July 5, 2012
So my mechanic has decided it would be best to get new tires and more tubes, so off we go to Olympia. It was so amazing to see that fare on the local bus was only $1.50 to go 30 miles to Olympia. We had to be left the first bus because they could only carry two bikes and one was already on, so we took the second bus. The bike store did not open until 10 and we had an hour to kill so decided to eat breakfast. It was soooo good, we ate the spar cafe had the best carrot rum raisin pancakes and Brandon had of course chicken fried steak and eggs. Our waitress was very sweet, Suzanne, she definately filled us up with coffee and food. The bike stand had my tires and tubes, only my mechanic got the wrong co2 cartridges, hopefully we can trade them. He sure is an expensive mechanic to carry a long, I have to make sure he stays happy, since I have not had to change one of those flat tires. (Hehe)! We filled our water bottles with fresh spring water from Olympia there was a fountain right next to the bike store. We left to head back to the camp and spoke to a nice lady while waiting for the bus, telling us stories about when she was young and stayed in Tiajuana Mexico. They were wild and crazy that is for sure. Loaded our gear and started for Lake Sylvia state park. We passed two riders on our way there but did not stop to talk we were huffing and bound and determined to make some miles since our day of riding started at 12:30. We stopped in Elma for a quick drink and that is when we met Peter, we spoke briefly and found out he too was heading to Montesano for Lake Sylvia. Of course once again, I think it was because Brandon was bragging about my new tires, I had a flat so Peter passed us and said he would hold a spot for us. Okay so it was only 48 miles for the day, but in the heat and having to fix another flat tire, not to mention my load of Magazines, we were not prepared for the hill that was ahead in order to get to camp. But we did have a nice shower and Brandon met Jeffrey(woman) and she invited us to have dinner with her and Paul. Peter had bought us the camping site so we shared it with him and asked if he could join us for dinner. We had a yummie vegetable stir fry, cherries, strawberries and salad for dinner. Jeffrey and Paul were very nice to have asked us for a great warm meal. We left early the next morning planning our trip the night before with Peter. He has traveled many miles down the Pacific Coast and has given us tips. So off we go to IIwaco, Wa. Maybe they have a casino because my mechanic has seen many and I have not wanted to stop but I'm feeling an itch.
Saturday, July 7, 2012
Hoodsport
July 4, 2012
We miss having our Coffee Pot, so the first thing we must do becides break down camp is find a place for coffee. Here in the Pacific Northwest that is all you see is Espresso Stands it is unbelievable, I think Quilcene had a total of four little stands. We ate breakfast at the only diner in town that was opened because it was the Holiday. We decided to ride to Shelton, Gooie duck capital, or so I hear. We went past an oyster factory and saw many diggers on the Hood Canal route it was very scenic and beautiful. We stopped in Hoodsport for some delicious Olympic Ice cream and saw a fellow rider. We talked and he was from North Carolina, bought his Seven speed Schwin bike at Target and had baskets for his saddles. Was just heading to Seattle and decided he wanted to see the Pacific Northwest on a bike. He admitted the bike wasn't the best as he had been riding out of the saddle for most of the climbs. He asked us how our calorie consumption was and if we noticed it has increased since our journey began. We had to chuckle because it did not seem like we had ridden a whole lot as of yet. He had come from Portland, and had already been riding 60 miles for four days to our one. He was very friendly and we wished him a safe journey. Before we left Quilcene I decided to take a picture of Brandon and left my phone on the fence at the restaurant. I had to go back just outside of town thank goodness. Brandon said I had to ride back alone. They were having a big celebration for the fourth in Hoodsport, selling Oysters and Clams at the side of the road. A very cute town! Brandon wanted to stay but I said no Shelton will be just as cute. Shelton was spread out, another flat tire on the way, then another no more spare tubes for mickey. We stopped at Walmart, Fred Meyer was my first choice but no spare tires just groceries. Not the right size for my tire but off we went to find camp. Blue Bear RV park was inviting, we pitched our camp then headed for the store for some supplies for dinner. It was suppose to be 1 mile that turned into three, saw a snake and both of us jumped.! Our trailer park was entertaining to say the least, we got to spend time with some nice neighbors that let off fireworks. In the street of course not in the park because it was against park rules. Brandon was still wishing we stayed in Hoodsport, did not have any seafood for dinner.
We miss having our Coffee Pot, so the first thing we must do becides break down camp is find a place for coffee. Here in the Pacific Northwest that is all you see is Espresso Stands it is unbelievable, I think Quilcene had a total of four little stands. We ate breakfast at the only diner in town that was opened because it was the Holiday. We decided to ride to Shelton, Gooie duck capital, or so I hear. We went past an oyster factory and saw many diggers on the Hood Canal route it was very scenic and beautiful. We stopped in Hoodsport for some delicious Olympic Ice cream and saw a fellow rider. We talked and he was from North Carolina, bought his Seven speed Schwin bike at Target and had baskets for his saddles. Was just heading to Seattle and decided he wanted to see the Pacific Northwest on a bike. He admitted the bike wasn't the best as he had been riding out of the saddle for most of the climbs. He asked us how our calorie consumption was and if we noticed it has increased since our journey began. We had to chuckle because it did not seem like we had ridden a whole lot as of yet. He had come from Portland, and had already been riding 60 miles for four days to our one. He was very friendly and we wished him a safe journey. Before we left Quilcene I decided to take a picture of Brandon and left my phone on the fence at the restaurant. I had to go back just outside of town thank goodness. Brandon said I had to ride back alone. They were having a big celebration for the fourth in Hoodsport, selling Oysters and Clams at the side of the road. A very cute town! Brandon wanted to stay but I said no Shelton will be just as cute. Shelton was spread out, another flat tire on the way, then another no more spare tubes for mickey. We stopped at Walmart, Fred Meyer was my first choice but no spare tires just groceries. Not the right size for my tire but off we went to find camp. Blue Bear RV park was inviting, we pitched our camp then headed for the store for some supplies for dinner. It was suppose to be 1 mile that turned into three, saw a snake and both of us jumped.! Our trailer park was entertaining to say the least, we got to spend time with some nice neighbors that let off fireworks. In the street of course not in the park because it was against park rules. Brandon was still wishing we stayed in Hoodsport, did not have any seafood for dinner.
How do you like those Magazines?
July 2,2012
We picked up Brandon at the airport, then went to eat of course some clams and plotted out the map for the first day of travel to Victoria. We decided to leave from Port Angeles, and it was a very short day. Isa is a Sweet Heart to have taken both my daughters and Brandon & I to the start of our Journey. So with passports in hand, and bikes geared up we took the ferry to Victoria, put in a whopping six miles total because we decided to stay in town at the Hostel in Victoria, Canada. We had some good micro-brew canadian beer and the best fried chicken, Brandons hamburger landed on the floor so he had a bit of a wait for dinner. Our room in the Hostel was bedded for eight people but their were just seven of us. Two from Thailand, the other three from Europe, those Europeans are very uninhibited that is for certain. We took off the next day headed for the ferry to Port Angeles. Ready to ride, with backpack in tow, filled with the necessary reading of four magazines and a book. Yes I am the first to admit now that I know the reason the girls kept telling me dont take anything unecessary. Those magazine were the death of me and I do believe are a source for my tires being flat!! We were riding down a hill in the rain, and my first flat occurred, heavy traffic ( log truckers are not fun to be passed by in the rain!) I was screaming to Brandon and my voice is loud but he kept riding. I stopped and just figured I would wait till he turned and looked for me, which wasn't until he mad it half way up the hill. Flat got fixed then off we rode to our final destination 60 miles to Quilcene. It finally quit raining but the campground did not have a shower, so we had to ride five miles round trip to LingerLonger Lane (tried to say that fast) to the Oyster Factory for a shower. Even though we had been on those bikes for six hours a shower at the end of the day is a must. So we treated ourselves to Chicken fried steak then a shower. Not only was my back aching but so were my armpits from holding that dam backpack with the magazines. Brandon loved asking me "how those magazine holding up" ha,ha he is so F U N N Y.
We picked up Brandon at the airport, then went to eat of course some clams and plotted out the map for the first day of travel to Victoria. We decided to leave from Port Angeles, and it was a very short day. Isa is a Sweet Heart to have taken both my daughters and Brandon & I to the start of our Journey. So with passports in hand, and bikes geared up we took the ferry to Victoria, put in a whopping six miles total because we decided to stay in town at the Hostel in Victoria, Canada. We had some good micro-brew canadian beer and the best fried chicken, Brandons hamburger landed on the floor so he had a bit of a wait for dinner. Our room in the Hostel was bedded for eight people but their were just seven of us. Two from Thailand, the other three from Europe, those Europeans are very uninhibited that is for certain. We took off the next day headed for the ferry to Port Angeles. Ready to ride, with backpack in tow, filled with the necessary reading of four magazines and a book. Yes I am the first to admit now that I know the reason the girls kept telling me dont take anything unecessary. Those magazine were the death of me and I do believe are a source for my tires being flat!! We were riding down a hill in the rain, and my first flat occurred, heavy traffic ( log truckers are not fun to be passed by in the rain!) I was screaming to Brandon and my voice is loud but he kept riding. I stopped and just figured I would wait till he turned and looked for me, which wasn't until he mad it half way up the hill. Flat got fixed then off we rode to our final destination 60 miles to Quilcene. It finally quit raining but the campground did not have a shower, so we had to ride five miles round trip to LingerLonger Lane (tried to say that fast) to the Oyster Factory for a shower. Even though we had been on those bikes for six hours a shower at the end of the day is a must. So we treated ourselves to Chicken fried steak then a shower. Not only was my back aching but so were my armpits from holding that dam backpack with the magazines. Brandon loved asking me "how those magazine holding up" ha,ha he is so F U N N Y.
Saturday, June 30, 2012
The Packages have Arrived:
Well here it is the weekend of the start of our Journey, ready or not here we come!! I am so excited to begin, I think we both are, we sent our bicycles via Fedex. It was a little bit more than I thought it would be but the bicycles arrived unscathed and are now ready to roll out on the road. I am very tired today after working a double shift but glad that there is a big rainbow now at the end of the tunnel. It is called rest and pedal power. Isa picked me up as planned at the Airport then we took off for our favorite Indian Restaurant(all you can eat)!! We went to check on the bikes and they were ready to go, except a little glitch once again with my fenders. Maybe I should have not worried about water splashing me but I didn't want to get muddy and wet while traveling in the rain, it will be inevitable. So we switched the fenders on my bike and to the pleasant surprise of Isa we had the best service at Bicycle West in Burien, WA. She may start biking herself. Tonight we are going out for Burgers at a place that was recommended by "Food Network" of course, this will be one of my missions along the way as we travel. Best places to Eat!! Brandon will join us on Sunday, haha he is still working and rather than wait for him I decided to go visit my Isa and Christina for the great service at our time share in Burien and Shopping. Tomorrow will be lunch with Christina and picking up bikes before we leave, checking the Ferry Schedule for departure Monday morning. Then picking up Brandon at the Airport. I was welcomed with drizzling rain and clouds after leaving Utah. I hope Kyoto decides to eat his food at the Ritz Carlton Dog Kennel and the bird is good with the neighbor Julia.
Looking forward to getting a Tan and seeing the Pacific Coast.!!
Well here it is the weekend of the start of our Journey, ready or not here we come!! I am so excited to begin, I think we both are, we sent our bicycles via Fedex. It was a little bit more than I thought it would be but the bicycles arrived unscathed and are now ready to roll out on the road. I am very tired today after working a double shift but glad that there is a big rainbow now at the end of the tunnel. It is called rest and pedal power. Isa picked me up as planned at the Airport then we took off for our favorite Indian Restaurant(all you can eat)!! We went to check on the bikes and they were ready to go, except a little glitch once again with my fenders. Maybe I should have not worried about water splashing me but I didn't want to get muddy and wet while traveling in the rain, it will be inevitable. So we switched the fenders on my bike and to the pleasant surprise of Isa we had the best service at Bicycle West in Burien, WA. She may start biking herself. Tonight we are going out for Burgers at a place that was recommended by "Food Network" of course, this will be one of my missions along the way as we travel. Best places to Eat!! Brandon will join us on Sunday, haha he is still working and rather than wait for him I decided to go visit my Isa and Christina for the great service at our time share in Burien and Shopping. Tomorrow will be lunch with Christina and picking up bikes before we leave, checking the Ferry Schedule for departure Monday morning. Then picking up Brandon at the Airport. I was welcomed with drizzling rain and clouds after leaving Utah. I hope Kyoto decides to eat his food at the Ritz Carlton Dog Kennel and the bird is good with the neighbor Julia.
Looking forward to getting a Tan and seeing the Pacific Coast.!!
Saturday, June 16, 2012
70 Miles
Thursday, May 31, 2012
The real test of Wills
Here it was Memorial Weekend and I was itching for a camping trip with all our equipment and four weeks left before the real thing it seemed like a perfect plan. Well the weather was not convinced to be reliable or forgiving. But the good thing is that all our equipment is well prepared for being rain proof, and we did not call anyone for a ride. The rain was drizzling when we arrived in camp, as we passed and waved a co-worker heading home. We gathered all our equipment, locked our bikes and made our dehydrated lunch. Too much water but will need to practice on better measurements. Dinner was at a cute mexican restaurant in nearby Eden, we rode our bikes there, it was not raining but that was the last break of weather. By the time we arrived back to camp it started to drizzle again and then the down pour. It did not quite raining until we reached Mtn. Green on Sunday afternoon at 12:30. p.m. We rode thru hail, big hail, rain, drizzling then slush. Alot of trucks passed us going up that Mtn. but no-one stopped, humpf not that we wanted a ride but sometimes you just need reassurance of a good job, or "you guys are crazy". We made it home in 4 hours wet, cold and surprisingly tired even though we had slept 14 hours. Not once was I afraid of snakes, but more like the branches falling, hostile neighbors (it was thundering) too much time in the rain! haha. The good thing, we think we can manage a rainstorm and we are excited to get started on our ride. If the girls can do it so can we. Love you two travelers. Okay so caught up now and will have to post more as time gets closer!! Promise
Slacker
I know here it is three months later since my last post. I hope I am better at this once the ride starts. So a month ago at Easter time, we decided to go try out our equipment since we have all of it that we will need on the bike ride except the very important headlight. Planning on ordering it this week. We drove down to southern Utah and stayed the first night in Hurricane. The next morning we woke up not very bright or early and started our trek of 40 miles into Arizona and hitting Bingo with final destination into Mesquite. Well needless to say took us three hours in 80 and above weather to bike a mere 8 miles and ran out of water. Luckily no cell phone service so had to travel the whole way to Littlefield, Arizona were Scott picked us up and we drove the rest of the way to Mesquite, NV. Brandon was beat to say the least because there has never been a time that I can remember him not wanting to gamble. It did not pay off for me because I was yelling Bingo for Scott. The next day our ride thru Zion was much better as temperatures had cooled but we never tried our camping gear or our food. Had a good ride and put some miles on for training and had a good visit with friends.
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