Trip through Utah

There has been a change in the planned route today. We originally thought to ride from Bend, OR to Eugene, down I-5 past Cottage Grove, and then west to Coos Bay. We are ahead of schedule and have the luxury of pleanty of time, So we opted instead to go west from Eugene to Florence on tne coast. North of where we were going to hit the coast, we were closer to the Sealions Caves and the town of Yachats -- a "Y" town. I programmed the GPS to show us the route to Eugene. It recommended the shortest route and we followed it out of Bend. Pretty soon, however, we came to a sign that said the road was closed 7 miles ahead. The road was closed because the winter snow had not yet melted enough for them to reopen the road. So we had to double back a bit and take a bit longer route. Coming over the mountains between Bend and Eugene was beautiful. Pine forests that were lush and thick with green life. Snow and ice still on the slopes all around. Cold. At the top, we were held up for about ten minutes where they were working to clear the crushed rock spread during the icy season past. Did I mention that it was cold? They sure had to use a lot of stuff. A long, hard winter. Between Eugene and the coast is equally beautiful for most of the way. Toward the town of Florence, the road runs beside the Siuslaw River for perhaps ten miles offering one fabulous vista after another finally opening into a very wide tidal area on which Florence is located.
	There's snow on them, there hills. Soon, we would be too.	Deschutes National Forest
	It was a rather cool, overcast day.	As we got higher, it got colder. Still snow around.
Down the other side and on toward Eugene.	Once thru Eugene, road is beautiful
		Several little towns along the way.
	As we near the coast, we follow the Siuslaw River.
		Why do bugs always hit the windshield dead center?
Florence has a quaint "Old Town" We stopped in a little gallery.	The last Wednesday of each month they have a wine and cheese gathering.	A trio of local musicians played rather well. It was very pleasant although crowded.
Toward evening, I noticed a lot of emergency lights on the bridge	Something was on fire	A lot of cops and firemen were fighting a vehicle fire.