Biking toward compatibility

And other surprises at Cottonwood Canyon in Oregon

The next morning in Cottonwood Canyon State Park in Oregon dawned clear and shiny. The storm and rain were gone, leaving startlingly blue skies and dazzling cumulus clouds. 

Mike was already gone exploring when I got up; eager to discover the park myself, I took Koa for a hike up to an overlook on a ridge above the camping area, soaking in the sight of golden hills, rugged basalt cliffs, and best of all—the rich smell of sage after a storm.

Sun shining down on Cottonwood Canyon after the storm on my hike.

Potent and hypnotizing, the scent of sage after rain reminded me of pines with something tangy and earthier behind it, maybe even a touch of lavender. Every time I brushed against one of the many sage bushes, the wonderful aroma erupted from it and surrounded me in a drugging cloud.

Returning to camp, I put Koa back in the trailer, noticing tha…