Pork chops

Morning view of Mt. Hood from Sauvie Island

Every day we rely on the kindness of strangers. It’s easy when riding a loaded touring bicycle to strike up a conversation.  The bike and gear are always conversation starters. So when the down-and-out couple on the bus asked how we get around on bikes with all that stuff, I told them we had just hooked the bags on our bikes, rode out to Sauvie Island for the night and camped. They said they camped too … right up that hill on a little path. They said they’d had grilled cheese and chili for dinner and wondered what we’d had. Rice with some spicy chickpea stew, I answered. “Tonight we’re having pork chops!” they announced. And I joked it sounded like we should stop by for dinner. Then they got down to the business of giving us directions to their camp in Forest Park, and I think they surely would share their meal. I thanked them as we got off the bus and said I didn’t think we would be coming out that way again this week, but if I did, I would look them up. Good day, friends, and bon appetite!