In my first week I have traveled down a stunning section of the Pacific coast from Astoria to Newport. It's definitely been a leisurely ease into things with some very low mileage days, partly due to an injury (that has thankfully improved over the week) and partly due to the fact it's so damn epic! I've certainly been taking every opportunity to stop, take pictures, explore, and also sample the local coffee shops (usually because it's hammering it down).

There's probably been two, maybe three ‘good’ days of weather out there, and the rest have been mostly wet and windy. This hasn't dampened my spirits though, and I've thoroughly enjoyed every minute. Fortunately, the coastal scenery still looks amazing in the wet and I'm always fond of some of that atmospheric greyness that has seemingly characterised this week. (I'm glad I brought my waterproof shorts!)

The weather has meant I haven't camped quite as much as I would have liked this week, but my introduction to warm showers has been nothing short of an amazing experience.

Initially, I wasn't sure what to expect, but every one of my hosts has been a real treat to stay with and have gone above and beyond in welcoming me into their homes. It's been a real highlight to speak to all of the hosts and hear their stories and their past adventures.

This week has definitely been a humbling and eye opening experience for how kind and generous people are/and can be. Especially to a soggy stranger on a bike.

If I can take one thing from this trip, it’s to do my utmost to be even half as helpful and generous to others as they have been to me.

So a big THANK YOU! To all of my gracious hosts and everyone else that's given me some help and advice along the road. It really has made my week!