September 20, 2015 – Sun, 80 degrees

Miles Today: 51

Miles to Date: 7,183

States to Date: 24

There was no traffic on Route 99 early Sunday mornings. Just me, dense trees, steep hills and bright sun creating sharp shadows as I eased my way up to the town of Rogue River. I crossed the Rogue at this cool bridge and then enjoyed a meandering bike path through Rogue River State Park.

My route paralleled I-5 for several miles. The valley spread out, the forests became scattered and the scenery became reminiscent of the mountain West.

Medford, Oregon has suffered a series of unfortunate shopping malls and the highway slicing through downtown such there really isn’t any downtown left. The bike path follows Bear Creek, literally under the highway. But there are some cool murals painted on the Interstate’s belly.

I got to Ashland mid afternoon and spent evening with my friends Steve and Dorothy Miner. Ashland is a lovely place. We strolled the city park and watched a Mexican dance troupe; there’s a daily performance at the Town Green sponsored by the Oregon Shakespeare Festival. We also had a great meal and conversation well past dark.