful piece of paper towel art to celebrate my arrival!
Therefore, we can further deduce:
CartWeight < [(5 tons) x (Factor of Safety) - MattWeight]
I had read that these berries are edible, though very sour, so I tried one. I spit it out immediately. I did some further reading, and found that it takes a frost or two (which increases the fructose content) to make the berries palatable.
The plums and apples were pretty tasteless. The blackberries were still delicious.
