Distance 52.9 miles -- Cumulative 124.9
Time 4:17:28 -- Cumulative 10:11:40
Elevation Gain 1798 -- Cumulative 4299
It was another glorious day of riding in the Pacific Northwest. It started off cool and damp in the Hoh Rain Forest, transitioned to the deep forest of the Olympic National Park, then to the wonderful fresh ocean air as I pedaled along the Pacific coast, and finally back inland a bit to Lake Quinault on the edge of the Quinault Rain Forest. I was privileged to travel through the lands of the Quinault nation. Also, I failed to mention I started my journey yesterday in the lands of the Makah people.
The terrain was a bit less hilly than yesterday and I made good time.
I stopped at the Kalaloch Lodge on the beach for a late breakfast. Jade convinced me to step up my order to the Lumberjack--two eggs, bacon, hash browns, toast AND two pancakes. No problem. As I was leaving I encountered a young biking couple. I chatted with Tim while his companion was making a phone call. When Tim learned of my destination he said "we met a Dutch guy who said he ran into you yesterday." In my mind that conversation went something like this, "So I met this old guy pulling a trailer with a nice road bike. He said he's going to Key West. I think he might be crazy." But Tim didn't let on.
I waited until I was almost done riding to grab a late lunch (and a beer) in Amanda Park. As I road up to the restaurant I noticed another heavily ladened bike out front. Inside I found only one other patron so of course I started a conversation. Jeff is a couple years older than I am which made me feel less crazy. He is a Lutheran minister from Utah, nice guy. We chatted across the room for about an hour, mostly about the state of affairs in America. He is heading south for the eclipse as well. I hope to see him again.
I did laundry in the hotel sink at the beautiful old Lake Quinault Lodge then hiked the mile and a half up the road to see the World's Largest Sitka Spruce tree. It's a big tree.
After dinner I shared a bottle of wine with Nathan from St. Louis. His wife Robin wasn't drinking. I also met Sharon and Lou from Fairfax, VA. We had at least one mutual acquaintance--small world.
Tomorrow I am getting ambitious and shooting for something over 70 miles. I am trying to make it to Elma. Wish me luck and send me comments if you are reading these.
Where are the pictures? Not to be critical, but it sounds fantastic. The world's tallest Sitka spruce, anyway. I love hearing about the people you talk with. It restores my faith in people, at least a little. BTW, if people aren't commenting it's not that they aren't reading. It isn't that easy to comment, unless you have a google account. Even then, it took me a couple of tries to figure it out. So, don't give up, people! And Melvin, hope today is another good one!
ReplyDeleteThanks. I still haven't been able to get pictures to post properly. I will keep trying.
ReplyDeleteSounds like you're impressing people as much as the Alaska to Argentina guy impressed you! Love hearing your stories about who you're meeting as well.
ReplyDeleteBeen following every day, you are making great progress so far! I'll see if I can figure out how you can upload photos.
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ReplyDeleteMaybe along the way you can pickup a gopro and post some footage.
ReplyDeleteOk, just read the 3 days and now I'm hooked....It's just like The Real Housewives of Orange County... on a bike....without the outfits, jewelry and hair extensions! Seriously! Very fun read! Glad you started at the tippy top. I love meeting total strangers and finding out "their story." Yes, no doubt YOU will become part of many stranger's stories. Looking forward to reading more about your amazing journey!
ReplyDeleteMy mom Sharon asked me to post that she and Lou enjoyed meeting you too. 'Small world indeed!' She says :) Have a great journey!
ReplyDeleteThanks Karin. Tell Lou that my friend David had nice things to say about him.
ReplyDeleteMelvin - Just reminiscing over our summer last year and this year. As it draws to a close, thinking about all we have done between then and now. I know I promised to follow, and when I really checked in, it was all over. We all have trials, challenges, etc. and everyone is dealing with something. It is only important to try. You still inspire - hope you have had a great year.
ReplyDelete- Nathan from St. Louis