We had brunch at the space needle this afternoon. It was a beautiful way to spend a few hours. The brunch was a three course meal and the view was outstanding! Of course the company was also great!
We had fun looking at the Chihuly (sp) glass exhibition from the observation deck above the gift shop.
On our way home, Beth drove us to different parts of the city. We went to gas works park, Lake Union and Queen Anne's hill. Fun time.
On my way to Mt Ranier tomorrow. I have had a great visit with Tom and Beth is a wonderful person.
I will add some more photos from today's excursion.
Sunday, August 26, 2012
Saturday, August 25, 2012
Sequim to Seattle
I left Mary and Tony's on Thurs. (8/23). On my way thru Sequim on the ODT, I received a phone call from Tom. He said that he and Beth could meet me on Friday (instead of Sat.). I said OK and would call him after my ride to let him know where I was and when I would be taking the ferry from Kingston to Edmonds.
The ODT was enjoyable again, going east. I had a wonderful tailwind going thru Sequim. Heading back to Hwy 20, I passed a couple of cycle tourists headed west. It was the same two who camped near my at South Whidbey State Park. It was good to see them again. I may meet them again as I head around Mt. Hood as they are heading to Bend after going down the WA coast.
I turned left on Hwy 20 heading back toward Pt. Townsend. About 2 miles up the hill, I turned onto Eaglemount Rd, which was a relief to the heavy traffic on the 20. This was a wonderful route on a tree-lined road. I had pasturelands and small lakes to look at and no traffic! I stopped for lunch on a freshly mowed lawn at an abandoned house and watched the birds on the lake.
This route took me to Hwy 19. It was pretty busy but had wide shoulders. I could have turned off at Oak Bay Dr. and headed toward the bay. I decided to stay on the 19, which was OK. Hwy 104 was not far and it was the main route to the Hood Canal floating bridge.
My route had me get off the 104 a mile or two before the bridge. The road was called Shine and it followed the water along the south side of this spit of land. It was nice to get off the busy 104 and the road was a nice one thru a residential area along the waterfront. I am going along nicely when I see in front of me the very steep hill. I wish I had an inclinometer as this was steeeeep! There were two driveways on the way up and I already knew I would use them for resting spots on the way up. I made it, but it was a pull.
The Hood Canal Bridge sits on the water. There are a couple of drawbridge type mechanisms on either side but it was open for me the entire way across. It is probably close to a mile across. At the drawbridges they had a metal mesh grid for the roadway. I got to the first one and saw a solid metal plate on the far right but was not sure the bike would fit (with the front panniers sticking out). I was going at a good clip and was able to negociate the grid, but my tires felt like they wanted to slip. The next grid I encountered, I tried the metal strip on the right and the bike fit just right, so that was a much better feel under me.
Across the bridge I decided to go into Kingston and it was only 8 miles. I was tired, but made the 8 miles in good time. The only hotel in town was the Blue Water Inn. I stopped, looked at the tired hotel and decided to check on other options near the ferry. There were no other options, the Blue Water Inn was my accommodation for the night. It was a 65 mile day.
I showered and headed downtown to get something to eat. I had salmon fish tacos at the ale house. Yummy!
I walked to the ferry terminal and asked if I could purchase a ticket for tomorrow morning. The ticket lady said it was free to bikes and peds when heading east! Yahoo!
I called Tom and told him I would be arriving in Edmonds at 0915. He said he and Beth would pick me up in their car. For some reason they decided not to ride their bikes to meet me. So I met them and we put the bike and panniers in the car and headed for their house in Seattle.
From their house, we headed downtown as Beth had us booked for a Free Walking Tour of Seattle. It was a fun 2 mile, 2 hour tour of the downtown area. We were able to sample smoked fish, chocolate linguine noodles, cheese and clam chowder during the tour. I learned a lot about the city and enjoyed the sunshine.
After the tour, we had lunch near the Space Needle. The Needle is celebrating its 50th anniversary of the 1967 World's Fair. After lunch we walked over to the Needle and looked at the line waiting to take the elevator to the top. Beth went to the reservation desk for their Sunday brunch and found a timeframe that worked for us. We booked the brunch which includes the ride up to the restaurant for free.
We walked around the Needle area and it is like Balboa Park with theaters, a science center and children's museum, free music, food court and museums ( I think Paul would correct me and say "musea").
After this wonderful afternoon, we headed home and had a bar-b-que. Tom pulled out the hibachi and bar-b-qued some chicken, potatoes and onions. Beth followed-up with fruit and it was a great dinner. We sat after dinner, reminiscing about past bike trips and just 'talked story.'
I was pretty tired when I went to bed just after 2200 hrs.
The ODT was enjoyable again, going east. I had a wonderful tailwind going thru Sequim. Heading back to Hwy 20, I passed a couple of cycle tourists headed west. It was the same two who camped near my at South Whidbey State Park. It was good to see them again. I may meet them again as I head around Mt. Hood as they are heading to Bend after going down the WA coast.
I turned left on Hwy 20 heading back toward Pt. Townsend. About 2 miles up the hill, I turned onto Eaglemount Rd, which was a relief to the heavy traffic on the 20. This was a wonderful route on a tree-lined road. I had pasturelands and small lakes to look at and no traffic! I stopped for lunch on a freshly mowed lawn at an abandoned house and watched the birds on the lake.
This route took me to Hwy 19. It was pretty busy but had wide shoulders. I could have turned off at Oak Bay Dr. and headed toward the bay. I decided to stay on the 19, which was OK. Hwy 104 was not far and it was the main route to the Hood Canal floating bridge.
My route had me get off the 104 a mile or two before the bridge. The road was called Shine and it followed the water along the south side of this spit of land. It was nice to get off the busy 104 and the road was a nice one thru a residential area along the waterfront. I am going along nicely when I see in front of me the very steep hill. I wish I had an inclinometer as this was steeeeep! There were two driveways on the way up and I already knew I would use them for resting spots on the way up. I made it, but it was a pull.
The Hood Canal Bridge sits on the water. There are a couple of drawbridge type mechanisms on either side but it was open for me the entire way across. It is probably close to a mile across. At the drawbridges they had a metal mesh grid for the roadway. I got to the first one and saw a solid metal plate on the far right but was not sure the bike would fit (with the front panniers sticking out). I was going at a good clip and was able to negociate the grid, but my tires felt like they wanted to slip. The next grid I encountered, I tried the metal strip on the right and the bike fit just right, so that was a much better feel under me.
Across the bridge I decided to go into Kingston and it was only 8 miles. I was tired, but made the 8 miles in good time. The only hotel in town was the Blue Water Inn. I stopped, looked at the tired hotel and decided to check on other options near the ferry. There were no other options, the Blue Water Inn was my accommodation for the night. It was a 65 mile day.
I showered and headed downtown to get something to eat. I had salmon fish tacos at the ale house. Yummy!
I walked to the ferry terminal and asked if I could purchase a ticket for tomorrow morning. The ticket lady said it was free to bikes and peds when heading east! Yahoo!
I called Tom and told him I would be arriving in Edmonds at 0915. He said he and Beth would pick me up in their car. For some reason they decided not to ride their bikes to meet me. So I met them and we put the bike and panniers in the car and headed for their house in Seattle.
From their house, we headed downtown as Beth had us booked for a Free Walking Tour of Seattle. It was a fun 2 mile, 2 hour tour of the downtown area. We were able to sample smoked fish, chocolate linguine noodles, cheese and clam chowder during the tour. I learned a lot about the city and enjoyed the sunshine.
After the tour, we had lunch near the Space Needle. The Needle is celebrating its 50th anniversary of the 1967 World's Fair. After lunch we walked over to the Needle and looked at the line waiting to take the elevator to the top. Beth went to the reservation desk for their Sunday brunch and found a timeframe that worked for us. We booked the brunch which includes the ride up to the restaurant for free.
We walked around the Needle area and it is like Balboa Park with theaters, a science center and children's museum, free music, food court and museums ( I think Paul would correct me and say "musea").
After this wonderful afternoon, we headed home and had a bar-b-que. Tom pulled out the hibachi and bar-b-qued some chicken, potatoes and onions. Beth followed-up with fruit and it was a great dinner. We sat after dinner, reminiscing about past bike trips and just 'talked story.'
I was pretty tired when I went to bed just after 2200 hrs.
Wednesday, August 22, 2012
Waiting for the shoe to drop
My last day at Mary and Tony's started out beautifully sunny. I went with Mary to walk the dogs before she headed off the work. She took the truck to work and left her Hyundai with me for the day.
I stayed awhile so I could continue reading Mary's book, the "Q-Tip Conspiracy" about Sierra's life
with brain cancer. I was in a bit of a depression when I left for Sequim.
I drove to the Dungeness County Park and took in the view. I stayed along the coastline north of Sequim and enjoyed the bay views. I decided to check-out Mike's Bike Shop in town, so I headed in that direction.
I looked in the shop and did not see anything I needed. I headed for the Post Office as I told Mary I would mail a letter for her and I had a couple of post cards to mail. I then headed to Brian's Sporting Goods to take a look around. I was looking for something a bit warmer to wear (on my torso).
I came up short on the turn to Brian's so I was making my way thru a Rite-Aid parking lot. I made a right hand turn and hit something hard with both right tires. I pulled into a parking space and was not looking forward to what I might find.
I saw that the right front tire was flat. I pinched the tire between the rim and a concrete island that extended from the front door of the Rite-Aid, into the parking lot. I opened the trunk and looked for a spare tire.
I could not find the spare. As it turns out, it would not have helped. That was when I discovered the rear right tire also suffered the same fate as the front. Two pinch flats on the right side!!! I could not believe what I had done to Mary's car.
I had my AAA card, so I called for roadside assistance. The man I gave my report to, called a local tow company (Evergreen) and said he would be there within 60 minutes. All I could do was pace, curse at myself and knock my head against the wall. I told the clerk in the Rite-Aid what I had done and he had no comment at all. The island had been painted yellow at the end I hit. The yellow on top was pretty much worn off from people doing just what I had done. The edges were dinged from the same thing.
The tow got there in about 45 minutes, which was not bad. I asked him to take me to a Discount Tire shop just down the road. I had looked it up on my i-phone. AAA paid for the tow, but I gave the driver a tip.
Discount tire was not busy and got right on the repair. They found the closest tires they could to the stock tires on the car. Keep in mind the car only has 2500 miles on it; she bought it in June 2012! Man I feel so bad about what I did...
Two Michelins later, the car is ready to go. The pressure sensors were not damaged, so that was good.
Headed back to Port Angeles to get some lunch and fill-up the car with gas.
Came back to Mary's before the last shoe dropped. I just told Mary and she hasn't even gone to look at the rims. She said after all we have been thru, this is nothing.
All's well, but I still feel bad.
I stayed awhile so I could continue reading Mary's book, the "Q-Tip Conspiracy" about Sierra's life
with brain cancer. I was in a bit of a depression when I left for Sequim.
I drove to the Dungeness County Park and took in the view. I stayed along the coastline north of Sequim and enjoyed the bay views. I decided to check-out Mike's Bike Shop in town, so I headed in that direction.
I looked in the shop and did not see anything I needed. I headed for the Post Office as I told Mary I would mail a letter for her and I had a couple of post cards to mail. I then headed to Brian's Sporting Goods to take a look around. I was looking for something a bit warmer to wear (on my torso).
I came up short on the turn to Brian's so I was making my way thru a Rite-Aid parking lot. I made a right hand turn and hit something hard with both right tires. I pulled into a parking space and was not looking forward to what I might find.
I saw that the right front tire was flat. I pinched the tire between the rim and a concrete island that extended from the front door of the Rite-Aid, into the parking lot. I opened the trunk and looked for a spare tire.
I could not find the spare. As it turns out, it would not have helped. That was when I discovered the rear right tire also suffered the same fate as the front. Two pinch flats on the right side!!! I could not believe what I had done to Mary's car.
I had my AAA card, so I called for roadside assistance. The man I gave my report to, called a local tow company (Evergreen) and said he would be there within 60 minutes. All I could do was pace, curse at myself and knock my head against the wall. I told the clerk in the Rite-Aid what I had done and he had no comment at all. The island had been painted yellow at the end I hit. The yellow on top was pretty much worn off from people doing just what I had done. The edges were dinged from the same thing.
The tow got there in about 45 minutes, which was not bad. I asked him to take me to a Discount Tire shop just down the road. I had looked it up on my i-phone. AAA paid for the tow, but I gave the driver a tip.
Discount tire was not busy and got right on the repair. They found the closest tires they could to the stock tires on the car. Keep in mind the car only has 2500 miles on it; she bought it in June 2012! Man I feel so bad about what I did...
Two Michelins later, the car is ready to go. The pressure sensors were not damaged, so that was good.
Headed back to Port Angeles to get some lunch and fill-up the car with gas.
Came back to Mary's before the last shoe dropped. I just told Mary and she hasn't even gone to look at the rims. She said after all we have been thru, this is nothing.
All's well, but I still feel bad.
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
Sequim
I left Deb's and Wayne's on Monday morning, heading for the ferry at Ft. Casey. I was able to catch the 0845 ferry to Pt. Townsend. I had a mocha, apricot and 2 choc. chip cookies (from Mrs. Deb's oven) at a coffee shop I found last year when Dave and I took the ferry to visit Deb.
As I left Pt. Townsend, I was looking for the ODT (Olympic Discovery Trail) which is a ped/bike trail that goes all the way to Pt. Angeles. I did not find it right away, but did find Discovery Dr. which paralleled the highway and would intersect the ODT. It was a nice quiet road for the most part.
When I intersected Hwy 101, it was very busy with truck traffic. The ODT directed me off the 101 and onto Old Gardiner Rd. which was a wonderful, tree-lined rural road. It occasionally intersected the 101, but it took me most of the way into Sequim.
At Blyn, a small town just east of Sequim, I stopped at a market/deli to get a sandwich and eat lunch. An older man who was cycling stuck-up a conversation with me and ended-up having lunch with me.
He is a semi-retired Vet, named Steve. He and his family were renting a house near the Dungeness Spit. He was out for a recreational ride. I was finally able to ask a vet about why ruminants chew their cuds but horses do not (even tho they eat the same food). He told me about the two different evolutionary tracks and how their intestinal systems work. Very cool.
He was heading back to Sequim, so we rode together on the ODT. I was going to stop at the Sequim Bay State Park which was only about 2 miles from our lunch stop. We rode right by it as I was not paying close enough attention and he was telling a story. We ended up in downtown Sequim. He turned to head back to the Spit and I looked at the map to get my bearings.
Looked like I was about 15 miles from Mary and Tony's. I gave them a call and left a message that I would be arriving a day early. I stayed on the ODT thru Sequim which was lovely. They have made use of old train tressles. Wonderful tressles over streams/rivers in the area. I came back out onto the 101 at O'Brien St. which is the road that takes me to Mary's.
It was another 3-4 miles of pretty much uphill climbing to their house. Tony passed me on his motorcycle and pulled over to chat. He was on his way home from work. After another 30 minutes of climbing, I met him at the house on Headwaters Lne. It was a 64 mile day. Phew!
Mary made it home about an hour later. Their house is still being worked-on. I am staying upstairs. I have a shower and toilet in my bathroom, but no sink. Garrett is in the next bedroom and he has all three. He was not home last night, so I took advantage of his sink, when Conan (the black cat) was not nesting in the sink!
Mary made ravioli and a big salad for dinner. They are both doing well. Tony is working for a yacht manufacturer, doing the cabinetry. Mary is still at Patty's on Peabody, doing hair. Tony also drives a bus and is doing a 2 day tour this weekend.
Mary and Tony were kind enough to lend me a car while they are working. I drove Mary into Pt. Angeles for work this a.m. and have been sightseeing since. I drove up to Hurricane Ridge for a spectacular view of the Olympic Range. The clouds obstructed a complete view of the ridges, but it was fantastic! I had lunch at the 'Oven Spoonful' and drove out onto Ediz Spit.
I am at the library now doing my blog. I will get Mary around 1600 hrs. I am planning on leaving Thurs. a.m.
Heading back to Seattle to visit with Tom and Beth. Sounds like they can meet me at the ferry on Sat. morning, so I can follow them back to their house. That gives me two days to get to Edmonds which will make the ride easier. I was thinking I would have to get from Mary's to Kingston (to catch the ferry to Edmonds) on Thurs. This way I can split the ride into two days and still have lots of time for sightseeing on Friday.
All is well. Blinky says "Arrrrrrrgh!" Sisyphos says (bzzzzzzzzz) with a clean chain! Poot!
As I left Pt. Townsend, I was looking for the ODT (Olympic Discovery Trail) which is a ped/bike trail that goes all the way to Pt. Angeles. I did not find it right away, but did find Discovery Dr. which paralleled the highway and would intersect the ODT. It was a nice quiet road for the most part.
When I intersected Hwy 101, it was very busy with truck traffic. The ODT directed me off the 101 and onto Old Gardiner Rd. which was a wonderful, tree-lined rural road. It occasionally intersected the 101, but it took me most of the way into Sequim.
At Blyn, a small town just east of Sequim, I stopped at a market/deli to get a sandwich and eat lunch. An older man who was cycling stuck-up a conversation with me and ended-up having lunch with me.
He is a semi-retired Vet, named Steve. He and his family were renting a house near the Dungeness Spit. He was out for a recreational ride. I was finally able to ask a vet about why ruminants chew their cuds but horses do not (even tho they eat the same food). He told me about the two different evolutionary tracks and how their intestinal systems work. Very cool.
He was heading back to Sequim, so we rode together on the ODT. I was going to stop at the Sequim Bay State Park which was only about 2 miles from our lunch stop. We rode right by it as I was not paying close enough attention and he was telling a story. We ended up in downtown Sequim. He turned to head back to the Spit and I looked at the map to get my bearings.
Looked like I was about 15 miles from Mary and Tony's. I gave them a call and left a message that I would be arriving a day early. I stayed on the ODT thru Sequim which was lovely. They have made use of old train tressles. Wonderful tressles over streams/rivers in the area. I came back out onto the 101 at O'Brien St. which is the road that takes me to Mary's.
It was another 3-4 miles of pretty much uphill climbing to their house. Tony passed me on his motorcycle and pulled over to chat. He was on his way home from work. After another 30 minutes of climbing, I met him at the house on Headwaters Lne. It was a 64 mile day. Phew!
Mary made it home about an hour later. Their house is still being worked-on. I am staying upstairs. I have a shower and toilet in my bathroom, but no sink. Garrett is in the next bedroom and he has all three. He was not home last night, so I took advantage of his sink, when Conan (the black cat) was not nesting in the sink!
Mary made ravioli and a big salad for dinner. They are both doing well. Tony is working for a yacht manufacturer, doing the cabinetry. Mary is still at Patty's on Peabody, doing hair. Tony also drives a bus and is doing a 2 day tour this weekend.
Mary and Tony were kind enough to lend me a car while they are working. I drove Mary into Pt. Angeles for work this a.m. and have been sightseeing since. I drove up to Hurricane Ridge for a spectacular view of the Olympic Range. The clouds obstructed a complete view of the ridges, but it was fantastic! I had lunch at the 'Oven Spoonful' and drove out onto Ediz Spit.
I am at the library now doing my blog. I will get Mary around 1600 hrs. I am planning on leaving Thurs. a.m.
Heading back to Seattle to visit with Tom and Beth. Sounds like they can meet me at the ferry on Sat. morning, so I can follow them back to their house. That gives me two days to get to Edmonds which will make the ride easier. I was thinking I would have to get from Mary's to Kingston (to catch the ferry to Edmonds) on Thurs. This way I can split the ride into two days and still have lots of time for sightseeing on Friday.
All is well. Blinky says "Arrrrrrrgh!" Sisyphos says (bzzzzzzzzz) with a clean chain! Poot!
Sunday, August 19, 2012
Mt. Baker
Wayne took Deb and I for a drive yesterday afternoon. We drove to Mt Baker which is just under 11,000'. It also has several glaciers still living on it. We stopped at Nooksack Falls which were roaring with lots of
water. They were beautiful. I say they because the falls split off at a rock promontory at the top of the falls.
On the way home we stopped for dinner in Bellingham. The restaurant, Pepper Sister (?), serves a southwest
fare and offers veg and vegan meals. I had garlic potato enchilladas which were very tasty. It was a nice place, and crowded. We got a spot outside and it was pleasant with a jacket. Wayne was comfortable in a golf shirt. I will add the pictures to my profile.
Sprinkled last night but looks like it drying-up. What a turn-around in the weather pattern. Hopefully it will
be good cycling weather tomorrow as I head for Sequim.
Poot!
water. They were beautiful. I say they because the falls split off at a rock promontory at the top of the falls.
On the way home we stopped for dinner in Bellingham. The restaurant, Pepper Sister (?), serves a southwest
fare and offers veg and vegan meals. I had garlic potato enchilladas which were very tasty. It was a nice place, and crowded. We got a spot outside and it was pleasant with a jacket. Wayne was comfortable in a golf shirt. I will add the pictures to my profile.
Sprinkled last night but looks like it drying-up. What a turn-around in the weather pattern. Hopefully it will
be good cycling weather tomorrow as I head for Sequim.
Poot!
Saturday, August 18, 2012
Whidbey Island
Rode north thru Seattle Thurs. morning. My bike map of Seattle was handy. I crossed the Chittenden locks which are beautiful and not as busy as the Ballard locks. It was a very warm day in Seattle so it was good to
get on Whidbey. When I got off the ferry at Clinton, the time/temp sign said it was 73F.
It seemed much warmer than that while on the road. I had a lot of rolling ups and downs. When I got to Freeland, I was pretty tired but it was only 1330 hrs. I stopped to have a good lunch and rest. I had to make
a decision about staying in Freeland in their one hotel or going another 7 miles to the state campground.
After eating, I picked up a few groceries for breakfast and decided to go to the campground.
Some more ups with only a few downs. I found the campground and of course, the pay station was a the bottom of a hill! Paid $12 to stay in the biker/hiker section, which is near the day use area. Also the camp was a ways away from the restroom.
I made camp and then decided to take a shower, using my water bag with shower attachment. I took a while to find a suitable tree with appropriate broken branch on which to hang the water bag. I brought a small shower scrunchy to use with my liquid soap (Dr. Bonners), as it tends to seep out of you hands if you use it
by itself. I am happily scrubbing away the day's road grime when the scrunchy decides to fly out of my hand and and over the embankment.
My first futile attempt to try to grab the small carbiner with a branch just moved the stupid thing farther down the hill! I ignored it until I finished my shower. I came back with a tent pole which proved to be by second futile attempt at a grab. I looked at the slope, the thorny berry bushes and thought about what I would tell the 911 responders as they rescued me from the embankment. I would tell them I was just trying to retrieve my shower scrunchy and they would laugh uproariously back at the station. There did happen to be a sturdy bush that I could use a hand-hold, so I went after the mischievous scamp. I was able to get it with only a few stickers in my fingers and thorny scrapes on my calves. Stupid scrunchy! I had Blinky give her a talking to when I got back to my campsite!
A cycling couple arrived about 1800 hrs. I went to chat while he was cooking dinner using two stoves. They were smoking a joint and offered my a hit, but I kindly said 'no thanks.' They also came from Seattle today but started farther inland than I had. The guy was hauling a BOB trailer with an Ortlieb waterproof duffle that was about 1.5X the size that would normally go on the trailer. Lots of stuff. The gal was carrying front and rear panniers as well. Interesting folks!
An other pair came into the camp around midnight. Don't know what their story was as they were still in bed when I left around 0800 hrs. The night cooled and I ended up putting the fly over my tent around 2100 hrs.
I was quite cozy under my down bag and slept pretty well.
I took several scenic routes on the way to Deb's. She and Wayne left for his radiation treatment in Seattle and were not expected back until 1330 hrs. I had plenty of time to get to their house, so I cruised. Whidbey in not a flat island, for those who have never been here (especially on bicycle)! I cruised the east side and then crossed to the west side. I arrived at Deb's about 1130 hrs and they were home about ten minutes after me. Fastest trip to Seattle and back they ever made.
Wayne bar-b-qued steaks and Deb invited the neighbors with their 5 week-old infant son (Dalton). It was a great end to a good day. I will stay here until Monday and then head for Mary and Tony's.
get on Whidbey. When I got off the ferry at Clinton, the time/temp sign said it was 73F.
It seemed much warmer than that while on the road. I had a lot of rolling ups and downs. When I got to Freeland, I was pretty tired but it was only 1330 hrs. I stopped to have a good lunch and rest. I had to make
a decision about staying in Freeland in their one hotel or going another 7 miles to the state campground.
After eating, I picked up a few groceries for breakfast and decided to go to the campground.
Some more ups with only a few downs. I found the campground and of course, the pay station was a the bottom of a hill! Paid $12 to stay in the biker/hiker section, which is near the day use area. Also the camp was a ways away from the restroom.
I made camp and then decided to take a shower, using my water bag with shower attachment. I took a while to find a suitable tree with appropriate broken branch on which to hang the water bag. I brought a small shower scrunchy to use with my liquid soap (Dr. Bonners), as it tends to seep out of you hands if you use it
by itself. I am happily scrubbing away the day's road grime when the scrunchy decides to fly out of my hand and and over the embankment.
My first futile attempt to try to grab the small carbiner with a branch just moved the stupid thing farther down the hill! I ignored it until I finished my shower. I came back with a tent pole which proved to be by second futile attempt at a grab. I looked at the slope, the thorny berry bushes and thought about what I would tell the 911 responders as they rescued me from the embankment. I would tell them I was just trying to retrieve my shower scrunchy and they would laugh uproariously back at the station. There did happen to be a sturdy bush that I could use a hand-hold, so I went after the mischievous scamp. I was able to get it with only a few stickers in my fingers and thorny scrapes on my calves. Stupid scrunchy! I had Blinky give her a talking to when I got back to my campsite!
A cycling couple arrived about 1800 hrs. I went to chat while he was cooking dinner using two stoves. They were smoking a joint and offered my a hit, but I kindly said 'no thanks.' They also came from Seattle today but started farther inland than I had. The guy was hauling a BOB trailer with an Ortlieb waterproof duffle that was about 1.5X the size that would normally go on the trailer. Lots of stuff. The gal was carrying front and rear panniers as well. Interesting folks!
An other pair came into the camp around midnight. Don't know what their story was as they were still in bed when I left around 0800 hrs. The night cooled and I ended up putting the fly over my tent around 2100 hrs.
I was quite cozy under my down bag and slept pretty well.
I took several scenic routes on the way to Deb's. She and Wayne left for his radiation treatment in Seattle and were not expected back until 1330 hrs. I had plenty of time to get to their house, so I cruised. Whidbey in not a flat island, for those who have never been here (especially on bicycle)! I cruised the east side and then crossed to the west side. I arrived at Deb's about 1130 hrs and they were home about ten minutes after me. Fastest trip to Seattle and back they ever made.
Wayne bar-b-qued steaks and Deb invited the neighbors with their 5 week-old infant son (Dalton). It was a great end to a good day. I will stay here until Monday and then head for Mary and Tony's.
Wednesday, August 15, 2012
Seattle hostel
My flight to Bellingham, WA was canceled at 1330 hrs. I stood in line for at least 30 mins.
while in line I looked at my Seattle cycling map and the location of the
Seattle hostel. Looked like a 12 mile ride to get there. From the chatter in the line,
it sounded like it would be hard to get a flight to Bellingham before evening.
That helped me make my decision to have my bike and baggage offloaded in
Seattle and start my trip here.
I got my bike right away I used my multi-tool to get the bike
road-worthy. I got everything tight except my pedals. I kept waiting
for my panniers but they did not show-up until 4:30! A baggage lady finally went back
to the baggage handling area and found my panniers.
I called the hostel and made a reservation. The hostel man advised me to take
the light rail system from the airport to the Chinatown station. The
hostel is a block away from the station. I took his advise and was able
to find elevators to get the bike upstairs to the platform,
Easy roll-on access and my car was never crowded.
I had a bike hook and room for my pannniers. $2.75 and 30 mins. Later
I was checking into the hostel.
I will head north for Whidbey Island tomorrow.
I should get to Deb's on Friday.
Blinky was manhandled by the TSA people they opened the bike box but
Retaped it. Alaska airlines folks tore some large holes in the box.
No worries, maties. Blinky is on my bed and doing well.
while in line I looked at my Seattle cycling map and the location of the
Seattle hostel. Looked like a 12 mile ride to get there. From the chatter in the line,
it sounded like it would be hard to get a flight to Bellingham before evening.
That helped me make my decision to have my bike and baggage offloaded in
Seattle and start my trip here.
I got my bike right away I used my multi-tool to get the bike
road-worthy. I got everything tight except my pedals. I kept waiting
for my panniers but they did not show-up until 4:30! A baggage lady finally went back
to the baggage handling area and found my panniers.
I called the hostel and made a reservation. The hostel man advised me to take
the light rail system from the airport to the Chinatown station. The
hostel is a block away from the station. I took his advise and was able
to find elevators to get the bike upstairs to the platform,
Easy roll-on access and my car was never crowded.
I had a bike hook and room for my pannniers. $2.75 and 30 mins. Later
I was checking into the hostel.
I will head north for Whidbey Island tomorrow.
I should get to Deb's on Friday.
Blinky was manhandled by the TSA people they opened the bike box but
Retaped it. Alaska airlines folks tore some large holes in the box.
No worries, maties. Blinky is on my bed and doing well.
SAN
Sitting at SAN after an easy check-in.
Chris drove us to the airport and Dave helped me get
Sisyphos into the terminal. An Alaska airlines lady
moved everyone from point A to point B before the
attendants arrived at the counter. Of course, when
they arrived, we went back to point A!
I kept the bike box in the middle as a safe bet.
Should get to Bellingham around 1230.
Camping at Larrabee State park about 10 miles
south of the airport. Aloha!
Chris drove us to the airport and Dave helped me get
Sisyphos into the terminal. An Alaska airlines lady
moved everyone from point A to point B before the
attendants arrived at the counter. Of course, when
they arrived, we went back to point A!
I kept the bike box in the middle as a safe bet.
Should get to Bellingham around 1230.
Camping at Larrabee State park about 10 miles
south of the airport. Aloha!
Mechanical probs
I don't mean bicycle mechanical
probs. the Q400 Alaska plane has a
prob with its steering while on the
ground. We pulled back from the
gate and didn't get far when the pilot
discovered the prob.
The tow truck sent to push us back to
the gate broke the linch (?) pin when
trying to push us back. The pilot said that
indicated a more serious prob other than
hydraulics. So we have deplaned and will
get an update in about 15ins. The wheels are
spinning making contingency plans.
probs. the Q400 Alaska plane has a
prob with its steering while on the
ground. We pulled back from the
gate and didn't get far when the pilot
discovered the prob.
The tow truck sent to push us back to
the gate broke the linch (?) pin when
trying to push us back. The pilot said that
indicated a more serious prob other than
hydraulics. So we have deplaned and will
get an update in about 15ins. The wheels are
spinning making contingency plans.
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