If you're going to San Fransisco

Miles Traveled Since Last Blog: 180

Miles Traveled: 1295

So I made it in the San Francisco, Frisco, San Fran, the City by the Bay, etc... This city is constantly intriguing me with its excellent history, especially with two things that interest me, Classic Rock and Natural Hazards. This place is home to some of the best music to come out of the 60's and the city has many case studies for hazard mitigation (most notably the Earthquake and ensuing Fire of 1906). I have really enjoyed the city today (got in around noon) and plan to stay a couple days.

Since Fort Bragg it has been a lot more intense riding along highway 1 along the Coast. There was some steep sections with little to no shoulder and some parts high along cliffs with no guard rail. While it has been stressful at times I have been enjoying it thoroughly, very technical.

Camped at Russian Gulch that night and it was a nice spot just a little foggy. Pushed pretty hard the next day over some beautiful scenery, see picture above. Then camped just south of the border to Mendocino and Sonoma counties, Gualala State Park. I have a relatives that first migrated to America and ended up in Gualala and my middle name comes from their, my Grandmothers Maiden name, Elliot. So that was kind of interesting little thing to think about while I caught this nice sunset there. (pictured below).

Moved on the next day to Bodega Dunes State park. It was another off and on weather day with it being clear sometimes and very cloudy while windy at other times. I caught up with some British guys I have been leap frogging since Oregon and took their picture outside the Manchester, CA city limits sign, funny stuff. See picture below, thanks Phil, Aled & Arthur (I believe this was on his 22nd birthday)

From Bodega Dunes State Park I stayed last night in the last bit of Redwoods I think I'm going to see on my trip in Samuel P. Taylor State park. I went to bed before the sun even went down because of putting in so much time in the saddle and I was excited to get here to the city. I had a great day today riding through the northern suburbs on San Francisco and making my way across the Golden Gate Bridge was quite the experience. (Pictures Below)



Its been a fun day riding through the city and checking out places like the Wharf, Presidio, Civic Center, Haight Ashbury (pic below) & Golden Gate Park. I am staying with a friend from High School I haven't seen for a while and I am looking forward to great time while I am here.

Here's a picture of some trash from a couple days ago (I don't get pics from them all) and another one that fits with it too that I have been seeing a lot lately.



Thanks for all the continuing support and I hope everyone has a good weekend.

-TE

Ups and Downs

Miles Traveled Since Last Blog: 130

Miles Traveled Total: 1115

So it has been a few days since a post so there is a lot to update on and I hope I get it all in.

The time after my last blog postwas great. Kathryn, her boyfriend Brendan and a fellow couchsurfer Max all went to the beach at Samoa and then a vegan potluck in Arcata. It was delicious and a great time including an acoustic set of a girl from Maryland named Anne and some fire juggling by a dude named Phil (pictures above & below)


After another nice night inside on a couch I headed south again to end up in the Redwoods again. I camped along Avenue of the Giants which is a scenic alternative to the 101 that I highly recommend. I camped at Burlington Camp Ground next to the Eel River with alot of the bikers I had seen in Oregon and days past. Picture of large toppled over Redwood's roots below.

Set off that day and finished with the Avenue of the Giants and moved into some very hot open rolling hills. The temperature got above 90 and there was a 10-15mph headwind, not to mention the hills. It was rather intense.

Today I biked over what I think might be the highest point along my route after Leggit, CA right at the beginning of Highway 1. The hill was a 7% grade for four miles but not as bad as I expected it to be. Getting back to the coast is nice, even though Highway 1 (nicknamed the Shoreline Highway pictured above) is indubitably intense in some spots. I am heading for Russian Gulch about 8 miles south of my current location in Fort Bragg.

It has been some of the most intense times on the trip in the last couple days with some of the most difficult terrain and trying situations. The shoulders of some roads are rough, small or sometimes unfortunately nonexistent with a lot of logging trucks and tourist RVs. The hills have been steep and plentiful but getting me into shape. I do have to admit that the trash has been minimal, I do see signs every where that say Littering Fine $ 1000 which I can appreciate.

Looking forward riding on Highway 1 for a while and getting to San Fransisco in a little while. Thanks to everyone for your continued support it really helps me get through the ups and downs of the trip!!!

Until next time.

-TE

Couchsurfing in Eureka

Miles Traveled Since Last Blog: 60

Miles Traveled Total: 985

So I am again taking a little break in Eureka, CA after completing another state and almost half of my journey as far as my estimation goes. (This should make the entire trip around 2,000 miles!!!) I am staying with a very nice hospitable couple Kathryn and Brendan who just moved here a couple months ago from LA. I found them on a website called Couch Surfing which is for travelers looking for free accommodations and connections. I have been on the network for 6 months back when I had an apartment and tried to host but nobody really travels in the winter. This is my first time utilizing it as a surfer and it has been a great experience.

After my last blog I went back to Elk Prairie and found that a lot more bikers had made it there. I think there was a 12 or 13 total of us in the site and it was a great communal feeling of cyclists telling stories of the road and sharing tips.

Yesterday on the road was a nice fairly moderate ride from the Redwoods back to the coast. I caught some great pictures of some elk in the morning (pictured above). There was also some great coastline along the way too besides the fog, one of the pictures is at the heading of this blog. Made it to Arcata for lunch and checked out Humboldt State University (pictured below) a school that I got into when applying for colleges but never got the chance to personally explore. While I liked it I am glad that I stuck with Western Washington University, I miss that place alot and Bellingham in general.

Its nice to just take a day off and not have to ride my bike at all or even feel like I need to go anywhere. Kathryn and Brendan are very nice hosts they made a great Corn Chowder last night and we are going to a Couch-Surfing Vegan Potluck tonight that should be a really great time. But its back to the road tomorrow and continuing southward.

Hope all is well with all my readers. I give my best to my family in Texas for the wedding of my God-Brother Justin, I wish you all the best.

-TE

a Victorian style mansion in downtown Eureka

Another state down, Almost half done & some really big Trees

Miles Traveled Since Last Blog: 90

Miles Traveled Total: 925

So I made it through Oregon with little to no problems and it was quite the enjoyable experience. I am enjoying California thus far and I only have a lot more to look forward to.

Ended up camping north of Brookings like planned at Harris Beach State Park (pictured above), a very nice spot indeed. Camped with some girls from Tacoma and those British blokes again. Had a little trouble with one of my shifters but got it fixed it Crescent City before I had to climb some of the biggest hills I have conquered thus far on the trip. Thanks to BackCountry Bicycles for helping me out with that.

The hills weren't as bad as I expected them to be but tough all the same. I made it through the Klamath Valley only to have to climb another hill but then it was all downhill through the Redwoods to Elk Prairie Campground my current resting place. Elk in the Prairie pictured below.


I decided to take a day off there since it was so nice and I was a little beat from climbing those hills and doing 70 plus miles yesterday. But all the same I went for a 12 mile hike to the coast today through the Redwoods that was phenemonal and then rode my bike into Orick which is were I am currently to make a blog post, which is what I'm doing... duh.

I'm moving on tomorrow to Eureka and hopefully couchsurfing with someone there for a night or two. I'm excited to check out that area and the rest of California in general, its been pretty nice so far.

Heres the trash from the last bit of Oregon and first of Cali.



The last Picture is of me and my gear next to one of the many Redwoods around this area.


Keep on keeping on.

-TE

Getting Into my JakPak

I promised Jeremy from JakPak I would post something like this so here is me getting into my large blue JakPak yesterday @ Elk Prairie, CA. Enjoy

Almost out of Oregon

Miles Traveled Since Last Blog: 85

Miles Traveled Total: 835

Yet again this amazing state never fails to impress me with its continuing beauteous seaside and amazing scenery. I have really enjoyed my time in Oregon and I will be somewhat sentimental to put it behind me yesterday when I enter the ever daunting California which will consist of over half of my journey.


After the posting in Coos Bay I went onto the poorly named Sunset Bay State Park only because it was cloudy and no sunset was to be found. I think I passed out before it got dark, so much time in the saddle can be exhausting. Yesterday brought a nice ride with some great tailwinds to push me along. I rode through Bandon and Port Orford both great little towns with coastal character. I got a flat briefly on my front tire sometime around midday but swapped out tubes quickly and moved on.

Last night I was at Humbug Mtn. State Park and it was a great site with nice hot showers and a good hiker/biker area. Spent the evening down at the beach taking a phenomenal sunset that was long overdue (pictured above). Today has been nice so far a little windy and the clouds have been off and on. I'm in Gold Beach currently at a nice book store/ coffee place. I am putting off a big hill that I know comes after this town but alas I will climb it when it comes. Picture of the Rogue River below and a bridge I just crossed


Thats kinda been the motto I have been keeping thus far on the trip. Whatever happens, happens and I will deal with it as it comes. A "Play the Cards as they are Dealt" strategy if you will. Its worked so far and I have no regrets or disappointments.

Heres the Trash from yesterday, the white bag is FULL of cans.



I'm hopefully camping just north of Brookings tonight at Harris Beach which is just a mere 6 or 7 miles from the border to California. I am totally ecstatic to see the Redwoods and spend some time in San Fransisco and other cool Northern California towns.

Well thats all for now. Thanks for all the continuing support from friends, family and everybody.

-TE

Making My Way in the World Today

Days Traveled Since Last Blog: 120

Days Traveled Total: 750

I have really realized during the last couple days on the long stretches of highway with no body but my own mind to pass the time, how utterly liberated and independent I am. I have no job, no home, no plans (besides this bike trip), no friends with me, close to no money and to be honest it is really one of the most amazing feelings I have ever experienced. Not that I plan to be this crazy vagabond that is going to travel the earth with no agenda but at this point in my life this situation really is working to my benefit. This Summer Cycle Adventure is just what I need to sort of what I really want out of this crazy world and trying to figure out what it wants out of me.

I apologize for that rant if it seems a little incoherent, it is something that I have been thinking about alot lately and needed to get it off my chest.

So the last couple days besides filled with lots of thinking have been some of the best of the trip. After Lincoln City the hills were steep in places but the wind was at my back and the weather broke through for some sunshine. I saw some beautiful scenery down the coast, as well as some wildlife, including a whale. Picture of it spouting below.

Got down to Beachside State Park for a the night and besides the fog it was nice, a little lonely I was the only one in the hiker-biker space. Yesterday brought more scenic views along the coast and some then onto the Sand Dunes. Pictured Below.

I stayed last night in Jessie M. Honeyman Memorial State Park right next to North America's largest sand dunes. This was a place I had always wanted to go and it exceeded my great expectations. It was great climbing around on these sand monsters. I even got to try a little sand boarding (like snow boarding but on sand with wooden boards).

A couple from California on a tandem I met in Forks, WA were at the campsite, Craig and Michelle, along with some nice guys from the U.K. that are doing a similar trip as myself, Aled, Phil and Arthur.

Today has been nice besides a strong wind that seems like it changes direction every five minutes. I am in Coos Bay currently headed for Sunset Bay State Park for the night. I can't believe I'm almost out of Oregon already (2 days left), it seems like I just got here.

Heres some trash that I got rid of in Florence yesterday, I like this state because you get 5 cents for every can, its a nice little way clean up the highway and make a little cash.



Hope everyone out there in the real world is doing fine. Keep in touch.

-TE

Back to the Beach

Day 15

Miles Traveled Since Last Blog: 115

Miles Traveled Total: 630

In Lincoln City, Oregon Currently and the weather is being a little crazy. Maybe its common that its really foggy right along the coast and really nice just a little bit inland but that seems crazy to me. O yeah and its really windy, which made for interesting biking.

Getting out of Portland was an interesting experience with some intense climbs, two of mention Taylors Ferry Rd. and Meadow Lake Rd. Camped out in the Nestucca River Valley last night and it was nice. Got a little backtracked today into Pacific City, an Oregon Coast Bike Route Sign threw me off. But I ate lunch on the beach and turned around. Its good to be back by the ocean, the sea is a companion along this trip always guarding my port side. After another intense climb over Cascade Head with barely any shoulder for biking and me thinking I might die I made it here to Lincoln City and Devils Lake State Park my home for the night.

This town is nice, I am at a place called Aunt Mary's that makes some delicious food, I had a Grilled Cheese Sandwich that had Pineapple on it that was sauteed in Garlic, mmm (it may sound weird but it sure cured my hunger). I had hope to catch a nice sunset here but I think the fog may rob me of it.

I heard that an article in the Western Front was published on my ride this week from the friends. I put a link to it on the links section of the blog on the right hand side check it out.

Tomorrow further south onto Newport and beyond. Thanks all for the continued support and feel free to comment on anything, or send me an email or call, whatever, its nice to keep in touch with friends, family and any body else who is reading this!!!

My camera is being a little funky uploading pictures so I hopefully will get some up here soon.

sincerely,

-TE

Refelction after Relaxation

Day 13

Miles Traveled Since Last Blog: 140

Miles Traveled Total: 515

So it has been a while since the last post, so this one might be a little bit long. I am currently at my cousin Gretchen's apartment in Milwuakie, Oregon a couple miles south of Portland. I have been taking what I deemed to be a necessary break at this point. Seeing that this is my first big cycle adventure I need to pace my self and not overdue it.

The break has been very relaxing and enjoyable, the city of Portland is really a great place for cyclists. After leaving the Bay Center KOA I headed inland along the Columbia and took the Puget Island ferry across to Westport, Oregon. It was a very nostalgic feeling leaving my home state and not knowing when I will be back. I camped in St. Helens that night (After a tough ride on Highway 30) and then woke up early to make it into Portland on Saturday morning.

By pure coincidence or some grand synchronicitious event, my parents and younger siblings were attending the wedding of the daughter of some former neighbor friends here in the Portland area. I had the distinct pleasure of joining them at the Mc Menamins Grand Lodge in Forest Grove, Oregon for the reception. I was put up in the "Jerry Garcia" room and thought it all to approrpriate that this quote was on the wall.

"Synchronicity... There's a large element of what we do that we have no control over. We have to beg off from what's happening – it isn't us that’s doing it, we’re only like the tools through which it’s happening. And it's okay. We have faith . . . Our music is never counting. For us the One is always Now. In time – whether it’s 7/4 time, 4/4 time, or whatever – we’re always coming back to the One."


I would like to congratulate the young couple who was wed, Megan and Steven. As well as thank all my family and their friends for being so kind and supportive of my adventures. Thank you Clements, Novotneys, Coelhos, Niedermeyers and Pasketts.

I think now that I have stopped moving for a while it is a good time to reflect on what this trip has meant thus far. It has gone by so fast so far and I want to have time to absorb some of the lessons I have learned.

Traveling by bicycle is a totally different experience that anything I have done before. All of the senses of are enhanced and intensified. The sights are easier to see since they go by so much slower. The sounds are either intense and annoying ,like traffic, or soft and soothing like the babble of a brook or the chirping of birds. The smells are much more accessible from the endless exhaust which I have come to loathe to the crisp & moist sea breeze. I just feel a lot more in touch with my surroundings and it makes me appreciate the journey so much more.

The roadside waste clean up has indubitably been one of the more unique aspects of the journey. It seems to me like over half of the trash on the side of the road is from cheap liquor. I have picked up more Bud Light and Malt Liquor cans than I care to remember. It is a real disappointment to know that such intoxication while driving persists on top of the terrible litter problem. I probably only pick up a menial fraction of what is out there because really the amount is overwhelming. I have developed a strategy to stop when I see a concordance of trash and take a brief water and stretch break while getting as much trash as I can in the immediate area.

The people that I have met along the way have been nothing but supportive and it really has been a great inspiration to keep on keeping on. From the fellow adventure cyclists to the convenience store clerks everyone has a positive attitude. I can only look forward to all the amazing people I will continue to meet along my way.

As far as support for the research in Guatemala, people have been interested and somewhat perplexed about what exactly it is I am raising funds for. I have to first explain my major, and that usually goes with some details about Emergency Management and Disaster Risk Reduction. Then I have to explain the situation in Guatemala City with the lack of proper infrastructure in these communities. The project is in its initial stages and this money is going directly to Western Washington University and Huxley college for the research on how to lessen these peoples risk to landslides.

Peoples perception of risk is something that I have been trying to grasp when it comes into conversation. A lot of people are not aware of the hazards that exist around them and I don't know whether this could be considered as an ignorance is bliss situation or as something concerning. Sure people see the Tsunami Evacuation Route signs but when an earthquake occurs on the Cascadia Subduction Zone, do they know that they need to get out ASAP. This concept of risk perception is something I am still trying to wrap my head around and I hope I devleop a better way to analyze it throughout the rest of my journey.

Well it has been really nice to sleep in a bed the past couple nights and eat some real meals that don't consist of peanut butter and dried fruit sandwhiches. However I am excitied to get back on the road tomorrow and continue down the coast. Oregon is a beautiful state and I am estatic to explore some more of it. The trip has been the adventure of a lifetime thus far and only expect more to come. Thank you all again for reading my blog and following me, without you I would not be able to do this. I got my camera charger back so expect more pictures in the future.

PEACE

-TE

1 State Down 2 to Go

Here's another video just after I got off the Ferry Across the Columbia from Washington into Oregon.

On the Road Again

Day 9

Miles Traveled Since Last Blog: 150

Miles Traveled Total: 375

So I did finally get out of Forks, alive and without harm from vampires (just sopping wet from the rain). The bike store never opened but some ladies helped me out by going a couple miles down the road to a place that did have some extra tubes. Thank you ladies, you helped me out more than you know.

I had to do the ride from Forks again but I didn't mind that much. I made it to Kalaloch State Park on the coast Tuesday night and met up with Andrew again to share a site and a six pack. It was a nice place on the coast but it was not the best weather. Wednesday was nothing but a bunch of rain. Woke up and it was raining, went for a walk on the beach (rain), recycled my trash I from the day before (soaking wet), then biked up to Lake Quinalt (precipitating hard). Then a brief recess with Andrew and some other bikers at a nice little lunch stop. These fellow cycle adventures are awesome and I must mention them.

Deborah from Vancouver, WA is a fun lady that is biking from Seattle back home. Then Laurie and Ethel from the UK. They are some amazing experienced adventure cyclists that are riding from Vancouver BC to Florida!!! They have proven to be an amazing resource of bike help and great company. I probably wouldn't have made it as far as I did today without them riding with me or helping me out.

We all (excluding Andrew who had to make some more distance) camped at Rayonier a free campsite north of Humptulips. It finally stopped raining just after we got there. All of them helped me work on my bike and it is riding almost twice as efficiently (I'm no longer on the struggle bus). Thanks to Lauri and Ethel for the spare tire!!!

Today we rode from there an astonishing 70 + miles to Bay Center, my current location @ a KOA. Stopped in Hoquiam and picked up some new tires for my bike (should have done this before I left but all the same nows a good of time as any). It was nice to ride with some other people and not feel so alone out on the road. Thanks to you guys for the company you're awesome.

Tomorrow I push inland to the Columbia River and Portland, Oregon. I hope to get there on Saturday, maybe Sunday, for a couple days break. Sorry I haven't posted any pictures lately my camera is dead and I wont be able to recharge it until Portland when I get my charger sent there. O well, hopefully another video post soon.

Until then, hope all is well with all you followers out there.

-TE

Mama said there'd be days like these

Day 7

Miles Traveled Since Last Blog: 65

Miles Traveled Total: 225

So I am here is what was formerly the logging capital of the world and now is the mecca for teenagers obsessed with vampires, Forks, WA. I am currently not able to ride due to my back tire being flat and all my tubes being busted. I am kinda of down and out but really just playing the cards as they are dealt. I hopefully will get out of this place sometime this afternoon... hopefully.

The rest of the 4th in Port Angeles was decent and I got out of there alright. The next day I rode around beautiful Lake Crescent and took a dip in its mystifying blue waters. Camped at Bear Creek that night next to the Sol Dec River.

Then yesterday I had quite the day adventuring through the rest of the Peninsula. It was raining pretty hard but I didn't mind it was a change of pace from the sunshine. Made it through here, Forks, just fine. I was going to go to Kalaloch on the beach but decided that the beach is no fun in the rain so I detoured into the Hoh Rain Forest. About 1/2 a mile before the entrance to the National Park I had a break down with my back tire. This was my last tube and I knew that I was in trouble. The tear happened near the intake valve and couldn't be patched. A ranger gave me a ride to the campground and I spent the better part of that evening trying to fix my tire to no avail. The Hoh was beautiful and wet, I really wish I could have explored it more and not have been so frustrated with my situation. A fellow biker shared my site with me, Andrew, he was a very nice guy with a lot of experience doing this cycle adventure thing, he made me feel like an amateur (which I guess I am). Got a ride from some nice people back in to Forks (thanks Josh and Raimee) to hopefully fix my bike and get going again. But alas bike shop is closed and I am in a coffee shop charging my stuff and blogging.

I know that I would face hardships on this journey but I did not expect them so soon. I am really not trying to stress to hard (I did enough of that yesterday). I will take this situation and remedy it in due time. It will be a good lesson learned.

Hope all is well with everyone out there following me. Know that I am alright and will be on the road again very soon.

Thanks

-TE

It's our last Summer of Independence... Do you remember?

Day 4

Miles Traveled since last blog: 50

Miles Traveled Total: 160

This leg of the trip has been the most intense and enjoyable. The Olympic Peninsula is an amazing place and I really hope to come back here some day.

Last night in Pt. Townsend was blast. I camped at Fort Warren State Park and went to the Festival of American Fiddle Tunes. I saw Jesse Lege, one of the most talented accordionists I have ever heard or seen.

I got up early this morning after another great nights sleep in my JakPak (thanks to Alex & Erica for letting me crash their campsite). I actually woke up just before the sunrise and walked out twoards the lighthouse to catch it. The first picture above is of Whidbey Island and Mt. Baker this morning.

The initial hills on Highway 20 out of Port Townsend where a little grueling but I made it to the 101 eventually. It was somewhat special reaching this milestone of the Pacific Coast Highway which I will be following for the majority of my trip.

I had heard about a bike trail that went along the 101 right around this area and I found it in Blyn. The Olympic Discovery Trail has to be one of the most enjoyable and scenic bike trails I have ever ridden. There were parks filled with streams and trees, suspended walkways and lots of scenic country side. All this secluded from the sound of traffic and such. I would have gotten all the way to Pt. Angeles too if they hadn't of blocked off part of it for the 4th of July fire works I am about to go see.

Pt. Angeles is a nice place from what I have seen. Caught a little bit of the Independence Day Parade but mostly have just been relaxing.

Heres the trash from this session. Not that much along that trail which I guess is a good thing.


until next time.

-TE

Get your towels ready, its about to go down

Heres another video post!

Chuckanut to Pt. Townsend

Day 3
Miles Traveled Since Last Blog: 60
Miles Traveled Total: 110

I'm in unfamiliar territory and I like it. Current Location is Port Townsend , a really awesome place so far, and I am feeling awesome. The trip has been really enjoyable so far and I'm really excited to make a post.

It was a nice last night in Bellingham. Thank you to all my friends who gave supported me over the last couple months and giving me well wishing during the trip. I will miss you all dearly and please do keep in touch.

Riding south out of the City of Subdued Excitement for who knows how long was somewhat sad but all the same very exciting. I stopped at Larabee State Park/ Clayton Beach off Chuckanut one last time. That could possibly be one of my favorite places I've ever been to, lets see if I can find a better one on this adventure.



After Chuckanut I worked my way across Skagit County. I stopped at the Longhorn Saloon in Edison for lunch, might I recommend the Oyster Burger. Going south from there found a really cool bike trail along Padilla Bay. It was a little steep going on Highway 20 south twoards Whidbey but I made it up to Deception Pass.


I camped at Deception Pass State Park on the north end of Whidbey Island. I caught a magnificent sunset (the first on many I'm sure). Then I got a decent nights sleep in my JakPak. This is the first time mentioning it but this company is letting my field test on of their units for my trip and I am putting out the good word for them. Basically its a jacket that holds a sleeping bag and a bivvy tent system, check out their website for more info. Thanks to Jeremy from JakPak for helping me with this.

Today was a great a great ride too. I only rode around 30 miles all along Whidbey Island, then caught the Ferry to Pt. Townsend. This place seems like the coolest little town in Washington that I have been to for a while. I regret not coming here sooner. Tonight there is an concert out at Fort Worden State Park, were I hope to stay. Its the Festival of American Fiddle Tunes and tonight there is Cajun Music with Accordions. Could it get better than this I really don't think so.

Heres the trash I got from this portion.


All my love to my family and friends who are offering their constant support. Thanks so much for everything. Hope everyone has a great Independence Day Tomorrow. See yah on the road somewhere.

-TE

And so it begins

Day 1.
Miles Traveled: 50

It has begun!!! I am currently enjoying my last dinner in Bellingham at my favorite Restaurant ,Casa Que Pasa, and decided to do my first blog post of the journey now.

Today I woke up early and checked everything on my bike to make sure it was legit. After a quick bite to eat I was on the road by 8:30 a.m. Northbound to Blaine.

It was a great morning ride to border and I made it to Peace Arch State Park right before noon . I had been through the border more than a couple times but had never taken the time to get out and enjoy the park that is between the two countries. It was a nice relaxing atmosphere watching people making their own journeys, I enjoyed it thoroughly.

The second half, i.e. ride back south to Bellingham was a little tougher seeing that I was already a little beat. I had to stop a couple times along the way and take a power nap on the side of the road (I think this might be a repeat occurrence during the trip). But I made it back to Bellingham safely and surely.

Along the way I did remember to collect some waste from the side of the road. While it was not nearly as much as I saw I thought it was pretty good for a first day. There is a picture of what I got before I recycled it. Theres also one of me in front of the Peach Arch as actual proof that I was there.














I think thats about it for now. I want to leave you all with some song lyrics that I consider to be the theme of my trip (or at least today), I almost teared up listening to it and how indubitably appropriate it is.

John Lennon - Watching the Wheels

People say I'm crazy doing what I'm doing
Well they give me all kinds of warnings to save me from ruin
When I say that I'm o.k. well they look at me kind of strange
Surely you're not happy now you no longer play the game

People say I'm lazy dreaming my life away
Well they give me all kinds of advice designed to enlighten me
When I tell them that I'm doing fine watching shadows on the wall
Don't you miss the big time boy you're no longer on the ball

I'm just sitting here watching the wheels go round and round
I really love to watch them roll
No longer riding on the merry-go-round
I just had to let it go

Ah, people asking questions lost in confusion
Well I tell them there's no problem, only solutions
Well they shake their heads and they look at me as if I've lost my mind
I tell them there's no hurry
I'm just sitting here doing time

I'm just sitting here watching the wheels go round and round
I really love to watch them roll
No longer riding on the merry-go-round
I just had to let it go
I just had to let it go
I just had to let it go

heres a picture for Bellingham, how i will miss thee


until next time.

-TE