Getting to the start point of my America trip is going to be the hardest bit – the bit I don’t have a lot of control over.   Once the bike is unpacked and the panniers loaded I am back in charge – I can go where,  when,  and how I want (kind of).   

I knew it wasn’t going to be easy getting to Cape Blanco Lighthouse from Portland Airport – but some quick research indicated that it looked as if I could get to Bandon by a mix of train and bus,  and from there a 28 mile bike ride to the lighthouse.   I posted on one of the cycle touring forums looking for advice – I got lots of friendly replies back but not what I wanted to hear – basically put it in the too hard to do box and lots of alternative suggestions as to start points that were more easily got to from Portland Airport – I didn’t mention that I had a stubborn streak and that come hell or high water me and Bertie would be getting to Cape Blanco Lighthouse.

So a wee bit more research was needed – Bandon was abandoned – the train doesn’t go this far and the connecting bus only takes carry-on luggage – Bertie aint going to fit under my feet or on the overhead luggage rack!   So different train and bus stations were investigated and I now have a Greyhound Bus ticket from Portland to Coos Bay – an extra 30 miles further away from my start point than planned – but whats a wee extra 30 miles in the grand scheme of things??

Just need to keep my fingers cross that when I arrive at Portland Airport,  that Bertie does too.!