Change Of Plans

I have been hitting too much rain, my body is starting to hurt too much, I have decided to cancel my trip...













Just kidding!!!





I have decided to modify my trip plans and go south of the border when I hit San Diego, and continue the journey to Argentina (Tierra Del Fuego).  Numerous people have inspired me to continue the trip, and I figure I should, 'go the distance'.  I have thought about continuing on from San Diego, and the final straw was meeting a young British couple that are doing the trip to Argentina.

I will be selling my truck, car, and most of my stuff to fund the trip when I arrive in San Diego.  I have been thinking of "Fight Club" a lot in reference to the coming times:

"It's only after we've lost everything, that we're free to do anything"

"The things you own, end up owning you"

"You're not your job. You're not how much money you have in the bank. You're not the car you drive. You're not the contents of your wallet. You're not your fucking khakis. You're the all-singing, all-dancing crap of the world."

- Tyler Durden

I will need to modify my bike to accommodate the harsh roads of Latin America, as well as the stretches between bike shops.  It turns out I am in (relatively) perfect timing to continue by beating the harsh weather of baja, and hitting the summer in South America.  I probably finish the journey sometime around fall of next year, 2011.

Before people start worrying, understand that this is a trip quite a few have done, and very recently.

I have setup a donation tab at the bottom of the site if you wish to contribute to my journey.  Any and all contributions are greatly appreciated.  If you cannot donate, or wish not to, please don't hesitate to send encouraging messages or leave comments.  I think of the people wishing me well on my expedition frequently while on the road, and it gives me fuel to push on.  I know that this is only the beginning and I will encounter some serious difficulties, but I am not a quitter.  I have learned that quitting is never worth anything, pushing on is the only answer, I will persevere.

I am in Newport, OR now, using the library briefly before running out of time.  Oregon is a scenic coast line, but I find myself thinking of the half way mark frequently, and getting to my friend's house.  I have not see him in some time, and look forward to catching up over some cold beer after a surf.  I will take a few days (likely a week) off there, dry off, spruce up the bike a bit, then move on.

The road is a very dynamic place.  Blasting rain and wind one day, sunny with morning fog and calm winds the next.  I never get used to the obnoxious, loud cars/trucks. I find myself at times cursing under my breath, and glaring at them with such disdain, but i have learned to deal with them for the most part, they are apart of the road life.  Life is simplied to the max now, where the finer/nicer things are greatly appreciated.  Three things are paramount when I think of civilization: clean laundry, hot shower, dry house.  i think of them often as I push on to Crescent City for a much needed break.

I am out of time.  I will update my daily journal when I arrive in Crescent city in a few days.


Thanks for reading!

Devin

Some pics





To Do Something Extraordinary, Requires Something Extraordinary

A magician is someone who is skilled at producing an illusion. I would be a magician if I told you that bicycle touring is all pleasantries; it's not.  It has been an interesting transition into the world of solo touring.  There is a dualtiy I face at times; the lonely grind of the loud, wet, road... and then the ultimate freedom of deciding what I want to do/see/stay. I do know that this is likely the most amazing conglomeration of experiences I have encountered. I am baffled at times of the things that happen (in a good way mostly), and the sheer timing of them.

I have faced some difficult times while riding on this journey.  Some hills, I feel like I have no energy, and that I'm going nowhere.  I have to remind myself to look around, take in the beauty, enjoy the scenery.  I frequently use a slogan commonly used in surfing: "enjoy the ride", and try to think of that when times get tough.  My knee has been holding up fine, hurts at times, but so do a lot of things.  I have started to get minor saddle sores, just from where parts of my but and leg rub on the seat, but aren't too bad.  My left tricep has been real sore the past few days, and will tighten up while riding.  My hands also tend to go numb, and my left one will hurt in particular.  I have noticed that getting on the bike in the morning, and riding the first 10-15 miles is possibility the worst part.  It seems I have to warm up and wake up, after that, I can usually ride fine for many miles, but usually get very hungry and have to stop and chow down.  I remember one day biking about 60 miles and still feeling like I could keep going, but I have a decent camp spot, and it was getting close to dark anyway.

I have met so many amazing people on this trip, and continue to on a daily basis.  Most of these people I will probably never see again, but their impact on me has been profound. 

I'm listing each day with a quick synopsis from my journal, and the corresponding daily mileage with the total:

Wednesday, 9/15/10
Miles today: 16
Total: 123

Left couchsurfer Ryan's at 7am and went to the coffee shop for breakfast and to consider my options.  I wanted stay another day, so I went to the information center on the water front to find out where some hostels were.  Stopped by one and they were charging $30.  I also noticed something was up with my main crank, stopped by a bike shop and turns out my bottom bracket was loose and was going to get worse (if I had kept riding, eventually would have come apart and stripped the threads on the frame).  So for 10 bucks, they regreased it and tightened it up.  I got a hold of couchsurfer Graham and stopped by his place to drop off my panniers and gear (he said i could stay there that night) and groceries i had just picked up.

I went out around victoria on the bike in the rain sightseeing.  Saw some cool floatplanes, a heliport, some people trying to pull a fishing boat out of the water, walked along the jetty.  Came back to Graham's around 8, when he was getting back from work.  We hung out at his place, drank some beer, ate some food, and had a great time. 

Thursday, 9/16/10
Miles today: 34
Total: 157

Got up with Graham in the morning and organized my stuff, as well as putting certain things in bags to prepare for rain.  I took the black ball ferry from victoria to port  angeles at 1030, got there around noon.  The fog was soooo thick, we had to creep in slowly to port, and listen for the horn from the pier to direct us.  Started riding, after only around 5 miles it started riding, and I was quickly soaked.  The ride was dull, and I was wet, but I was still feeling alright since I was just starting the ride.  Stopped to get some elk jerky form a guy and he mentioned he saw 2 german girls touring the day before, cool!  I got to lake crescent and activated the sign that alerts drivers to bikers presence, since the shoulder is nearly nonexistant along the stretch of the lake.  I was reenergized with the lake in view, and captivated with the scenery. 

At one point, I rounded a corner and spooked a young deer.  With nowhere to go to on the other side of the guard rail (it was a drop off) the deer ran alongside me on the other side of the rail.  We were side-by-side for a few seconds running/riding, just staring at each other, it was a very awesome feeling being so close.  Got to Fairholm campground at the west end of the lake, with just about an hour of sunlight to spare.  Made camp, a little dinner and quickly went to bed after a long cold, wet first day.

Friday, 9/17/10
Miles today: 48
Total: 205

Left the camp in the morning and had a serious hill right after leaving camp on the 101.  Didn't stop, but was pretty winded after finally reaching the top.  Long gradual descent after that.  Lots of logging trucks (same as the day before) that are deafening as they drive by, and deflect lots of wind that throws me around a tad.  The sun came out as I reached forks, and I dried out a bit on a table and had lunch.  The ranger at the visitor center told me there was a free campground called cottonwood on the way to ruby beach.  I turned off when I saw the sign, and went for 2.5 miles (more like 3) as indicated, but didn't see the campground.  I stopped a van full of a hispanic family that spoke no english.  From what I understood, the camp was another 10 miles down.  After they left, I noticed a bit of an overgrown, gravel road.  Went up it about 40 meters and realized that the cars couldn't see me from there.  So I made camp, just in time as the rain was starting again.  I thought I was going to be dry, but the tent was dripping water inside.  For about the next hour and a half, I went back outside, getting soaked, trying to keep the water from pooling on top of the tent. I finally got the dripping to a minimum and went to bed.

Saturday, 9/18/10
Miles today: 51
Total: 256

Left the cottonwood free-camp spot I had, stopped raining as I packed.  No logging trucks today, welcome relief, with less traffic altogether.  Got my first glimps of the beach at ruby beach.  Stopped at the ranger station in kalaloch (pronounced clay-lock).  Gorged some food and found out that the Quinualt lake campground is $20, so I decided to free-camp again.  Encountered a terrible thing called chip seal as I left Kalaloch and a grueling hill.  Chip seal is smooth pavement that has been layered with small, hard, tar chips that cause my bike to vibrate, and result in my having to go slower. 

The hill was very long and gradual.  I remember picturing friends and family along the side of the road and seeing them cheering me on to get up the hill.  Difficult climb, but the sun was out...until I neared Quinault lake and it started dumping rain.  I stopped by a house to inquire about the remaining distance to the lake/campground, then just asked if I could pitch my tent on their land.  They agreed, and the next thing I know, I'm taking a hot shower in their downstairs garage area, having a hot, home cooked meal, and drying my clothes and tent in the garage.

I slept in the garage, out of the pouring rain.  Woke to coffee and pastry.  Rodney and Phyllis Miller were such gracious, kind, generous people. When I was leaving, they refused to take any of my money, and wanted me to let them know when I got home safe.  I was speechless with how hospitable they were with a stranger that quite literally, showed up at their doorstep. (thankyou again if you are reading this) 

I am so grateful to all the people that have helped me along the way.  There have been so many, that have done small things and large, but all contributed to doing what they could for me.

Sunday, 9/19/10
Miles today: 55
Total:311

One day, for no particular reason...I felt like going biking.  Was thinking of forest gump while riding, and the song came into my head "you can go your on way..."

Got up from the Miller's house, it was pouring rain as I said goodbye and left.  I remember feeling so recharged after leaving there, and ready to tackle a long day of riding.  The rain subsided after a couple miles.  I stopped at a quinault lake nature trail, and hiked the half mile loop.  It was so worth it.  I saw lush, dense, temperate rain forest.  Massive trees covered with moss, ferns galore.  Not a single piece of land was open besides the trail, everything had something growing on it.

It was raining on and off as I got back on the 101 from the lake.  Fairly boring ride with the occasional clear cut forest down to aberdeen/hoquium.  Faced a strong head wind most of the way down there, until later it softened quite a bit.  I got into town and immediately disliked it.  The town had a very strange, eerie feeling to it.  The houses are small, next to each other, lined up along the 101.  I passed a bus stop and waved at some kids...they only stared blankly back at me.  I stopped at a subway, ate, and quickly left town.  As I crossed the bridge, I saw a storm moving in, and new I was going to get wet once again (after not seeing any rain since the rain forest at quinault earlier in the day). 

The rain hit so hard, I kept looking down to make sure it wasn't hail.  It was raining so hard, I couldn't help but laugh about it.  It stopped just as quick as it started. 

I found what looked like an abandoned logging road just out of town.  Went up and checked it out, looked good, so set camp, made a quick dinner and passed out.

Monday 9/20/10
Miles today: 56
Total: 367

Packing up in the morning, I was real grumpy.  It was wet out, and as I put the bags on the bike, they were sliding off, and water was getting tossed onto me from the small tree I had the bike propped up against.  I snapped a bit and broke some branches and cussed.  Finally on the road, I was tired, unmotivated, and not liking the noisy, careless cars, along with the hills.  I hit the coast, and took a break.  A guy at the store said he had seen the 2 german touring girls like 4 hours earlier.  I was suddenlymotivated to try and catch them, I hadn't seen/talked to any touring cyclists this whole way!  I took off in an attempt to catch them. 

I passed the point and the sun came out as I did and offered a beautiful scenic view of the willapa bay.  I got into town at raymond and was looking for the library to update the blog, check emails, etc. when I saw 2 loaded touring bikes in front of a cafe.  I went in and found a father and son that were the owners.  We sat and talked for a good hour and decided to camp together and split the fee.  Kelly was the dad with his 14 year old son, Arean.  Kelly mentioned he had just seen another solo touring guy, and that he was going to the same campsite.  I stopped at the grocery store on the way out, and met 3 more touring cyclists!  These 3 were young, white, athletic canadian girls from Victoria.  They are on their way down to san diego also!

We all end up at the same hiker/biker campsite about 10 miles out of town at a place called Bruceport campground, and have an awesome time laughing and talking over a campfire.  It was the first evening that it didn't rain, and the moon was brightly shining.There was another guy camped out on the grass lawn with us.  He's walking from canada to mexico!

Tuesday 9/21/10
Miles today: 44
Total: 411

Got up to a thick fog, that I knew was going to burn off and become a beautiful day.  Kelly, Arean and I decided to ride together for the day and camp at fort Canby.  As we left, the fog lifted, and so did our spirits.  I felt euphoric for the longest time that day.  It was my first day of complete, utter sunshine on the bike and I was loving life. I could not wipe this ridiculous grin off my face, no matter how hard I tried.  This went on for nearly the first 10 miles, then some hills distracted me.  I still enjoyed the rest of the day in the sunshine as we rode, passing some very scenic stretches next to the bay.  We stopped by the grocery store, and made it to camp with a couple hours of sunlight left.  We set camp and went to the beach to enjoy the sunset and evening sun.  Made a great dinner and as we got ready for a great night of rain-free sleep, som raccoons came into camp and started rumagin through some of our stuff looking for food.  I chased them off with a frying pan, and cleaned up what little stuff there was left out, and slept great after that.

Wednesday 9/22/10
Miles today: 30
Total: 441

Kelly and Arian left for astoria, as I went to check out the light house on the bluff.  I took the tour and took some great pictures of the columbia river mouth, with another awesome, sunny day starting.  I took my time, enjoyed the sunshine as I rode the stretch to the astoria bridge, and hooted as I went downhill off the bridge into oregon, and my official, first state crossing!  I stopped by a cafe where kelly and arian were, then went off checking prices at hotels.  I found a hostel for $20 a night and decided to go with it.  I took a refreshing shower, changed and biked to a pizza place, where i spoiled myself with a milkshake, a pizza and some wings as i watched the vikings barely lose to the dolphins.  After, I biked back, locked up the bike and went to the George brewery around the corner from the hostel.  There i had one of the coffee porters, and enjoyed the atmosphere.  I got into a lively conversation with Duncan, a husky, mellow guy with a thick beard and long hair.  We immediately connected and shared some stories of things we have seen and done.  He offered some great suggestions on possible jobs in the area for when i move, as well as good seasonal work so i can travel.  We closed the place and said goodbye.

I went back to the hostel, and still hadn't seen the two other guys staying in my dorm.  I stopped by another bar, didn't see them, so I came back. They were there watching seinfeld, and greeted me with big smiles.  Yaron and amit, 2 israeli young guys, stayed up late talking about random things with me, until i finally just fell asleep from exhaustion.

Thursday 9/23/10
Miles today: REST DAY! probably about 5, went to the cafe and the library

 Came back to the hostel, and convinced the 2 guys to come do the hike with me to the lewis and clark monument at the top of the hill.  It didnt take long before we were at the top with a view of astoria, the bridge, washington, and the coast (a complete 360 view even).  The monument itself is a tall (30-40 meters), that has a winding staircase inside you climb up.  We took a few pictures from up there, enjoyed the view, until the cold wind forced us to go back down.  We stopped by a fast food place for dinner, and a pub where we played a few games of pool.

Back to riding tomorrow, deep into the Oregon coast.  I should be in crescent city in a little more than a week, which will mark the half way point!

Southbound

Miles ridden today: 45
Miles so far: 107


Got up today, finished uploading photos and such.  Ended up sleeping in until around 11, packed and got on the road today around 1:30.  Knew it was going to be tight to try and make the 3pm ferry, but figured I'd try nonetheless.  Got out of downtown alright, but then hit gravel again on the shoulder for a couple miles.  There was a lot of construction people on the opposite side, so I think it was really good fortune/timing that I went north when I did when there wasn't any of them.  I passes a couple construction guys, I was waiting for them to tell me how i can't ride on the 99, I looked right into the eyes of one of them, nodded, neither said anything.   Traffic was starting to slow and I knew I was close to the tunnel. 

I didn't want to risk going through the tunnel again, figured i would try to hitch a ride through at the exit before.  As i was sitting at the stoplight, i saw an F-150 diesel truck, with a trailer of two jet skis.  The young couple had just got into the truck with the engine running as I pulled up.  He rolled down the window and I explained the situation, and inquired if he might be heading south as well.  Turns out he was, and had no problem giving me a ride.  Dave and Jane (think that was there names...) dropped me off just past the tunnel, and I was back on the road, relieved that I avoided riding through the tunnel again.  It was defintely obvious riding on the 99 today that it's illegal to bike on it (we saw a police car as we exited the tunnel in dave's truck, glad i got a ride). 

[I was thinking while riding today how amazing it is that the entire time i was on the 99, I didn't see or get pulled over by a single cop.  I realized I hadn't seen any cops the entire time I was there and mentioned this to Janelle.  We did finally see some the following evening in downtown, but they are few and far between...i love canada.]

I got onto the 17, and noticed the land lost some trees and turned into a delta.  As I approached the peninsula for the ferry, I was struck with the sudden beauty of the view.  Behind me, I could see west Van, with Grouse mountain visible.  Even some of the slopes I could see, and barely make out their famous wind turbine at the top. 

On the ferry, I locked my bike up and was deafened by the noise on the lower level with the diesel trucks and the boat engine.  I unstrapped ALL my bags and juggled them to the elevator and top deck.  I met Robert, a traveling german, with middle aged complexion.  He helped me with a bag as we made our way to the front of the boat and enjoyed the view and discussed traveling.  Turns out, he's a fellow couch-surfer as well.  The ferry ride was spectacular.  Very calm water, so glassy, with the sun out and barely any clouds.  When we got close to dock, I said goodbye and took a picture with his CS account name.  I raced downstairs and put all the gear/bags back on the bike just in time to get off the ferry before the trucks did.

Road to Victoria, and was keeping a steady pace to beat the darkness.  Made it but not with the sun.  Stopped by subway for much needed nutrients, called Ryan (couch surfer i'm staying with in Victoria), got some revised directions and made it to his house.  He's busy packing for his Las Vegas trip.  Guess he has to leave by 7am, so definitely early morning.  That will give me time to ride around town.  I have another couch-surfer's number that I may call and see I can stay one more day (still ahve some canadian money to use too).

Then it will be onto Port Angeles on the 'black ball' ferry.  Don't really know when I'll have internet access again.  I'll probably just stop into a library at some point, until the next definite computer location (crescent city).  Knee is feeling alright, some pain at times, but I get pain in other parts of my left leg too.  I think it hurts more when I'm not riding, haha.

Finally pictures!

 



 Packing up at moms house before leaving the following day





Hiking along Mt. Erie with Kevin 

 

Deception Pass

 

 

All loaded and crossing the border





 

Cooking with J





Looking towards downtown Van





For the rest of the pictures of the trip, check this: http://s339.photobucket.com/albums/n471/ssoulssurfer/Biking%20Pacific%20Coast/

Oh Canada, eh!

Great weather continued on Saturday. Kevin and I packed up and headed north. He decided that he was going to drop me off at the border, instead of Bellingham, to give us more time for sight seeing.  We stopped at Mt. Erie on the way. It was an amazing view of the East and the South, overlooking the islands and Washington.  After, we continued driving, up to Chuckanut drive.  This is a road that winds around the coast of the mainland and is a great, scenic alternative to the 5 freeway.  After making some stops, we realized that it was getting very late for me to start riding. 

Kevin dropped me off at the last exit before the border.  Strapped the gear to the bike quick-like, and with a hasty goodbye, took off on the road towards the border.  I didn't know what to expect, since I hadn't seen any cyclists on the road, just a line of cars up to the border.  There were 4-6 agents standing in the road, generally looking over cars.  They barely glanced at me as I rode through.  I had somebody take a quick shot of me and the bike under the famous "peace arch".  I slowly rode up to the stalls at the border, and didn't really know where to go, so I went to the closest to the center stall and noticed a door at the building. The agent asked me where I was going, and a few other general questions (including if i was carrying a firearm, which turns, had I been carrying one, would have been excluded entry [FYI for all those that thought i should carry a weapon]).  I was granted access and took off on the bike.  Considering I had told Janelle (couch surfer I was to be staying with in Vancouver), I would be up there between 4-5, and the current time was almost 5, I left in a hurry.  (I saw a sign that said Vancouver was 34 right when i started, didn't realize until I got to vancouver that it was actually in kilometers forutnately, even though it still took 38 miles to get to her condo).

I noticed immediately riding on the 99 that it would be interesting, since the freeway was a 2 lane highway on both sides going freeway speeds.  I started out with a solid pace, almost 20mph, but between 5-10 miles, i saw that the shoulder was going from paved to gravel, with no end in sight.  This went on for a good couple miles, with my pace dropping to around 5mph.  Before i got back onto the pavement, i noticed a wood marker sticking up that I was heading right for.  With all the weight, i couldn't move out of the way in time without sliding out on the gravel, and clipped it with my right front pannier  (DONT LOAD FRONT PANNIERS TOO MUCH!).  I heard something break, and looked down to see one of the mounting clips broken, but still hooked, and my pannier barely on the rack.  My speed/distance sensor was hit and had to adjust it until it worked again.  I was back on the paved road, then the rain slowly progressed from a sprinkle, to a steady rain (not down pour at least).  Then some miles later after getting into a groove, i reached the george massey tunnel.

This tunnel joins the two land masses and goes under the fraser river.  As i came up to it, it looked like there wasn't a bike lane so i turned off to assess the situation.  i stopped and put the covers on my panniers, eat something, asked some runners if there was another way around, the nearest was 15 k's to the east.  i went back and after trying to hitch hike for 15mins, i decided to go for it.  i took off when there wasn't any cars in the one lane, dropped into high gear and into the tunnel.  Very wet, very scary...very thrilling!  As i got to the other side, i started to slow down as the up-hill came.  My critical mass skills took over, and i took over the right lane, so people wouldn't try to pass me in the lane.  I received some honks and some glares as people passed in the other lane, but i made it out of the tunnel.  A couple miles later i see a firetruck with lights blazing, zooming up the freeway behind me.  I immediately thought someone called them when they saw me in the tunnel, but they past me.  A little later i saw that they were responding to an accident.  I rode by, off the freeway in the dirt/mud, that started sticking to the bike like glue.  Got past the accident and had to muscle my 100pound bike and gear over the wall.  Chuckling at all the stuff happening in one day as i started riding again, and got to vancouver a little later.

Riding through downtown Vancouver, i was getting a lot of looks as i went down Granville st, soaked, dirty, with a loaded touring bike.  The first thing i noticed about Vancouver is, all of the fine women.  I just couldn't helpful myself as i pulled up to the occasional red light, and ask a beautiful girl for directions, when of course i knew where i was going.  As I crossed the the bridge into North Van, I never thought i would be so happy to see an "ugly grey building".  I was up in Janelle's condo in no time, with bike and gear, having a hot shower and delicous hot tea.  Since i arrived around 8pm, we briefly agreed that another day in Vancouver would definitely be in order, so i postponed my departure for vancouver island another day.

Sunday it was still raining.  Janelle cooked amazing spelt/banana pancakes, and more delicious tea.  Took the bus with her to kitsalno.  She went to work at the spa, and i walked around in the rain, checking out different shops.  There's a tea shop called David's teas that we went to after she got off.  i never knew teas could be so good, and will never look at other loose leaf teas again.  i stocked up for the rest of the trip, i know it will be worth it.  We walked along the beach at kitsalano, stopped by the brewery for tasting, and grabbed a bunch of ingredients for a kick ass dinner.  Got back to the condo, cooked and ate wild BC salmon, asparagus, rissoto from scratch, and a rose wine.

After letting the food settle. Janelle offered the idea of going out to downtown to the bars with a couple friends that were on their way down there.  I said i was too tired... jk, of course i said yes, and we got ready.  We were picked up by a taxi with janelle's two friends, steve and pete.  Steve is an irishman born in belfast, still with an accent.  pete is english, with a real thick british accent.  Together, the four of us all from different countries, drove to downtown and went to the bar Roxy.  They wouldn't let me in with my rain pants i had on.  So J and i improvised... Went to the Mcdonalds, where i swapped my long underwear pants i still had on, for her jeans.  We got back to the club, the bouncer was so impressed, he let us both in without paying the cover.  Had a great time, hung out at the house with janelle and steve, didn't get to bed until 4. 

Got up today, exhausted, but still ready for more adventure.  I packed up most of my gear, and janelle and i went for a canadian souvenir, something practical and memorable.  I had mentioned that i wanted a shirt, and we had seen a particular shirt that she thought was at a store nearby.  The weather was great, partly cloudy, that quickly cleared to clear skies, and clean, cool, air.  We made it down to the mall, and found the T-shirt shop that happened to have the I (cloud) Vancouver 't' we had seen previously.  We stopped by whole foods afterwards for a snack, and i walked her to her medical appointment.  We took some great pictures at the fountain and said goodbye. 

I walked back to the condo, met with Kathryn (old friend), packed my stuff, and took off in her SUV.  She offered her couch to stay on, and since it was already late in the day, knew i should just stay another day again, and get an early start the following day for Victoria.  Drove to Cypress mountain, UBC, as well as some other spots but i couldnt help falling asleep.  We grabbed a quick bite at a local restaurant, got to her house where i spent hours updating this blog and editing pictures.  Didn't realize how long it would take, im going to have to cut down on some details for future posts, but i'm sure there might be less to write about after biking all day, and hanging out at campsites, but i digress.

Going to sleep after i upload some pics.  Getting up early tomorrow so i can bike around downtown some more, possibly stanley park, then head down to Tsawwassen for the ferry to Swartz bay on Vancouver island. It looks like the couch surfer i was supposed to stay with sunday night, is still cool with me staying with him tomorrow night, but sounds like he'll be busy, so ill have to do some solo sight seeing i think.

The Great North

Made to Washington!

Woke up yesterday, scrambled to finish taping up the bike in the box and got to the airport.  Paid the fees, checked the box, the bag of gear and immediately fell asleep on the plane.  Arrived in Seattle and got my bag out of the baggage claim in no time, and went to the over-size baggage area to claim my bike box where the employee was just unloading everything.  I spotted Kevin, wandered around the parking lot looking for his truck, and we took off, stopped at a few places including an outdoor store where I picked up the necessary isobutane/butane mix for the stove.

On the way to Kevin's house on Whidbey island, we stopped at Deception pass.  A breathtaking view from a bridge that connects the main land to the island, with views of Canada and the Olympic peninsula.  Arrived at Kevin and Maddy's cozy, wooded house outiside of Coupeville.  They have 6 beautiful horses that I fed carrots and hay by hand.

Assembled the bike today, no damage it looks like!  Loaded up the panniers and went out for a ride.  Decided instead of trying to ride to Bellingham (~60-70 miles from their house) I would just do a local ride, and stay another day, since there were still some hikes to check out, and doing that long of a ride the first day might not be a good idea.  I rode north along the island, and was amazed at how much I saw on my first day:  I saw a Delorean, some buffalo on a farm, another 12 valve cummins veggie truck.  The coolest of all was a fellow touring bicyclist on the opposite side of the road.  We spotted each other and began waving.  We slowed as we passed each other and exchanged hearty 1-2 sentence hello's, offering hope that he stays dry.  It was so exciting to see another rider out there (even though we have seen several touring cyclists driving around town since I've been here), to appreciate what each other is going through was an invigorating feeling.  Got back to the house fed the horses and ate, while waiting for Keving.

When Kevin got home from work, we drove to deception pass, and this time hiked Eagle rock.  What amazing views from atop this small mountain, overlooking deception pass and the Olympic peninsula. I took a bunch of great shots, especially of the sunset over the mountains that hopefully I'll post tomorrow when I get to Vancouver.

Going to do some hiking tomorrow, and get dropped off in Bellingham, where I'll ride to Vancouver.

Departure Imminent

I leave Thursday morning!

Finally got done moving today.  Now I really need to focus on finishing packing up, like packing the bike in the bike box.

Finally received my front panniers and rack on Wednesday.  Mounted the rack and bags that night, realized that the front panniers have a poorly designed mounting system, so I had to use my angle grinder and cut off a tab on the rack, then use a bungee cord to make sure the bags aren't going to come off while riding.

On Saturday I went for a test drive, loaded up all the panniers with stuff ( a lot of it for the trip), at least a good 40 pounds of gear, along with the tent, sleeping bag, and mat.  The bike definitely handles a bit different, and that weight is noticeable when pedaling, but didn't seem overwhelming.  I rode to my uncle Don's in Oceanside to see if he wanted to go on my usual trip to the harbor and back, but when I arrived, he had company and were just sitting down to dinner.  I skipped the ride and had a great meal and a great time with everyone there.  The ride home was a bit of a struggle, late at night with a belly full of food and in not the most sober mindset, but I made it back.

I started packing Sunday, moved all day yesterday and most of today to my mom's.  Tomorrow, I'm focusing the entire day on packing, checking and rechecking checklists and making sure I have everything.  I'm going to pack the bike tomorrow morning, probably go get some foam or bubble wrap to protect the derailleur's.

Next time I post, I'll be in Canada!