Kindness of strangers

I posted to the phred list about my need for info on getting from Portland out to Astoria.
We arrive before noon in Portland and the only transport that I knew of was the Amtrak shuttle which leaves Portland at 6:00. Not that Portland isn’t a fabulous city to spend some time in, but we just want to get out to Astoria, assemble the bikes and take the traditional baptismal tour and immerse our bikes into the holy, redeeming waters of the Pacific. It looks like the ride to the ocean from Astoria is about 12 miles. Doesn’t sound too bad. And now we know, barring any flight delays, that we will get to Astoria well before that Amtrak shuttle.

A kind soul from the phred touring list offered to shuttle us out to Astoria. What more could we ask for? Considering that we only asked for suggestions, we were pleasantly surprised, well, thrilled is a better word, to be the recipients of such an unexpected and generous offer. Should we tell this person now or later that we don’t bathe, have three eyes and carry 300 pounds of gear on two oversized tricycles? Nah, we can do that later.