Sunday, June 29- Josh, my new best friend

Another great day. It has now been over 2 weeks since I have embarked upon this journey, and every day I learn something new. Today, I rode back into Astoria with our camp neighbor, Josh. Josh is from San Fransisco, originally from Albaqueque. By the looks of him, I wouldn't have guessed that he was on a bike tour. He rode here all the way from San Fran, plans on meeting his girlfriend in Seattle, and from there, he will ride across the cascades and turn south through Idaho, Wyoming, and Colorado and meet his family back in Albaqueque. He has already taught me so many things about bicycle mechanics and maintanence that I would have been screwed without. It is to Josh that I will owe the success of my trip when I complete it.

Tensions were flaring between Nicholas and I earlier tonight. Even Josh called Nick out on his grumpy attitude.

I am more than ready to get the hell out of Ft. Stevens. I hope to God that the package Sonny sent is in the mail by Tuesday. I'm growing weary of my stagnation. A week ago, I was on foot and on the move. Although the coastline is beautiful, my feet (and wheels!) are growing restless. Especially now that I have everything I need to ride down the coast.

I've been thinking about Home alot tonight. It seems so distant. The security and the routine--such a horrible thing to be caught up in. I don't miss it at all; it's just weird not having that anymore. I've started to look forward to the coming semester of school, and with it in mind, I'm depressed about how little I've read this summer. Not one book--and I'm a damn English major. But on the more positive side of this, when I get back, I'm going to have so much to write about and with so much FERVOR!!! So in a sense, what I am doing now is far better than reading. In every sense--THIS is better than reading!!!!

I don't miss anyone from back in Denver. I know it sounds awful--and I would probably argue different if I were lonesome, but I'm not--I truly am content with the company I have. Although Nick is sometimes an asshole, his knowledge of the world and his odd North-Eastern personality is both entertaining and fascinating. I have already met so many incredible people by now that I am convinced that the traveler is never alone.

Astoria was beautiful today. Josh dragged me along with him to all the tourist attractions: the Astoria Column, the Goonies house, etc.

I've spent the last hour staring into the camp fire-- Nicholas always calls it 'television'. I'm ready for a good sleep. Tomorrow will be another big day, and I can't wait to see what it holds.