Whisle pigs, gophers and rats oh my...

When I left John Day I knew my path was going to be changing as I am making a detour to go through Boise. Once again, Oregon dealt me 2 mountain passes in the same day.

My goal was to make it to Unity, Oregon but about 12 miles out, still climbing in mountains and I was out of water. With little choice, I kept pedaling on. I finally rolled into Unity and could immediately tell the services were very limited. I did a quick search and there was only one hotel/rv park and no campgrounds. I called and the lady told me they didn't have any vacancies. I explained what I was doing and that I was out of food and water. She was very helpful and gave me directions to a restaurant that was open for another hour or so. The restaurant was called, The Watering Hole. When I entered the restaurant there was only 2 gentleman in the place. I sat down at the bar and the bartender asked what I wanted and I asked for the largest water she had and she kept them coming! I ordered a sandwich and engaged in a conversation with the two men. They were amazed with what I told them I was doing and wished me well. I asked the bartender if there was any place in town that I could pitch my tent for the night and she suggested behind the community center about a block up the way. I asked if she would mind filling my water bottles which she did with a smile! She was so awesome! Thank you!

I pitched my tent and was out like a light. I was awakened at 4:00 AM by a chorus of what seemed like dozens of different birds. The RV Park/Hotel had a small cafe that opened at 7:00 so I tried my best to go back to sleep to no avail. I was reliving everything that happened the day before trying to make plans so it wouldn't happen again. About 6:45 I packed up my tent and sleeping bag to head over for breakfast. When I walked in, the same two gentlemen from the night before were there. As we enjoyed our coffee one of them told me that they have been coming to Unity from Salem each summer for tbe past 14 years. Having seen the limited amenities of the small town I was puzzled and asked him why. What he told me would have Nick drooling...lol! They come down to kill the whistle pigs, gophers and rats on ranchers and farmers property. Why would Nick love this so much? The property owners provide all the ammo as in unlimited until the problem is resolved. That's right Nick, unlimited ammo to shoot to your hearts content! Now that is right up Nick's alley! The gentlemen said they've been shooting all their lives and I told them if they ever get to Boise that they need to visit Rock Creek Shooting (www.rockcreekshooting.com). We finished our conversation, paid our checks and I headed out for the next leg of my ride.
Miles today -50.8
​Cumulative Miles -381.70