tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-70212287804216978592024-03-08T07:23:24.054-08:00Snakes, Foxes, and PenguinsNeil E. Hodgeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06096087090901980142noreply@blogger.comBlogger433125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7021228780421697859.post-75875699004590744962023-05-12T18:22:00.003-07:002023-05-12T18:22:38.569-07:00Three Central Cascades Passes (2023-04-30) <div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52885424834">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52885424834_1427e7054e_c.jpg" alt="Ninja 1000SX in on North Road" title="Ninja 1000SX in on North Road"/>
</a>
</div>
<p class="summary">Headed over to Eastern Washington yet again to explore some new terrain. Aside from some unkind drivers, I had a great time!</p>
<div class="postlink">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/albums/72177720308167948">Geotagged Album</a>
</div>
<p>Albums from past adventures in the area:</p>
<div class="postlink">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/albums/72177720300345681">Grand Coulee Dam (2022-07-02,03) (Album)</a>
</div>
<div class="postlink">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/albums/72177720299197025">Leavenworth (2022-05-22) (Album)</a>
</div>
<div class="postlink">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/albums/72177720299194865">Roslyn and Cle Elum Lake (2022-05-21) (Album)</a>
</div>
<div class="postlink">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/albums/72157681416756891">Teanaway Community Forest (Album)</a>
</div>
<div class="postlink">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/albums/72157710429602371">Stevens Pass (Album)</a>
</div>
<div class="postlink">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/albums/72157659220252061">Bicycle Quarterly Un-meeting 2015 (Album)</a>
</div>
<p>More after the break…</p>
<a name='more'></a>
<div class="postsection">
<h4>Outbound</h4>
<div class="postimage postmap">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52887774901">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52887774901_850faa83cb_b.jpg" alt="Outbound" title="Outbound"/>
</a>
</div>
<p>I started this right at about 7 AM and took the normal route around the north end of Lake Washington to get to the outer reaches of SR-522, then US 2. As I headed east out of Monroe on the latter, there was a slow, loaded logging truck in the left lane as traffic approached the narrowing to two lanes. Following the lead of the cars in front of me, I zipped past it at the last minute.</p>
<p>When I rolled into Sultan, I hung a left and slowly meandered through town in search of food options other than the local gas station. As I did so, I saw a sign for a bakery, but I didn't have a way to easily get to it from the wrong side of the highway, so I went all the way to the east end of town and hung the requisite right. Much to my surprise, the Sultan Bakery featured a full-service menu in addition to the typical cafe fare, so I ordered a Belgian waffle with eggs and bacon. It didn't take long for someone to bring the food to my table, and he asked if I was a professional photographer with my nice camera. I said I wasn't one, but he thought that I should be. The food itself was quite good, tasting more like homemade food than that from a restaurant, and while I ate, I noticed a middle-aged Asian-American man with a strange looking car. I had to look around for a bit to track it down, and it turned out to be a <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mazda_RX-8">Mazda RX-8</a>, complete with suicide half-doors at the rear. I certainly wasn't expecting to see anything like that in Sultan!</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52885433654">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52885433654_80ed3a40cf_c.jpg" alt="United States Route 2 in Sultan" title="United States Route 2 in Sultan"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52884691722">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52884691722_9f05275d1e_c.jpg" alt="Sultan Bakery" title="Sultan Bakery"/>
</a>
</div>
<hr/>
<p>After leaving Sultan, I headed straight over Stevens Pass without making any stops. When I did stop, it was for some quick photos at the pull-out adjacent to Nason Creek.</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52884691647">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52884691647_7271254d98_c.jpg" alt="Ninja 1000SX at Nason Creek Pullout on US Route 2" title="Ninja 1000SX at Nason Creek Pullout on US Route 2"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52885433639">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52885433639_296b5ae018_c.jpg" alt="Ninja 1000SX on United States Highway 2" title="Ninja 1000SX on United States Highway 2"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52885266336">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52885266336_c668ccce86_c.jpg" alt="Nason Creek" title="Nason Creek"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52885432299">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52885432299_e630eb1a5f_c.jpg" alt="United States Route 2 over Nason Creek" title="United States Route 2 over Nason Creek"/>
</a>
</div>
<p>After rolling by the open 59er Diner (which I'd hope to stop at during a <a href="/2022/07/grand-coulee-dam-2022-07-0203.html">past ride</a>), I stopped in Cole's Corner for gas just as a dual-sport rider left the gas station. This stop confused my GPS, which then told me to go straight to Leavenworth via US 2, so I had to ignore it for a while.</p>
<p>As I headed along SR-207, I started seeing signs for Lake Wenatchee State Park, but I missed the turn-off for the south entrance and resigned myself to the north entrance. The northern half of the park unfortunately turned out to be mostly campsites without easy access to the lake, so I simply rolled through, then headed back the way I came toward the south entrance. Along the way, I stopped for photos at the Lake Wenatchee Village that I'd seen on my way north. While I was there, a woman walking along the side of the highway went up to the village store's entrance, peered through the glass, then went on her way since it was closed.</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52885431569">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52885431569_3c0ec0edc1_c.jpg" alt="Ninja 1000SX at Lake Wenatchee Village" title="Ninja 1000SX at Lake Wenatchee Village"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52884689177">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52884689177_dec6aa88c4_c.jpg" alt="Lake Wenatchee Village" title="Lake Wenatchee Village"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52885642875">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52885642875_13bce82a0f_c.jpg" alt="Headwaters Coffee Shop" title="Headwaters Coffee Shop"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52884689147">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52884689147_f5e95b8090_c.jpg" alt="Wenatchee River" title="Wenatchee River"/>
</a>
</div>
<p>After taking photos, I headed straight for the south entrance of the state park and parked in the lot not far from the lake's shore. Shortly after I arrived, a rider on a dual-sport parked a few spaces down and we acknowledged each other. Before walking away from my bike, I dug around for my Discover Pass to make sure that I wouldn't get fined, and thankfully I had one.</p>
<p>Lake Wenatchee itself was so beautiful! I was taken aback by the strong blue tones that flooded my vision as I stood at the shore, and the clarity of the water.</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52885257401">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52885257401_7bf730edd2_c.jpg" alt="lake_wenatchee_edited: - Projection: Cylindrical (1) FOV: 144 x 50 Ev: 13.86" title="lake_wenatchee_edited"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52885708048">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52885708048_8aa897ab41_c.jpg" alt="Lake Wenatchee Beach" title="Lake Wenatchee Beach"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52885706963">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52885706963_fc62d744de_c.jpg" alt="Lake Wenatchee" title="Lake Wenatchee"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52885640440">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52885640440_c0caa3c70f_c.jpg" alt="Lake Wenatchee Camp Store and Restrooms" title="Lake Wenatchee Camp Store and Restrooms"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52885706743">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52885706743_38a76daf67_c.jpg" alt="Wenatchee River Boat Ramp" title="Wenatchee River Boat Ramp"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52885262066">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52885262066_a47a8f3671_c.jpg" alt="Ninja 1000SX at Lake Wenatchee State Park" title="Ninja 1000SX at Lake Wenatchee State Park" class="skinny"/>
</a>
</div>
<p>After wandering around a while for photos, I headed back to the highway to continue my journey, but made one quick stop for photos at the Midway Grocery for photos (and an energy bar as "rent" for entering the property).</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52885639195">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52885639195_cf1ec7ea42_c.jpg" alt="Ninja 1000SX at Midway Grocery" title="Ninja 1000SX at Midway Grocery"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52885261341">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52885261341_2b87502b0d_c.jpg" alt="Midway Grocery" title="Midway Grocery"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52885705653">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52885705653_1e7545a7cc_c.jpg" alt="Chiwawa Loop Road" title="Chiwawa Loop Road"/>
</a>
</div>
<p>After passing through farmland for a while, I noticed a collection of larger buildings in the distance. These turned out to comprise the town of Plain's shopping district: the usual general store, but also a fairly large hardware store, a hotel, and a restaurant.</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52885261046">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52885261046_e0931be38d_c.jpg" alt="Just Plain Grocery" title="Just Plain Grocery"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52884684787">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52884684787_fafbc7bfa3_c.jpg" alt="Plain, Washington" title="Plain, Washington"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52885638260">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52885638260_ae41ed911f_c.jpg" alt="Plain, Washington" title="Plain, Washington"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52885638065">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52885638065_03fc06737d_c.jpg" alt="Beaver Valley Lodging" title="Beaver Valley Lodging"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52885704783">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52885704783_5ab195e0c1_c.jpg" alt="Beaver Valley Lodging" title="Beaver Valley Lodging"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52885637595">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52885637595_0d040f77ab_c.jpg" alt="Beaver Valley Lodging" title="Beaver Valley Lodging"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52885259856">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52885259856_ac4a564b82_c.jpg" alt="Plain, Washington" title="Plain, Washington"/>
</a>
</div>
<p>Rather than miss the chance to eat at one of my favorite kinds of restaurants, I headed over to the Old Mill Cafe for lunch. The menu was much larger than I expected, with barbecue, diner food, and more! They also had a sign above the register that was a parody of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lake_Wobegon">Lake Wobegon</a>'s slogan. Unfortunately, they were plagued by their credit card reader not working. The woman working the till was not happy about how the company providing their credit card service told them to just key in the credit card info manually until Monday.</p>
<p>I ended up getting a pot roast dip sandwich with fries. The pot roast itself was one of the best I'd ever eaten, and the dip looked like it was the broth from the pot roast. Yum!</p>
</div>
<div class="postsection">
<h4>Outbound</h4>
<div class="postimage postmap">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52887774976">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52887774976_e8ef772b92_b.jpg" alt="Inbound" title="Inbound"/>
</a>
</div>
<p>To leave the Old Mill Cafe's parking lot, the usual route seemed to involve crossing a ditch. Since I was on a sportbike and not something ideal for such a stunt, I headed down the paved part of the supposedly one-way parking lot to see if I could find an easier way out. Sadly, I was met with a dead end and had to go against the arrows in the parking lot to get back to the highway.</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52884683927">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52884683927_a50570a8cf_c.jpg" alt="Plain, Washington" title="Plain, Washington"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52884684062">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52884684062_3350068153_c.jpg" alt="Plain, Washington" title="Plain, Washington"/>
</a>
</div>
<p>My route sent me along Beaver Valley Road, which wound around on itself more than I'd ever expect a road to do. Instead of taking the straight route though the flat lands, it chose a much more difficult path through the mountains, which made me wonder what the civil engineers were thinking when they platted it. These thoughts went away as I found my groove on the Ninja and I didn't slow down too much through the bends. (I guess the California Superbike School training I did last Autumn paid off!) Despite staying above the yellow advisory speed limits through the curves and sometimes going a little over the normal speed limit, the guy driving a black Subaru Impreza behind me apparently thought I was too slow! The road straightened out as it descended, and as I speed up to the higher 50 MPH speed limit, he zoomed past me on the left with his arm out and a middle finger directed at me, which he kept up for at least 10 seconds. After giving a "what did I do?" gesture and shaking my head until he stopped, I ended up behind him for the length of the Chumstick Highway. (I chose this route so I could check out Chumstick, but there was nothing of note to stop for there.)</p>
<p>I finally was rid of the guy as I made an unplanned left turn onto North Road to avoid the traffic in Leavenworth, and enjoy some rural scenery. This had me climb up to a ridge that gave me a beautiful view of the Wenatchee River Valley, which made the detour fully worth it.</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52885634115">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52885634115_d458c0c9df_c.jpg" alt="wenatchee_river_valley_edited: - Projection: Cylindrical (1) FOV: 163 x 49 Ev: 13.59" title="wenatchee_river_valley_edited"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52884683472">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52884683472_96a5a24345_c.jpg" alt="Wenatchee River Valley" title="Wenatchee River Valley"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52885703718">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52885703718_6388343786_c.jpg" alt="Wenatchee River" title="Wenatchee River" class="skinny"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52885703348">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52885703348_75e6ce4bd0_c.jpg" alt="Wenatchee River Valley" title="Wenatchee River Valley" class="skinny"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52885424519">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52885424519_d498fd4f42_c.jpg" alt="Ninja 1000SX on North Road" title="Ninja 1000SX on North Road"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52885257876">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52885257876_c95f993f50_c.jpg" alt="North Road" title="North Road"/>
</a>
</div>
<hr/>
<p>After passing through Peshastin without stopping (I wasn't really feeling it), I rejoined US 2 for a short while before hanging a right on US 97 to head towards Blewett Pass. When I saw a pull-out on the right, I decided to stop to get some quick photos and take a break from traffic. (This required a fairly quick stop from freeway speed.)</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52885633915">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52885633915_cd6a35bd35_c.jpg" alt="United States Route 97" title="United States Route 97" class="skinny"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52885424169">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52885424169_a7fab0a4bb_c.jpg" alt="Peshastin Creek" title="Peshastin Creek"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52885633910">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52885633910_bcd1eafcba_c.jpg" alt="Rocky Butte over United States Route 97" title="Rocky Butte over United States Route 97"/>
</a>
</div>
<p>After rejoining traffic (and a long line of it!), I headed over Blewett Pass. It didn't take long for me to end up behind a Harley rider who was out also enjoying the highway. After the highway descended back to the lowlands, I ended up passing him at about 100 MPH since he had slowed down quite a bit, and the car behind me did the same.</p>
<p>After passing through familiar scenery in Teanaway, I stopped at the Safeway in Cle Elum for a break. It had been a long day riding at high speeds and I definitely needed it!</p>
<hr/>
<p>I then stuck to I-90 over Snoqualmie Pass to get to North Bend, and ended up among the faster traffic on the freeway. Once I got into town, I looked around for a grocery store near the freeway. Seeing what looked like the back side of one, I hung a left…only to find myself in the North Bend Premium Outlets without a grocery store in sight. And when I got back to the main road and saw a sign for a Safeway in the distance, I was forced to hang a right, go through the roundabout for the freeway's junction, then hang another right. I was worried when I only saw a Safeway gas station, but found relief in the Safeway grocery store on the other side of the road. I got a Diet Coke to cool off.</p>
<p>Once back on I-90, I avoided the I-405 and SR-520, deciding to take I-90 all the way back to Seattle. This left me with a very short jaunt through downtown to the SR-99 tunnel and a quick path home. However, as I signaled that I was taking the exit at North 45th Street, a white pickup truck zoomed past me in the bus lane to my right immediately before the exit…only to end up stuck behind a sedan that was trying to move left from the exit's right lane to make the left at the light. The sedan didn't register to me since it didn't move, and I ended up going past them as the truck honked at them.</p>
<p>I was definitely relieved when I got home at about 4 PM, well before my wife would get home from work so we could enjoy the evening together.</p>
</div>Neil E. Hodgeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06096087090901980142noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7021228780421697859.post-55677060378507396312023-04-14T18:22:00.002-07:002023-04-19T13:02:13.869-07:00Whidbey Island (2024-04-01) <div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52813240910">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52813240910_4e9940c075_c.jpg" alt="Cierra and Triumph Bonneville on West Beach Road" title="Cierra and Triumph Bonneville on West Beach Road"/>
</a>
</div>
<p class="summary">After finally convincing wife to ride with me again after years of my riding solo, we did a similar ride to my trip up Whidbey Island last time, differing mainly by having a stop in Langley and at West Beach. The weather was touch and go, but the showers didn't dampen my enthusiasm at all. I'm sure she also appreciated the heated jacket.</p>
<div class="postlink">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/albums/72177720307448031">Geotagged Album</a>
</div>
<p>Albums from past rides in the area:</p>
<div class="postlink">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/albums/72177720307095994">Whidbey Island (2023-03-11) (Album)</a>
</div>
<div class="postlink">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/albums/72157719426053207">North Puget Sound (2021-06-12) (Album)</a>
</div>
<div class="postlink">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/albums/72157709025435902">South Whidbey Island II (Album)</a>
</div>
<div class="postlink">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/albums/72157704985762642">Stanwood II (Album)</a>
</div>
<div class="postlink">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/albums/72157682041177126">Skagit Delta Daffodils (Album)</a>
</div>
<div class="postlink">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/albums/72157676661655204">More Mount Vernon (Album)</a>
</div>
<div class="postlink">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/albums/72157671030664494">Quimper and South Whidbey (Album)</a>
</div>
<div class="postlink">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/albums/72157671824105985">Skagit City and Sedro–Woolley (Album)</a>
</div>
<div class="postlink">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/albums/72157636964448014">Deception Pass (Album)</a>
</div>
<p>More after the break…</p>
<a name='more'></a>
<div class="postsection">
<h4>Part 1: To Langley</h4>
<div class="postimage postmap">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52816140685">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52816140685_f81a50885e_b.jpg" alt="Part 1: To Langley" title="Part 1: To Langley" class="skinny"/>
</a>
</div>
<p>I started this ride out solo our the parking garage, then rolled over to the adjacent 7 Eleven parking lot so we could figure out the wiring of my wife's new heated jacket. While I'd brought an SAE extension cable, it ended up being too much and my wife was fine with just the short cable attached to the jacket. We ended up leaving at about 8:30, then headed up to Mukilteo, this time taking SR-526 instead of SR-525, which brought back memories of when I took my wife to her MSF course up in Everett.</p>
<p>When we arrived at the ferry terminal, we had something like 25 minutes, which went by rather quickly. My wife was cold, so we tried to find a way up to the ferry terminal, but all of the staircases were blocked off, so we huddled together in the covered walkway to the parking lot's restrooms. I can't imagine how miserable it would be to be stuck outside as a cyclist on a frigid Winter morning!</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52813291103">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52813291103_ed9449c63c_c.jpg" alt="Cierra and Triumph Bonneville at Mukulteo Ferry Terminal" title="Cierra and Triumph Bonneville at Mukulteo Ferry Terminal"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52812279532">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52812279532_1fcd262795_c.jpg" alt="Mukilteo Ferry Terminal Restrooms" title="Mukilteo Ferry Terminal Restrooms"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52813032484">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52813032484_d8132e7f1a_c.jpg" alt="Mukilteo Ferry Terminal" title="Mukilteo Ferry Terminal"/>
</a>
</div>
<p>While on the ferry, we looked for places where we could eat since both of us were pretty hungry. When I brought up the lack of restaurants open in the morning during <a href="/2023/03/whidbey-island-2023-03-11.html">my previous ride</a>, we ended up deciding on The Braeburn in Langley.</p>
<hr/>
<p>After rolling off the ferry and making a quick stop for gas in Clinton, we headed straight for Langley and breakfast. We ended up waiting for quite a long time due to The Braeburn being short-staffed, but the food was quite good. This was also one of the rare times when we were able to share coffee, as I don't drink it unless I'm really cold. Oh, and the water glasses were handmade and quite colorful.</p>
<p>After breakfast, we wandered around Langley for a bit, picking up another hot coffee for my wife at The Langley Kitchen along the way.</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52812836996">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52812836996_6e34347595_c.jpg" alt="Second Street, Langley" title="Second Street, Langley"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52813032179">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52813032179_2bc1108e3c_c.jpg" alt="Langley, Washington" title="Langley, Washington"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52813032019">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52813032019_6d9f5b46fd_c.jpg" alt="Langley, Washington" title="Langley, Washington"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52813031649">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52813031649_e83bf94625_c.jpg" alt="Second Street, Langley" title="Second Street, Langley"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52813289268">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52813289268_64e93ebe6b_c.jpg" alt="Langley Kitchen" title="Langley Kitchen"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52813245105">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52813245105_f5d9b2efcd_c.jpg" alt="Langley Village" title="Langley Village"/>
</a>
</div>
<p>We also checked out the glass shop next door to The Braeburn, which turned out to be the source of the fancy glasses.</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52813287293">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52813287293_1cdb463871_c.jpg" alt="Callahan's Firehouse Studio & Gallery" title="Callahan's Firehouse Studio & Gallery"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52813286418">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52813286418_8840866949_c.jpg" alt="Anthes Avenue, Langley" title="Anthes Avenue, Langley"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52813243245">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52813243245_3417f64994_c.jpg" alt="Anthes Avenue, Langley" title="Anthes Avenue, Langley"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52812274737">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52812274737_6d962f33b9_c.jpg" alt="Langley Park" title="Langley Park"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52812274537">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52812274537_b529d5650f_c.jpg" alt="Langley United Methodist Church" title="Langley United Methodist Church"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52813285628">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52813285628_0a5696d9a4_c.jpg" alt="Star Store" title="Star Store"/>
</a>
</div>
<p>After a quick stop at the local public restrooms (which were very nice according to my wife), we were on our way.</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52812832576">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52812832576_313aedf8f7_c.jpg" alt="Langley Public Restrooms: My wife said these were very nice inside." title="Langley Public Restrooms"/>
</a>
</div>
</div>
<div class="postsection">
<h4>Part 2: Main Loop</h4>
<div class="postimage postmap">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52815170682">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52815170682_01396a2e04_b.jpg" alt="Part 2: Main Loop" title="Part 2: Main Loop" class="skinny"/>
</a>
</div>
<p>After returning to SR-525, we rode along it and SR-20 all the way to San de Fuca, skipping Coupeville since there wasn't really a reason to stop there this time. We ended up plowing through a couple of scattered showers, one of them being quite strong. I tried to switch to rain mode a number of times, but the button wasn't working correctly, so I just followed common sense to not "rock the boat." Unlike <a href="/2023/03/whidbey-island-2023-03-11.html">last time</a>, we left the highway at San de Fuca and headed to West Beach, which immediately triggered the memory of <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/albums/72157636964448014">a bicycle ride from long ago</a>. While I walked around taking photos, my wife stood beside the bike and kept warm with her heated jacket.</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52813284568">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52813284568_eca0557f9a_c.jpg" alt="West Beach" title="West Beach"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52813242145">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52813242145_56f743544c_c.jpg" alt="West Beach Road" title="West Beach Road"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52812273657">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52812273657_04d8a7b3f4_c.jpg" alt="West Beach" title="West Beach"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52813027089">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52813027089_388bcc75e6_c.jpg" alt="West Beach Road" title="West Beach Road"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52812831426">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52812831426_5066df32c0_c.jpg" alt="West Beach" title="West Beach"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52813241260">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52813241260_0f53e2e794_c.jpg" alt="Cierra and Triumph Bonneville in West Beach" title="Cierra and Triumph Bonneville in West Beach"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52813026044">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52813026044_42290b58a1_c.jpg" alt="West Beach Lagoon" title="West Beach Lagoon"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52813249155">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52813249155_ca1e599c39_c.jpg" alt="West Beach Lagoon: - Projection: Cylindrical (1) FOV: 138 x 17 Ev: 13.73" title="West Beach Lagoon"/>
</a>
</div>
<hr/>
<p>While my route originally had us pass by Joseph Whidbey State Park, we both needed to use the restroom, so I punched Oak Harbor into my GPS and we headed that way. After waiting for quite some time to turn left onto SR-20 due to traffic backing up on the highway past the turn, we descended into the strip mall district. My wife wanted to go to Walmart, but I stopped at the Safeway instead.</p>
<p>We then continued along SR-20, through Deception Pass State Park without stopping, and returned to the mainland. Rather than dealing with Mount Vernon and I-5, I took us along Beaver Marsh Road so we could see the current status of Roozengarde (there wasn't much to see). We then rode over to The Rex along the slow Summers Drive along the Skagit River so I could get us some of the almond extract brownies from <a href="/2023/03/whidbey-island-2023-03-11.html">last time</a> and use the restroom.</p>
<p>From Rexville, I stuck to largely the same route as <a href="/2023/03/whidbey-island-2023-03-11.html">last time</a> to Kayak Point. (My wife didn't want to stop there originally, but she agreed to it after I said we could stop by the Seattle Premium Outlets in Marysville.) We didn't stay there for long, but I wanted her to see what it was like.</p>
<p>From Kayak Point, my route diverged from <a href="/2023/03/whidbey-island-2023-03-11.html">last time</a>, as we headed towards Marysville. The road undulated up and down quite a bit, as straight east-west roads must do around here thanks to the land shaped by the receding glaciers of the distant past. After a quick stop for gas, we hit the Seattle Premium Outlets so she could do some shopping.</p>
<hr/>
<p>Traffic on I-5 in Marysville was pretty bad, but it died down a bit by the time we got to Everett. Much later in Seattle, keeping <a href="/2023/03/whidbey-island-2023-03-11.html">last time</a> in mind, I exited I-5 at Northgate…and ended up taking a very convoluted and slow route home. My plan was to use Meridian Avenue N to head south, but a bunch of things combined to make that not work. First, I had to make a quick right because of oncoming traffic, so I didn't think to make it to the left lane ASAP. Second, there was a raised barrier preventing moving into the left lane where I ended up, so I was stuck taking Northgate Way for a bit. Traffic backed up as we approached Aurora, so I hung a left onto one of the side streets and ended up making many turns before we eventually ended up on 8th Avenue NW and on our way home. My wife wasn't too happy about it taking so long for us to get home from I-5, but we did make it eventually!</p>
</div>
<p>My wife said that, while she was reasonably warm with the jacket, her hands were still freezing. We'd misplaced her Winter gloves from our past motorcycle rides together, so I ordered a pair of heated gloves for her the next day.</p>Neil E. Hodgeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06096087090901980142noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7021228780421697859.post-14360311440148538502023-04-07T18:30:00.004-07:002023-04-07T18:30:56.873-07:00Kitsap Loop (2023-03-25) <div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52780011593">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52780011593_3769cce8ed_c.jpg" alt="Triumph Bonneville at Bremerton Family Pancake House" title="Triumph Bonneville at Bremerton Family Pancake House"/>
</a>
</div>
<p class="summary">My wife wasn't feeling up for a motorcycle ride together, so I did a solo ride by memory up the Kitsap Peninsula.</p>
<div class="postlink">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/albums/72177720307111008">Geotagged Album</a>
</div>
<p>More after the break…</p>
<a name='more'></a>
<div class="postsection">
<h4>Main Loop</h4>
<div class="postimage postmap">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52782814615">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52782814615_63c82a2d4b_b.jpg" alt="Part 1: Main Loop" title="Part 1: Main Loop"/>
</a>
</div>
<p>After unsuccessfully trying to convince my wife to join me, I ended up leaving (solo) at around 7:30. I didn't really want to do anything crazy since I was a little sad about riding alone, so I started by heading over to I-5. When I saw traffic backing on I-5 towards downtown Seattle, I switched to SR-520 and I-405 to bypass it, rejoined I-5 in Tukwila, and stuck to the carpool lane for a while.</p>
<p>As I approached Fife, I kept an eye out for a gas station that would actually have public restrooms (a rarity these days). I saw the 76 and Associated Tahoma Market off to the right, so I headed to the next exit to both get gas and use the restroom.</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52779536301">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52779536301_7b2ca3884f_c.jpg" alt="Tahoma Market" title="Tahoma Market"/>
</a>
</div>
<p>Since there was some traffic out on the main drag, I headed over to the nearest traffic light to make a left…only for it to never see me. After hanging a right from the left turn lane and eventually making a U-turn to get back to the intersection, I was stopped by a red light triggered by a line of cars where I had once been. What a pain!</p>
<hr/>
<p>Once finally back on I-5, I moved over to the HOV lane, then took the HOV exit to SR-16 and the Tacoma Narrows Bridge. I thought that I'd have to pay a toll to cross westbound, but it turned out that the toll was only eastbound. Rather than sticking to SR-16 all the way to Bremerton, I decided that I wanted to use SR-302 to go via the less populous part of the Kitsap Peninsula. Thus, I exited at Borgen Boulevard, only to realize that there was a closer exit to SR-302. Not only that, I had to wait to make a left onto that busy exit's road to get to SR-302.</p>
<p>SR-302 ended up being the more rural experience I wanted, and even turned into a 25 MPH side street at its final reach to SR-3! Once on the latter, I took it all the way to Bremerton (and was shivering the whole time from the cold!), where there was heavy, albeit moving, traffic around the SR-304 exit. As I continued north, I decided to look for food, and remembered the breakfast restaurant where <a href="/2022/02/lake-cushman-2022-02-05.html">I had a parking lot fall on my Triumph</a> a while back. After almost turning off at the wrong exit, I left at the correct exit and hung a left to the Family Pancake House. My meal there consisted of eggs, bacon, and pancakes with coffee on the side for warmth.</p>
<hr/>
<p>After rejoining SR-3, I headed north to Poulsbo. My only recollection from this section was how fast everyone was going.</p>
<p>From Poulsbo, I took SR-305 to Bainbridge Island, where I made a quick stop to pick up some lemon blueberry scones that my wife asked for when I told her I was headed this way. Despite how packed the street parking was in the area, there were several free motorcycle parking spots. Nice!</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52779953925">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52779953925_ca48daa088_c.jpg" alt="Triumph Bonneville Parked in Winslow, Bainbridge Island" title="Triumph Bonneville Parked in Winslow, Bainbridge Island"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52780011063">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52780011063_20702802b6_c.jpg" alt="Coquette Bake Shop" title="Coquette Bake Shop"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52780010943">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52780010943_76c375a6c0_c.jpg" alt="Winslow Town & Country Market" title="Winslow Town & Country Market"/>
</a>
</div>
<p>Leaving my parking spot was significantly more difficult, however: traffic kept coming, leaving me just sitting there for several minutes. When I did find an opening, I thought that making a U-turn was a bad idea with the traffic, so I headed up the road a little, then used Eagle Harbor Park's parking lot to turn around and rejoined the road, this time headed towards the ferry.</p>
<p>When I did get to the ferry's ticket booths, I saw that there were cars parked in lines leading up to them, which means that they weren't taking any more cars. I tried my luck and walked up to the one of the clerks who was standing outside of the booth and she had no objections to letting me through (with fare). (A past ride had taught me that it was possible for motorcycles to get through despite no more cars being allowed.) She told me to follow the line of moving cars, which I thought was the lines of cars in the waiting area past the booths since they were moving when I showed up. Only when I heard one of the attendants shout "motorcycle" did I realize that there were lines of cars still moving much further down the road, so I joined them and ended up as the last one on the boat.</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52779003977">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52779003977_408b27f287_c.jpg" alt="Triumph Bonneville on Washington State Ferry: Last one on!" title="Triumph Bonneville on Washington State Ferry"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52779789594">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52779789594_c3760d054a_c.jpg" alt="Leaving Bainbridgge Island" title="Leaving Bainbridgge Island"/>
</a>
</div>
<hr/>
<p>Since this route was fairly short, I only spent a little bit of time warming up on the passenger deck before returning to my bike and drinking my energy drink.</p>
</div>
<div class="postsection">
<h4>Return Home</h4>
<div class="postimage postmap">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52782814575">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52782814575_8c38dc64c4_b.jpg" alt="Part 2: Return Home" title="Part 2: Return Home" class="skinny"/>
</a>
</div>
<p>I was delighted to discover that the mainland was warmer than the Kitsap Peninsula was. Less delightful was my route to the SR-99 tunnel: I wanted to make a right from Dearborn Street to 1st Avenue S, which I'd done plenty of times before, but the traffic pattern must've been revised. There was a second stream of cars to my right that preventing me from making the right, so I was forced to hang a left onto 1st Avenue S, then make a couple of rights onto Occidental Avenue S by the stadiums. There were crowds of sports fans and vendor tents on both sides of the street, but I only counted one car as I trundled along it. Once I got to the SR-99 tunnel, I just took my usual route home.</p>
<p>I ended up getting home early enough for my wife and I to pick up my Ninja from being repaired after <a href="/2023/02/slushy-road-to-mineral-2023-01-22.html">its fall</a>. I also had them do the routine maintenance since they would already have the fairings off, as well as install frame sliders.</p>
</div>Neil E. Hodgeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06096087090901980142noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7021228780421697859.post-59915753759248301762023-04-07T18:29:00.005-07:002023-04-07T20:09:09.934-07:00Moses Lake (2023-03-18) <div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52798903968">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52798903968_31d49afacb_c.jpg" alt="Triumph Bonneville in Yakima River Valley" title="Triumph Bonneville in Yakima River Valley"/>
</a>
</div>
<p class="summary">I really wanted to head over to Eastern Washington after being "trapped" by the snow in the mountains for so long. After dealing with freezing temperatures, I was treated to the beautiful Yakima River Valley, followed by the flatlands of Eastern Washington that I've come to enjoy. I also had a nice time enjoying the small-town downtown of Moses Lake itself.</p>
<div class="postlink">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/albums/72177720307302266">Geotagged Album</a>
</div>
<p>Past albums from the area:</p>
<div class="postlink">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/albums/72157681416756891">Teanaway Community Forest (Album)</a>
</div>
<div class="postlink">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/albums/72157659220252061">Bicycle Quarterly Un-meeting 2015 (Album)</a>
</div>
<p>More after the break…</p>
<a name='more'></a>
<div class="postsection">
<h4>Outbound</h4>
<div class="postimage postmap">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52801287800">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52801287800_183123a615_b.jpg" alt="Outbound" title="Outbound"/>
</a>
</div>
<p>I started this ride at about 07:30 by getting gas near home since I knew I was going to be on the freeway for a long time, then used SR-520 and I-405 to get to I-90. It was reasonably warm in the lowlands, but as I climbed up towards Snoqualmie Pass, I really wish that I hadn't forgotten to wash the long underwear I wore on <a href="/2023/03/mineral-ii-2023-02-11.html">my previous ride.</a>. It was so cold that my legs couldn't help but bounce to keep warm and my teeth were chattering! Keeping that in mind, I decided to avoid stopping at Snoqualmie Pass despite wanting a break soon. A little before Easton, my GPS started screaming at me because it thought I was going the wrong way on the freeway, but it turns out WSDOT had recently moved the eastbound lanes onto new pavement directly next to the westbound lanes.</p>
<p>I finally got off I-90 in Cle Elum, then rode through town in search of hot food and coffee. Seeing the Sunset Cafe, I decided to pull in there for food. But before heading in, I walked around a little for some quick photos, noting several trucks hauling snowmobiles.</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52798700939">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52798700939_75117a36c0_c.jpg" alt="Sunset Cafe" title="Sunset Cafe"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52798904793">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52798904793_ccf7b0522c_c.jpg" alt="E 1st Street, Cle Elum" title="E 1st Street, Cle Elum"/>
</a>
</div>
<p>After asking the hostess who sat me for extra napkins for my runny nose. I got my usual bacon, eggs, and (blueberry) pancakes with plenty of coffee.</p>
<hr/>
<p>I then headed east out of town along the old highway, which sent me down the beautiful Yakima River Valley. I had to stop a couple times for photos, and when I did, I noted that it was finally starting to warm up.</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52797893542">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52797893542_b094102b0e_c.jpg" alt="Triumph Bonneville in Yakima River Valley" title="Triumph Bonneville in Yakima River Valley"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52798903693">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52798903693_0e4493ed20_c.jpg" alt="Yakima River Valley" title="Yakima River Valley"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52798903068">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52798903068_66579fdfc4_c.jpg" alt="Washington State Route 10 Viaduct" title="Washington State Route 10 Viaduct"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52798690724">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52798690724_1bc9de3a56_c.jpg" alt="Triumph Bonneville in Yakima River Valley" title="Triumph Bonneville in Yakima River Valley"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52798851145">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52798851145_4628d888d0_c.jpg" alt="Yakima River Valley" title="Yakima River Valley"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52798458966">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52798458966_00b0cf15e6_c.jpg" alt="Yakima River Valley" title="Yakima River Valley"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52798698679">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52798698679_420f250181_c.jpg" alt="Yakima River Valley" title="Yakima River Valley"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52797891047">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52797891047_11131722cb_c.jpg" alt="Triumph Bonneville on Washington State Route 10" title="Triumph Bonneville on Washington State Route 10"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52797890967">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52797890967_47cdbec92d_c.jpg" alt="Washington State Route 10" title="Washington State Route 10"/>
</a>
</div>
<p>As I headed into Ellensburg, I noticed the Palouse to Cascades Trail Bridge, obviously an old railroad bridge. I didn't stop in Ellensburg itself, however, since I had distance to make. Though, I was surprised at how slow the highway was through the city.</p>
<p>Due to major work being done on the Cascade Irrigation Canal bridge on the East Vantage Highway, I had to stop and wait a while for oncoming traffic on the little gravel path they put for cars. Despite being gravel, it was super smooth and I didn't have to be particularly careful.</p>
<p>My next stop was at the Trees of Stone Interpretive Trailhead for the restroom, followed by a little exploration of the trail. It passed through a little building below a private residence containing a small exhibit, then went to the top of the hill. When I got to the actual petrified wood exhibits, they weren't particularly interesting. They were just pieces of petrified wood behind steel grates.</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52797890822">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52797890822_d3eae584ce_c.jpg" alt="The Trees of Stone Interpretive Trailhead" title="The Trees of Stone Interpretive Trailhead"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52798901293">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52798901293_cf1c50d735_c.jpg" alt="The Trees of Stone Interpretive Trailhead" title="The Trees of Stone Interpretive Trailhead"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52798901043">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52798901043_ba3987b811_c.jpg" alt="The Trees of Stone Interpretive Trail" title="The Trees of Stone Interpretive Trail"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52798697079">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52798697079_35ee65d06d_c.jpg" alt="Washington State Route 10" title="Washington State Route 10"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52798696549">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52798696549_4375bd8e40_c.jpg" alt="The Trees of Stone Interpretive Trailhead" title="The Trees of Stone Interpretive Trailhead"/>
</a>
</div>
<p>When I got back down, I investigated the weird solar panel rig in the parking lot. Turns out it was an Envision Solar electric car charger, and had some "emergency" 120V outlets.</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52798696714">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52798696714_fb876b9809_c.jpg" alt="The Trees of Stone Interpretive Trailhead Electric Vehicle Charger" title="The Trees of Stone Interpretive Trailhead Electric Vehicle Charger"/>
</a>
</div>
<p>I then rolled into the Chevron in Vantage since my fuel light had come on shortly before I got to the trailhead from earlier. While I filled my tank, a couple of Harley riders pulled out of the adjacent parking lot with the usual booming exhausts.</p>
<hr/>
<p>From Vantage, I headed straight out along I-90 to Moses Lake. It wasn't the most fun I've had, as the high speeds brought with them a lot of wind noise that my bike wasn't really set up for. When I did finally get off the freeway, I stopped at the Harvest Market to pick up water and antacids. The long line for checkout worried me since it looked like it was all headed to a single register, but by the time I'd picked up what I needed, multiple registers were open.</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52797889037">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52797889037_9ee8315130_c.jpg" alt="Triumph Bonneville at Le-Pre-Kon Harvest Foods" title="Triumph Bonneville at Le-Pre-Kon Harvest Foods"/>
</a>
</div>
<p>I was't expecting much of a downtown in Moses Lake, so I'd originally targeted Neppel Landing when planning the ride, but when I saw a sign for downtown, I hung the right and ran into the closed-to-cars East 3rd Avenue. From what I could tell, the city closes the street so pedestrians can enjoy the downtown on the weekend. Looking forward to the quiet, I parked in a spot that just opened up in front of the local post office.</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52798454211">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52798454211_a3c5bde57d_c.jpg" alt="E 3rd Avenue, Moses Lake" title="E 3rd Avenue, Moses Lake"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52798695924">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52798695924_b022419235_c.jpg" alt="W 3rd Avenue, Moses Lake" title="W 3rd Avenue, Moses Lake"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52797887917">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52797887917_3b4ce96e7f_c.jpg" alt="E 3rd Avenue, Moses Lake" title="E 3rd Avenue, Moses Lake"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52798694659">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52798694659_ee664e04a4_c.jpg" alt="E 3rd Avenue, Moses Lake" title="E 3rd Avenue, Moses Lake"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52798455351">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52798455351_2a50d53008_c.jpg" alt="E 3rd Avenue, Moses Lake" title="E 3rd Avenue, Moses Lake"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52798846355">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52798846355_1b29180789_c.jpg" alt="Red Door Cafe" title="Red Door Cafe"/>
</a>
</div>
<p>On the other hand, one block over was a very wide stroad.</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52797888227">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52797888227_5bc03c60ea_c.jpg" alt="W Broadway Avenue, Moses Lake" title="W Broadway Avenue, Moses Lake"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52798695799">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52798695799_372576ffde_c.jpg" alt="W Broadway Avenue, Moses Lake" title="W Broadway Avenue, Moses Lake"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52798847960">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52798847960_52ba5f487f_c.jpg" alt="Grant County PUD" title="Grant County PUD"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52797888612">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52797888612_1661e3f362_c.jpg" alt="Moses Lake Post Office (98837)" title="Moses Lake Post Office (98837)"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52798456021">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52798456021_58a43ff684_c.jpg" alt="Center Auto Repair" title="Center Auto Repair"/>
</a>
</div>
<p>Once I was done walking, I headed towards what I thought was Neppel Landing, only to cross a bridge and have to turn around. Unfortunately, the left I had to make took <em>forever</em> because of the lack of a signal. Thankfully, it didn't take long once I turned around to get to my destination. Once I did, I walked around a bit looking for photos to take, but it honestly wasn't that interesting: just trees, water, a paved path, and abandoned railroad tracks. There weren't even very many people there despite how relatively busy downtown was.</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52798845540">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52798845540_e35fa76123_c.jpg" alt="Triumph Bonneville at Neppel Landing" title="Triumph Bonneville at Neppel Landing"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52798453651">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52798453651_945502c16b_c.jpg" alt="Neppel Landing and Parker Horn" title="Neppel Landing and Parker Horn"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52798453301">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52798453301_ed3a3eec3d_c.jpg" alt="Bon Blockley's Landing" title="Bon Blockley's Landing"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52798896138">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52798896138_f71800811b_c.jpg" alt="Neppel Landing" title="Neppel Landing"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52798895773">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52798895773_3271424fc5_c.jpg" alt="Moses Lake, Washington" title="Moses Lake, Washington"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52797884172">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52797884172_bbc146fd2a_c.jpg" alt="Moses Lake, Washington" title="Moses Lake, Washington"/>
</a>
</div>
<hr/>
<p>To leave the park, I had to go a couple of parking spaces' length the wrong way in the lot, since the alternative was a likely endless wait for traffic on the busy highway. After crossing back over the same bridge from earlier, I saw an Arby's and just had to stop for my usual Market Fresh sandwich and mozzarella sticks. Luckily for me, the dining room was even open!</p>
<p>After I was done eating lunch, I drank my energy drink and called the Kawasaki dealer where the repairs <a href="/2023/02/slushy-road-to-mineral-2023-01-22.html">from the earlier crash</a> were going to be taken care of, and they said all of the parts were in! I told them that I'd have to bring the bike in during the week since I was out of town.</p>
</div>
<div class="postsection">
<h4>Outbound</h4>
<div class="postimage postmap">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52800895016">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52800895016_6ff65c961c_b.jpg" alt="Inbound" title="Inbound"/>
</a>
</div>
<p>My route back to I-90 was along SR-17: a 50 MPH road with traffic lights. And then I hunkered down for the long highway pull on I-90 back to Seattle, since I didn't want to waste too much time getting back. As usual, I saw the same cars over and over again the whole way back.</p>
<p>I did have to make a stop for gas again in Ellensburg, as I hit the fuel light again. Right after I pulled in, a huge Land Rover pulled up at the pump behind me and was still filling up long after I'd moved to a parking space to rest for a while with a snack from the food mart.</p>
<p>After dealing with the Snoqualmie Pass cold again, I stopped for gas in North Bend so I wouldn't have to deal with the mess of roads that larger cities to the west would require me to navigate to a gas station.</p>
<p>I-90 slowed down a little as usual as it approached I-405, but the real nightmare turned out being SR-520. It was stop-and-go for an hour as it approached I-5! There was a closure at the Montlake exit, but I don't think that's why, since there wasn't any congestion heading north on I-5 from SR-520. I gave up being in the right lane after a while and hung in the left lane until the exit. Thankfully, a Subaru was nice enough to let me in.</p>
<p>After dealing with all that mess, I really didn't want to deal with the same on 50th getting home, so I hung a right off it and took a familiar route along the south side of Green Lake to 65th to get home.</p>
</div>
<p>The entire following week was colored by a stomach bug. To this day, I'm still not sure if it was the Sunset Cafe or the Arby's, but I'm leaning towards the latter.</p>Neil E. Hodgeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06096087090901980142noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7021228780421697859.post-54827863780161550842023-03-30T17:54:00.003-07:002023-03-30T17:54:58.694-07:00Whidbey Island (2023-03-11) <div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52778290946">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52778290946_40b8b41beb_c.jpg" alt="Triumph Bonneville Parked at West Point" title="Triumph Bonneville Parked at West Point"/>
</a>
</div>
<p class="summary">Since I didn't want to deal with snow, ice, and cold, I decided to stay near the water and head up Whidbey Island. This gave me the chance to get the photos at West Point that my wife and I didn't have the time to get at our wedding. I also made a quick stop at Kayak Point on the way back.</p>
<div class="postlink">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/albums/72177720307095994">Geotagged Album</a>
</div>
<p>Albums from past rides in the area:</p>
<div class="postlink">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/albums/72157719426053207">North Puget Sound (2021-06-12) (Album)</a>
</div>
<div class="postlink">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/albums/72157709025435902">South Whidbey Island II (Album)</a>
</div>
<div class="postlink">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/albums/72157704985762642">Stanwood II (Album)</a>
</div>
<div class="postlink">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/albums/72157682041177126">Skagit Delta Daffodils (Album)</a>
</div>
<div class="postlink">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/albums/72157676661655204">More Mount Vernon (Album)</a>
</div>
<div class="postlink">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/albums/72157671030664494">Quimper and South Whidbey (Album)</a>
</div>
<div class="postlink">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/albums/72157671824105985">Skagit City and Sedro–Woolley (Album)</a>
</div>
<p>More after the break…</p>
<a name='more'></a>
<div class="postsection">
<h4>Part 1: To Mukilteo</h4>
<div class="postimage postmap">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52782614214">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52782614214_e4815d5529_b.jpg" alt="Part 1: To Ferry" title="Part 1: To Ferry" class="skinny"/>
</a>
</div>
<p>I started at about 8 AM and headed north on I-5. I thought my route would send me on SR-526 to maximize freeway time, but it instead was along SR-525 since it was technically the shorter distance. Either would've been fine, obviously.</p>
<p>When I arrived at the ferry terminal, I had something like 10 minutes before it started loading. That gave me enough time to get a panorama, but not much else on land.</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52778706870">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52778706870_a02d946f1f_c.jpg" alt="Mukilteo Ferry Terminal: - Projection: Stereographic (4) FOV: 125 x 64 Ev: 11.37" title="Mukilteo Ferry Terminal"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52778781843">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52778781843_1d3e3e6fff_c.jpg" alt="Mukilteo Waterfront" title="Mukilteo Waterfront"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52778714970">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52778714970_bc09e5502f_c.jpg" alt="Rail/Ship Transfer Dock" title="Rail/Ship Transfer Dock"/>
</a>
</div>
</div>
<div class="postsection">
<h4>Part 2: Whidbey Island</h4>
<div class="postimage postmap">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52782774115">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52782774115_ac90b05b52_b.jpg" alt="Part 2: Northbound" title="Part 2: Northbound" class="skinny"/>
</a>
</div>
<p>As the boat approached Clinton, I thought it would be a great chance to get some photos of the area there as well.</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52778295621">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52778295621_effc845386_c.jpg" alt="Clinton Houses" title="Clinton Houses"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52778295526">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52778295526_ab0f148b00_c.jpg" alt="Clinton Houses" title="Clinton Houses"/>
</a>
</div>
<p>After scurrying back to my bike, I noticed that I had set the wrong route as the second half of my ride. Thankfully, I still had the original track file on the SD card and was able to quickly rectify the situation.</p>
<hr/>
<p>The riding along Whidbey Island was enjoyable as always, albeit a little cold with a few drops of rain here and there. Along the way, I stopped in Greenbank to get some photos. The deli was open, but I was really hoping to find a place with hot, plated meals. Since I last noticed, a pot shop had joined the cluster of businesses. There was also an SUV with its grille missing.</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52778714710">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52778714710_89265c7cdf_c.jpg" alt="Greenbank Store and Post Office (98253)" title="Greenbank Store and Post Office (98253)"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52778295276">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52778295276_38b69c86a6_c.jpg" alt="Greenbank Pantry" title="Greenbank Pantry"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52777769832">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52777769832_5dd3d86a0a_c.jpg" alt="Dolce Bakery and Cafe & The Weed Shop" title="Dolce Bakery and Cafe & The Weed Shop"/>
</a>
</div>
<hr/>
<p>Pretty much nothing was open in downtown Coupeville when I rolled into town. I was still hoping to get a hot breakfast, but I was out of luck, so I just walked around to get photos. When I started, an older couple commented that it was a chilly day for a ride, but when I told them I had heated grips, they said that they "really save the day."</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52778294721">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52778294721_76d527da12_c.jpg" alt="Triumph Bonneville Parked in Coupeville" title="Triumph Bonneville Parked in Coupeville"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52778553374">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52778553374_36705be832_c.jpg" alt="Coupeville, Washington" title="Coupeville, Washington"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52778294141">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52778294141_d84b66b40d_c.jpg" alt="Coupeville Wharf" title="Coupeville Wharf"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52778293931">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52778293931_1ea6c1a9e4_c.jpg" alt="Coupeville, Washington" title="Coupeville, Washington"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52778552519">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52778552519_32ae76dcf2_c.jpg" alt="Coupeville, Washington" title="Coupeville, Washington"/>
</a>
</div>
<p>One cool thing I saw was Grace Street being closed to cars so folks could sit outside. Despite the number of people I saw walking around, nobody was making use of the benches.</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52778712425">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52778712425_0bcae0fc34_c.jpg" alt="Grace Street, NW: Closed to traffic." title="Grace Street, NW"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52777767802">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52777767802_6537d04de7_c.jpg" alt="Haller House" title="Haller House"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52777767647">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52777767647_8b7af61bd5_c.jpg" alt="Cooks Corner Park" title="Cooks Corner Park"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52778292906">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52778292906_f88941d86d_c.jpg" alt="Anchorage Inn Bed and Breakfast" title="Anchorage Inn Bed and Breakfast"/>
</a>
</div>
<p>Looking around on my phone showed that the only open place with food in town at the moment was the Sunshine Drip a a short way south, so I headed over there. I ended up getting a bagel breakfast sandwich, blueberry coffee cake, and a 12 ounce drip there, which was satisfying enough to keep me going for a while.</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52778551924">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52778551924_0ded9926ce_c.jpg" alt="Sunshine Drip" title="Sunshine Drip"/>
</a>
</div>
<p>Before leaving, I thought to dig around for my Discover Pass…only to discover that it expired at the end of 2022, which left my next goal as finding where to get a new one. Of course, that would come after filling up my bike's tank in Oak Harbor.</p>
<p>After riding along SR-20 for a bit, I saw a convenience store on the left, so I headed there to see if they had Discover Passes and get some water. When hanging that left, I accidentally shifted into neutral instead of first, but thankfully I had enough momentum to get out of the highway before the oncoming traffic came. Unfortunately, the store didn't have them, and they told me to try the Big 5 back in Oak Harbor.</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52778292476">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52778292476_5e9ee8bc3d_c.jpg" alt="Soundview Shopper" title="Soundview Shopper"/>
</a>
</div>
<hr/>
<p>To enter the West Point area of Deception Pass State Park, my GPS said to hang a left onto a tiny gravel road, but the road was blocked off. My only recourse was a U-turn in traffic, which wasn't so bad since traffic was light. When I did find the proper entrance, I found that it was the one for East Cranberry Lake, which was a deluxe entrance! Not only did they sell the <em>annual</em> Discover Pass, they took credit cards! Now I didn't have to worry about buying a pass anymore.</p>
<p>As I slowly made my way to West Point, I saw a bunch of guys fishing on the side of the road where it was only a foot above the water. Their cars were parked in the shoulder on the opposite side. Only later did I discover that this body of water <em>was</em> Cranberry Lake and not Puget Sound.</p>
<p>When I did finally get to the West Point parking lot, I was stuck in a line of big cars trawling for parking spaces. Boy was I smug when I found the tiniest little sliver of asphalt on which I could park my bike!</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52778778398">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52778778398_25f9b16ab4_c.jpg" alt="Triumph Bonneville Parked at West Point" title="Triumph Bonneville Parked at West Point"/>
</a>
</div>
<p>Next up was the usual photo walk, since one of the reasons behind this ride was seeing the profile view of the Deception Pass Bridge.</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52778777273">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52778777273_73746b9396_c.jpg" alt="Profile of Deception Pass Bridge" title="Profile of Deception Pass Bridge"/>
</a>
</div>
<p>There was also a guy shouting and waving to his family from atop some rocks out at the edge of the water.</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52778711210">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52778711210_ae2c4feea1_c.jpg" alt="West Point" title="West Point"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52778292206">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52778292206_cd433fe09a_c.jpg" alt="West Point Rocks" title="West Point Rocks"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52778292026">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52778292026_b9b325ea81_c.jpg" alt="Deception Island" title="Deception Island"/>
</a>
</div>
<p>I did have to skip one photo opportunity for a moment because a couple was making out on the bench in it.</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52777766302">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52777766302_657cf0eb28_c.jpg" alt="West Point Bench: There was a couple making out on the bench when I showed up." title="West Point Bench" class="skinny"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52777765562">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52777765562_dc42e7c0ac_c.jpg" alt="West Beach" title="West Beach"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52777765182">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52777765182_f8a4b6ca23_c.jpg" alt="West Beach" title="West Beach"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52778776373">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52778776373_3b1824cb0a_c.jpg" alt="West Point, Rosario Head, and Deception Island" title="West Point, Rosario Head, and Deception Island"/>
</a>
</div>
<p>One common theme was stuff put out for a running event: signs, cones, and a big finish line area. <a href="https://ultrasignup.com/register.aspx?did=97667">The run itself</a>—which was across the Deception Pass Bridge—had ended, but there were still some folks running around.</p>
</div>
<div class="postsection">
<h4>Part 2: Return Home</h4>
<div class="postimage postmap">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52781825627">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52781825627_c01202e2cc_b.jpg" alt="Part 3: Return Home" title="Part 3: Return Home" class="skinny"/>
</a>
</div>
<p>After crossing the bridge and returning to the mainland, I headed south through the Skagit River Delta. I wanted to stop by The Rex to get some antacids, but they didn't have any, so I just bought a double-chocolate brownie that tasted like it had almond extract instead.</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52778290156">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52778290156_7a7828f3fe_c.jpg" alt="The Rex" title="The Rex"/>
</a>
</div>
<p>Before leaving, another customer asked me if I saw anything cool that prompted my photos outside, then asked if I got any good photos today. After I told her about my ride thus far, she said she was also touring the area, but for owls to photograph instead. Oh, and I also saw someone riding a randonneur-style bicycle with a handlebar bag and so on.</p>
<hr/>
<p>I then continued south and east to Conway and its roundabout, where I exited too early and had to go through it again to join the Pioneer Highway (old US 99). I then passed through Stanwood and switched to Marine Drive for a much more chill time than I-5 would've provided.</p>
<p>My next stop was at Kayak Point Regional County Park, which I'd only heard of because our wedding officiant had suggested it as another location for the ceremony. I didn't know I had to buy a permit to use the park, but thankfully there was a permit vending machine at the entrance that took credit cards. Unlike the parking lot at Deception Pass State Park, there were very few people here, and I ended up parking next to a stick-shift Ford Ranger.</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52778708640">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52778708640_23ba80386c_c.jpg" alt="Triumph Bonneville Parked at Kayak Point" title="Triumph Bonneville Parked at Kayak Point"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52778708530">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52778708530_356f8c993f_c.jpg" alt="Kayak Point Park" title="Kayak Point Park"/>
</a>
</div>
<p>The beach, picnic shelters, and fishing pier all caught my eye as I walked around taking photos. Very nice!</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52778775468">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52778775468_48ca48d899_c.jpg" alt="Kayak Point Beach and Picnic Shelters" title="Kayak Point Beach and Picnic Shelters"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52778708265">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52778708265_d1ccc32ab6_c.jpg" alt="Kayak Point Beach" title="Kayak Point Beach"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52778708150">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52778708150_b68a3dd5f9_c.jpg" alt="Kayak Point Fishing Pier" title="Kayak Point Fishing Pier"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52778548089">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52778548089_6928b17930_c.jpg" alt="Kayak Point Shelters and Houses" title="Kayak Point Shelters and Houses"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52778288746">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52778288746_9d361037e2_c.jpg" alt="Kayak Point Park" title="Kayak Point Park"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52778707355">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52778707355_2fea01f897_c.jpg" alt="Kayak Point Beach" title="Kayak Point Beach"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52778547544">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52778547544_649f06858d_c.jpg" alt="Kayak Point Beach and Fishing Pier" title="Kayak Point Beach and Fishing Pier"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52778707115">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52778707115_2c52f6daa5_c.jpg" alt="Kayak Point Park" title="Kayak Point Park"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52778287956">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52778287956_6557e65bcf_c.jpg" alt="Triumph Bonneville Parked at Kayak Point" title="Triumph Bonneville Parked at Kayak Point"/>
</a>
</div>
<p>I thought about using the restroom at the park, but really didn't feel like walking all the way over to it.</p>
<hr/>
<p>After I rolled into Marysville, I stopped by the Tulalip Liquor Store & Smoke shop for antacids and an energy drink. I did have an energy drink, but it was too strong for how I was feeling after that coffee earlier. I was also hoping for a restroom, but they didn't have a public one, so I set the nearby Safeway as my next stop. Before I left, a couple of guys said they really liked my bike. The second guy kept talking about his 1963 Honda bike (likely a C9X Benly) and how it had the same tank grips as my bike, which had sadly since been stolen. He said he was on the lookout for a Harley-Davidson Road King or similar at the moment.</p>
<p>I thought that using 33rd Avenue NE for its light to get onto Marine Drive NE was going to be easier than the nearby roundabout, but the lane between the intersection I chose and the I-5 junction was completely backed up! I had to wait for several light cycles before I was able to make the turn, and it was slow going until I got past I-5. Not long after, I saw an Albertsons and decided to use the restrooms there instead. Unfortunately, there was a code on the door so I had to go into the rather outdated aisles to buy something (which ended up being toothpaste we needed at home). After going through the self-checkout, I asked the attendant for the code, but all she could do was radio for someone to let me in. I waited several minutes in front of the restroom without any sign of someone coming, but before I gave up, a younger guy with a broom walked up, opened the door, swept a bit, and let me in.</p>
<p>Remembering how bad the I-5/Marine Drive junction was, I just used SR-529 to get to Everett, then used local arterials to get to I-5. As I joined the freeway, a car that was behind me on the entrance ramp jumped left a lane immediately and ended up tailgating me very closely as I had to do the same since the entrance lane was an exit only.</p>
<hr/>
<p>Traffic on I-5 was fine all the way until Northgate, but I still wanted to try my luck with N 85th Street, which ended up being the wrong choice: it was full-on stop-and-go. I'm not sure what was going through my mind, but I moved a lane to the right, only for the lane to merge back into the lane I was in previously, which did get me around one car.</p>
<p>When I got home, a Prius was sitting in the no parking zone immediately before my building's entrance with its flashers on. While that was bad enough, the guy started to pull out <em>after</em> I was in front of him and turning right! This whole mess prompted me to send an e-mail to my HOA's mailing list, and, as of the writing of this post, there's still activity going on around the mess since a number of my neighbors have had similar close calls.</p>
<p>The "fun" didn't stop there, either: some lady moving in had the only working elevator in self-service mode, so nobody else was able to use it. Unlike the parked car, however, I didn't make a big deal about climbing the several flights of stairs to my floor.</p>
</div>Neil E. Hodgeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06096087090901980142noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7021228780421697859.post-67060493246449271752023-03-10T19:51:00.004-08:002023-03-10T19:51:50.025-08:00Mineral II (2023-02-11) <div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52730606342">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52730606342_84d6d0f463_c.jpg" alt="Triumph Bonneville at Mineral Market: Closed until Spring." title="Triumph Bonneville at Mineral Market"/>
</a>
</div>
<p class="summary">After the small disaster last time, I had to try to go to Mineral again. This time, thankfully, the roads were all clear and the weather was beautiful!</p>
<div class="postlink">
<a href="http://flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/albums/72177720306532778">Geotagged Album</a>
</div>
<p>Albums from past rides in the area</p>
<div class="postlink">
<a href="http://flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/albums/72177720305480555">Slushy Road to Mineral (2023-01-22) (Album)</a>
</div>
<div class="postlink">
<a href="http://flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/albums/72177720302608874">From Fire to Paradise (2022-09-10) (Album)</a>
</div>
<div class="postlink">
<a href="http://flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/albums/72177720300169798">Chinook Pass and Yakima River Canyon (2022-06-25) (Album)</a>
</div>
<p>More after the break…</p>
<a name='more'></a>
<div class="postsection">
<h4>Outbound</h4>
<div class="postimage postmap">
<a href="http://flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52713884736">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52713884736_066ec1b4d0_b.jpg" alt="Inbound" title="Inbound" class="skinny"/>
</a>
</div>
<p>Going into this ride, I wasn't really feeling like SR-169 <em>again</em>, so I instead used SR-99, SR-167, and SR-410. Despite the bitter cold when I left in the morning, I managed to at least not be in pain thanks to my Merino base layer.</p>
<p>My first stop was in in Bonney Lake to get gas at the Costco there, as my fuel light turned on when I rolled into town (a first on this bike!). Its premium was cheaper than the regular at nearby "normal" gas stations!</p>
<p>Next, I stopped at Charlie's Cafe in Enumclaw again for breakfast. Unlike <a href="/2023/02/slushy-road-to-mineral-2023-01-22.html">last time</a>, it wasn't very busy, so I didn't have long to wait. As has become my tradition, I got some hot coffee to warm up.</p>
<hr/>
<p>From Enumclaw, I started on my usual route via SR-165 and SR-162, but decided that I didn't want to deal with Orville Road. Instead, I headed into Orting, then hung a left on the Orting–Kapowsin Highway. After not long along that road, I started getting a strange feeling that I'd end up at the Kapowsin Ale House & Grill, and thus Orville Road, so when I did hit Kapowsin, I hung a right to avoid that road. Eventually, I hit SR-161, which I took all of the way to SR-7.</p>
<p>After hitting SR-7, I realized that I'd have to contend with the meandering part of it around La Grande. Unlike my <a href="/2022/02/elbe-ii-2022-02-12.html">past time in the area</a>, I took the turns much more confidently. Going this route also gave me the chance to get better photos of Alder Dam from afar</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52731612908">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52731612908_c911894f21_c.jpg" alt="La Grande Reservoir" title="La Grande Reservoir" class="skinny"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52731382029">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52731382029_02e80fb72e_c.jpg" alt="Parked on Washington State Route 7" title="Parked on Washington State Route 7"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52731382469">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52731382469_b7c4b1dfb6_c.jpg" alt="Nisqually River Valley" title="Nisqually River Valley"/>
</a>
</div>
<p>While I was stopped there, a pickup truck towing a flatbed trailer loaded with chain-link fence sections pulled over and the driver asked me where the next gas station was. I told them that Elbe was the closest one I knew about and they were on their way…or so I thought. I don't know what was happening, but on the stretch of SR-7 to Elbe, I saw them sporadically slow down and pull onto the shoulder.</p>
<p>My next stop was at Elbe to get a bottle of water at the gas station and use the restroom at the adjacent rest area.</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52731381959">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52731381959_1083fe6169_c.jpg" alt="Elbe Supply" title="Elbe Supply"/>
</a>
</div>
<p>While I enjoyed the scene, that same truck from earlier finally did make it and was able to get the gas they needed. Glad things turned out okay!</p>
<p>I left Elbe the same way as <a href="/2023/02/slushy-road-to-mineral-2023-01-22.html">last time</a>, and approached the turn for Mineral Road with apprehension. Much to my relief, it was completely clear of slush, so I was free to finally head into Mineral! I was greeted with a view of Mount Rainier in the distance, though I strangely didn't see it while I walked around taking photos, after first parking in front of the "closed until Spring" Mineral Market.</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52731381419">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52731381419_60be6506b2_c.jpg" alt="Mineral, Washington" title="Mineral, Washington"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52731381679">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52731381679_3675d77980_c.jpg" alt="Mineral School" title="Mineral School"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52731381104">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52731381104_8f1548a93c_c.jpg" alt="Mineral, Washington" title="Mineral, Washington"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52731131461">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52731131461_02dc1417c1_c.jpg" alt="Mineral, Washington" title="Mineral, Washington"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52731611873">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52731611873_a17ae19ea8_c.jpg" alt="Mineral Fire and Rescue" title="Mineral Fire and Rescue"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52731611538">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52731611538_df0869cb53_c.jpg" alt="Headquarters Tavern" title="Headquarters Tavern"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52731537905">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52731537905_bdb5f531c5_c.jpg" alt="American Legion Post 171 Stormking" title="American Legion Post 171 Stormking"/>
</a>
</div>
<p>While walking around, I tried to find access to the lake. Across the street was a gravel parking lot and restrooms that required a Discover Pass to use, but I didn't really see any sign that the gravel road behind it headed down to the lake. Seemed like it was someone's driveway.</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52731612283">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52731612283_f7c7890fd0_c.jpg" alt="State Park Restrooms" title="State Park Restrooms"/>
</a>
</div>
<p>I wandered around a bit, waving by some adventure motorcycle riders who rode by, before coming across the Mineral Lake Lions Den Campground. Looking around for signs whether or not it was open didn't help, but thankfully a caretaker rolled up in a utility UTV and told me that they were technically closed. He said that I could go down to take some quick photos, but only after making extra sure that I was taking them for personal use only.</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52730604817">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52730604817_fa87ccb17c_c.jpg" alt="Mineral Lake Lions Den Campground Office" title="Mineral Lake Lions Den Campground Office"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52731394729">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52731394729_8fec75dd3e_c.jpg" alt="Mineral Lake: - Projection: Cylindrical (1) FOV: 171 x 51 Ev: 13.83" title="Mineral Lake"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52730605187">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52730605187_3e53325a0e_c.jpg" alt="Mineral Lake Lions Den Campground" title="Mineral Lake Lions Den Campground"/>
</a>
</div>
<p>When I was done, I told him "thanks again", but he seemed pretty focused on trying to get the UTV to not stall.</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52730604247">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52730604247_6a0b9a3197_c.jpg" alt="Mineral, Washington" title="Mineral, Washington"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52731379794">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52731379794_293ec9cbc6_c.jpg" alt="Mineral Presbyterian Church" title="Mineral Presbyterian Church"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52730603932">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52730603932_b11ff615ec_c.jpg" alt="Mineral Post Office (98355)" title="Mineral Post Office (98355)"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52731129441">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52731129441_1f4b199675_c.jpg" alt="Mineral, Washington" title="Mineral, Washington"/>
</a>
</div>
<p>I walked back to my bike, noticing that The Headquarters Tavern had opened since I started my walk.</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52731609818">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52731609818_ee92558d7e_c.jpg" alt="Mineral Market: Closed until Spring." title="Mineral Market"/>
</a>
</div>
</div>
<div class="postsection">
<h4>Inbound</h4>
<div class="postimage postmap">
<a href="http://flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52714359683">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52714359683_ff9a27765d_b.jpg" alt="Outbound" title="Outbound" class="skinny"/>
</a>
</div>
<p>I headed back the same way I came. When I arrived to SR-7 again, I noticed a large pack of sportbike riders coming my way down the highway. After making my turn, I kept a fairly quick pace, but that simply wasn't enough for them! They kept passing everyone, and when they were waiting at a stop sign to turn, they kept revving their bikes. Zero chill, those guys.</p>
<p>Rather than dealing with the winding SR-7, I took the Alder Cutoff back to Eatonville, then joined SR-161 for the rest of the route to South Hill. I stopped once for a restroom, nacho Bugles, and gas in Graham, and while I did, an older lady driving a Z06 Corvette parked next to me. Neat!</p>
<hr/>
<p>The traffic in South Hill was <strong> horrible</strong>! I ended up stuck behind a Walmart semi truck, and eventually just gave up on getting to SR-512 this way. I hung a right on 53rd Avenue SE, then meandered left and right for a while, avoiding turning into housing developments. My last turn in the area was a left onto Shaw Road E…which put me at the end of a long line of cars waiting to head downhill. Once we did finally get moving, I saw that police were directing traffic around a bad car crash. The trunk on one of the cars was completely smashed in!</p>
<p>The bottom of the hill revealed familiar scenery: a road that I'd often used to get to/from the northwesternmost trailhead of the Foothills Trail. That left me with only a short jaunt before joining SR-167 via SR-410 in Sumner. However, I wasn't feeling like riding SR-167 yet again, so I used SR-18 to switch to I-5, then jumped over to the HOV lane.</p>
<p>Like <a href="/2023/02/slushy-road-to-mineral-2023-01-22.html">last time</a>, I took the left exit to Georgetown, but I took a wrong turn around the First Street Bridge mess and ended up on SR-99 southbound. I didn't want to deal with the grated bridge deck on the northbound bridge, so I made my way up the western side of the Duwamish Waterway. At one point, I had to do my first full-lock U-turn from a stop when a stoplight simply refused to acknowledge my existence.</p>
<p>Feeling the need for one last break, I stopped at həʔapus Village Park for photos and my last energy drink. I wanted to get a photo of my bike parked there, but a lady in a Subaru parked in the only free spot next to my bike shortly after I parked. She sat there for 15 minutes with the car idling, then left…only for a guy in a stick shift Scion xB to park there instead. I got my photos and went on my way at that point.</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52731609563">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52731609563_8d97739590_c.jpg" alt="Duwamish Waterway" title="Duwamish Waterway"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52731128566">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52731128566_8d3616a15d_c.jpg" alt="Duwamish Waterway" title="Duwamish Waterway"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52730602632">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52730602632_2e8268bd4b_c.jpg" alt="Downtown Seattle and Duwamish Waterway" title="Downtown Seattle and Duwamish Waterway"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52731128116">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52731128116_c70e9ee5ae_c.jpg" alt="he?apus Village Park and Shoreline Habitat" title="he?apus Village Park and Shoreline Habitat"/>
</a>
</div>
<hr/>
<p>Continuing my trend of wrong turns, the lane I chose under the West Seattle Bridge had me end up on the Spokane Street Bridge instead. It wasn't a big deal, especially since my GPS sent me straight to the same ramp to SR-99 that I would've taken either way.</p>
<p>Traffic wasn't bad for the remainder of my ride, but there was one SUV on SR-99 that <em>really</em> wanted to speed. After passing several folks both before and in the tunnel, it ended up stuck behind a moving wall of cars, which I smirked at.</p>
<p>I finally got home at about 3 PM.</p>
</div>Neil E. Hodgeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06096087090901980142noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7021228780421697859.post-20677088699840245412023-02-04T15:58:00.001-08:002023-02-04T15:58:24.848-08:00Slushy Road to Mineral (2023-01-22) <div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52646428907">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52646428907_9f174b7ba4_c.jpg" alt="Ninja 1000SX Down on Slushy Mineral Road N: I kept it very slow with low throttle, but it didn't take long for me to go down." title="Ninja 1000SX Down on Slushy Mineral Road N" class="skinny"/>
</a>
</div>
<p class="summary">I wanted to finally check out the town of Mineral in Lewis County, and the roads seemed fine everywhere, but they ended up getting snowier the further up in elevation I went. By the time I hit the last road to get to the town, it was covered in slush and I went down maybe 100 feet after turning onto said road. Mineral will have to wait until the weather warms up a bit.</p>
<p>Even though the conditions weren't quite perfect for a long ride, I felt like I'd become rusty at motorcycle riding and really wanted to get into it. My rustiness really showed at the beginning of the ride, but I gradually felt into my usual groove.</p>
<div class="postlink">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/albums/72177720305480555">Geotagged Album</a>
</div>
<p>Past rides in the area:</p>
<div class="postlink">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/sets/72177720302608874/">From Fire to Paradise (2022-09-10) (Album)</a>
</div>
<div class="postlink">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/sets/72177720300169798/">Chinook Pass and Yakima River Canyon (2022-06-25) (Album)</a>
</div>
<div class="postlink">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/sets/72177720296662362/">Elbe II (2022-02-12) (Album)</a>
</div>
<div class="postlink">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/sets/72157719751459111/">Carbon River Entrance by Motorcycle (2021-08-28) (Album)</a>
</div>
<div class="postlink">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/sets/72157716523127477/">Flaming Geyser State Park & Black Diamond (Album)</a>
</div>
<p>More after the break…</p>
<a name='more'></a>
<div class="postsection">
<h4>Outbound</h4>
<div class="postimage postmap">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52655763763">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52655763763_b053049c4b_b.jpg" alt="Outbound" title="Outbound" class="skinny"/>
</a>
</div>
<p>I started at about 7 AM so I wouldn't have to deal with both cold <em>and</em> dark conditions, then headed south on I-5. My original plan was to cross Lake Washington via SR-520, but I recalled seeing signs about a closure while passing through the area over the past week, so I was forced to use I-90 instead. Once on the other side of the lake, I headed south on I-405 and SR-169. As my route ascended away from the rivers, lakes, and valleys, I noticed that it got a little warmer, which was very welcome.</p>
<p>My first stop was at Charlie's Cafe in Enumclaw. Unlike in the past, I got some much-needed cups of coffee to help me warm up. I typically would be worried about getting sick from the acidity, which has historically been common for me, but I put a little baking soda in my water bottle before leaving, which I've discovered completely solves the issue. While I waited for my food, I noted the large number of vehicles towing and carrying snowmobiles, which I should've seen as an omen. When my food arrived (a "222" pancake combo), a guy at a nearby table told me to be very careful with the syrup since there wasn't much room left on the plate for it to run off. (He gestured to one of his table-mates and said their syrup got all over the floor.) Heeding his advice, I cut up my pancakes some <em>before</em> pouring the syrup, which the guy said was "irrigation relief." His comment suggested to me that he knew a thing or two about water management.</p>
<hr/>
<p>Unlike <a href="/2022/10/from-fire-to-paradise-2022-09-10.html">last time</a>, I found the correct way to leave Charlie's Cafe, which was very convenient because it lead to a traffic light on the highway. After getting gas in Enumclaw, and using the restroom at the South Prairie Trailhead, I headed south along Orville Road. Unlike <a href="/2022/10/from-fire-to-paradise-2022-09-10.html">last time</a>, I was able to maintain my speed better through the curves with better technique.</p>
<p>When I passed through Eatonville, along a lane shift, I noticed that they were completely rebuilding the sidewalks. (The shift was such that my lane was a parking lane, while the opposing lane was where my lane would've been.)</p>
<hr/>
<p>Heading south out of Elbe, I noticed snow starting to collect on the highway's verges, but I didn't think much of it since the road itself was completely clear. That proved to be my undoing: as soon as I made a left onto Mineral Road, I saw snow and slush all over the road. Trying to follow a very careful line, I used very little throttle to keep moving…but even that wasn't enough. It wasn't long until the bike slid out sideways under me and I landed on my left shoulder and hip. After getting up, I didn't feel like any part of my body was badly damaged, but my top case did pop open. Thankfully, when I popped it off the bike, it wasn't damaged much at all.</p>
<p>Taking stock of the situation, I realized that I couldn't use the normal leg lift to bring it up due to the camber of the road and slipperiness of the surface. Luckily, a local drove the other way along the road and was able to direct and help me get it up. We inched the bike back and forth to get it closer to the middle of the road, then did a front-side lift to get it back up. He asked if it still started, and when it did, he asked if I needed any more help. I told him I didn't and he headed off on his way, keeping an eye on me as I had trouble turning the bike around to head back down the hill. Once I figured to use the throttle to help move it against the grade of the camber, he knew I was fine and continued to the highway. All the while, a couple of locals were chatting to each other from their cars a little uphill.</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52646428732">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52646428732_7f7e2b3a48_c.jpg" alt="Slushy Mineral Road N" title="Slushy Mineral Road N"/>
</a>
</div>
</div>
<div class="postsection">
<h4>Inbound</h4>
<div class="postimage postmap">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52654788442">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52654788442_d394daa5cc_b.jpg" alt="Inbound" title="Inbound" class="skinny"/>
</a>
</div>
<p>I was definitely shaken after all that, but I felt more or less okay to start heading home since the road was impassible for me. I had a really difficult time getting on the bike after, though, as my quads were super-tight. Thankfully, it didn't take too much stretching to get the back to normal so I could roll slowly down the hill on the bike with my feet deployed in case I ran into any more slick spots. Once back to the highway, I had no trouble making my way down to Elbe for its rest area's restroom.</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52646935276">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52646935276_8fe1e4bfbd_c.jpg" alt="Spiraltop Over Elbe" title="Spiraltop Over Elbe"/>
</a>
</div>
<p>When I returned to my bike, I saw a bunch of sportbike riders pull into the gas station adjacent to the rest area. They must've seen me, as one of them walked over and asked me to join them. I told him about my fall and that I already had plans with my partner, which made him think I was declining mainly because of the fall. I do hope they didn't end up on slippery roads on their way to Eastern Washington. (The guy didn't know the route and was simply following the others.)</p>
<hr/>
<p>My original plan for this ride was to follow SR-169 back to Seattle, but I didn't really feel like doing that after falling, so I just punched "home" into my GPS and followed the route it gave me: SR-7 and I-5. I certainly had less trouble with SR-7 than <a href="/2022/02/elbe-ii-2022-02-12.html">last time</a> due to my better technique, so it went by pretty quickly. As I rolled through Spanaway, I started running into worse and worse traffic, so I decided to hang a left and follow the much quieter Perimeter Road. I rode with apprehension until my GPS's route no longer advised me to turn around, then joined I-5 at exit 122 and moved into the HOV lane.</p>
<p>Needing a restroom, gas, and a break, I pulled of at the HOV exit at S 137th Street to look for a gas station. After finding one, filling up, and buying a Fig Newton as "bathroom rent", I was dismayed to learn that there was no customer restroom there. My next stop was the nearby Campeon Market…which also had no public restroom. I only finally found one when I hit the also nearby H Mart, where I also bought a chestnut roll cake a snack.</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52646934851">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52646934851_09bbc092cc_c.jpg" alt="Ninja 1000SX Parked at Federal Way H-Mart: Spent far longer than I should've finding a place with a customer restroom." title="Ninja 1000SX Parked at Federal Way H-Mart"/>
</a>
</div>
<hr/>
<p>After meandering back to the same exit to rejoin I-5, I stuck to the carpool lane all the way to Georgetown, then followed a left exit that I'd learned about when my dad and I picked up <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52632459898/"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52632459898_2e0abea166_t.jpg" alt="2022 Honda CRF450RL: Finally got the chance to take this out on a proper ride, but only after getting a crash course in how to start a high-strung engine. Just like a bike with a carburetor, you have to take care with the choke and idle setting, through it's all electronic. The bike was a lot of fun to ride! It was super light like a bicycle, and the smaller engine was really easy to work with after a few minutes." title="2022 Honda CRF450RL" class="postthumbnail"/>my new dual-sport</a> a couple weeks back. Following the same route from that trip had me use the SR-99 tunnel and get home at around 3 PM.</p>
</div>
<p>The following day, I posted a "winter is not my season" post with photos to the PNW Riders Facebook group and they kept going on about how much of an idiot I was. All of the other roads were clear on the 200 miles I rode that day. This one just happened to be the only slick one I ended up on. I ended up deleting my post and leaving the group.</p>
<p>On a more positive note, this ride inspired me to put together a wool base layer so I'd have an easier time staying warm.</p>Neil E. Hodgeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06096087090901980142noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7021228780421697859.post-6691425254030385882022-11-15T13:02:00.005-08:002022-11-15T13:02:51.347-08:00Around Puget Sound (2022-10-15) <!-- COPY EVERYTHING AFTER THIS LINE -->
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52445825917">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52445825917_eaabf38d62_c.jpg" alt="Bonneville T120 in Sumner" title="Bonneville T120 in Sumner"/>
</a>
</div>
<p class="summary">Went to the Olympic Peninsula the long way around to escape the smoke. Needless to say, it didn't quite work.</p>
<div class="postlink">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/albums/72177720303107378">Geotagged Album</a>
</div>
<p>Albums from past rides:</p>
<div class="postlink">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/albums/72177720296662362">Elbe II (2022-02-12) (Album)</a>
</div>
<div class="postlink">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/sets/72157720204821660">Puget Sound Motorcycle Shops (2021-11-13) (Album)</a>
</div>
<div class="postlink">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/albums/72157719429493488">Hood Canal by Motorcycle (2021-06-18) (Album)</a>
</div>
<div class="postlink">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/albums/72157719426053207">North Puget Sound (2021-06-12) (Album)</a>
</div>
<div class="postlink">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/albums/72157719093784189">Wilkeson by Motorcycle (2021-05-02) (Album)</a>
</div>
<p>Part of why I was so itching to go on this ride was because I wanted to try out the exposure bracketing feature on my camera. I would've greatly preferred going into the mountains, but that was unfortunately where the worst of the smoke was.</p>
<p>More after the break…</p>
<a name='more'></a>
<div class="postsection">
<h4>Part 1: Outbound</h4>
<div class="postimage postmap">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52465267441">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52465267441_da00581fb5_b.jpg" alt="Part 1: Outbound" title="Part 1: Outbound"/>
</a>
</div>
<p>Since I'd be covering a long distance on this ride, I started at 6 AM to both beat traffic and get home at a reasonable hour. I thought about using the Southworth ferry, but my past experiences of long waits during their employee and boat shortage soured me to the idea, so I decided to go via Olympia. Also, since I knew the route by heart, I didn't bother with the GPS for most of it.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Cursed, again. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Seattle?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Seattle</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/smoke?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#smoke</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/wawx?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#wawx</a> <a href="https://t.co/m9X9Ziz1Ig">pic.twitter.com/m9X9Ziz1Ig</a></p>— 竹下憲二 (@takeshita_kenji) <a href="https://twitter.com/takeshita_kenji/status/1581242009729523713?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 15, 2022</a></blockquote>
<p>To avoid the worst of the smoke in Seattle and southwest King County, I used SR-520, I-405, and SR-167. Thus, my first stop was for gas in Auburn, followed by downtown Sumner. Along the way, the smoke didn't seem too bad, but I could definitely smell it everywhere.</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52446861653">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52446861653_b1a1e55611_c.jpg" alt="Hometown Charm Cafe and Parklet" title="Hometown Charm Cafe and Parklet"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52446790725">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52446790725_f8bfcf015f_c.jpg" alt="Kincaid Avenue Construction" title="Kincaid Avenue Construction"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52446790985">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52446790985_4b04b0ed9c_c.jpg" alt="Electric Coffee House: This wasn't here before!" title="Electric Coffee House"/>
</a>
</div>
<p>I was a little hungry at this point, so I scoped out breakfast places. The Hometown Charm Cafe from a <a href="2022/02/elbe-ii-2022-02-12.html">past ride</a> wouldn't open for another hour, so I did the usual thing and looked around on my phone. The Buttered Biscuit was just on the other side of one of the downtown blocks, but I didn't see the route there, so I used my GPS and headed right over.</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52446790330">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52446790330_d94e8eef06_c.jpg" alt="The Buttered Biscuit" title="The Buttered Biscuit" class="skinny"/>
</a>
</div>
<p>When I sat at my table, I scoured the menu for something with bacon, eggs, and pancaked, but turned up nothing. I ended up ordering a meal comprised of sausage gravy, a split biscuit, a ground beef patty, and a medium egg, which was both quite good and very filling. Sadly, I wasn't able to avail myself of one of the interesting breakfast cocktails since I had to ride out.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">I'm at The Buttered Biscuit in Sumner, WA <a href="https://t.co/WVp0besrih">https://t.co/WVp0besrih</a> <a href="https://t.co/fi3KpNCi6Y">pic.twitter.com/fi3KpNCi6Y</a></p>— 竹下憲二 (@takeshita_kenji) <a href="https://twitter.com/takeshita_kenji/status/1581292534071844864?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 15, 2022</a></blockquote>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">This place has some wild breakfast cocktails!</p>— 竹下憲二 (@takeshita_kenji) <a href="https://twitter.com/takeshita_kenji/status/1581292648379609088?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 15, 2022</a></blockquote>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">RIP the Eastside. <a href="https://t.co/l9P3J7PXx0">pic.twitter.com/l9P3J7PXx0</a></p>— 竹下憲二 (@takeshita_kenji) <a href="https://twitter.com/takeshita_kenji/status/1581295889691201536?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 15, 2022</a></blockquote>
<hr/>
<p>After bundling up, I rode along some familiar streets through Sumner and Puyallup to get to SR-512, from both my recent trip to the Washington State Fair and bicycle rides in the area including the STP. One thing that caught my attention was the new Milwaukee Avenue Bridge, which I was completely unaware of previously.</p>
<p>Between Puyallup, I-5, and Olympia, I saw several of the same cars over and over again. Traffic was a bit heavy, especially as I approached I-5 on SR-512. Once on I-5, I only stayed on it long enough to get to US 101, which I'd remain on for the entire way to Quilcene.</p>
<p>I was starting to feel the wear of the ride on my mind around Shelton, but didn't want to pull off until US 101 stopped being a freeway. When I did finally pull off, it was at the Shell in Skokomish. Coming in too hot, I ended up running wide and had to stop before cutting an exiting driver off. I really should've slowed down more!</p>
<p>I spent most of my break at the Shell drinking a Diet Coke I bought at the convenience store. Towards the end of it, a guy in an old Toyota station wagon waxed poetic about the Triumph he had back in the day.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">I'm at @Shell_us in Skokomish Nation, WA <a href="https://t.co/BCmWo9noCi">https://t.co/BCmWo9noCi</a></p>— 竹下憲二 (@takeshita_kenji) <a href="https://twitter.com/takeshita_kenji/status/1581318021595172864?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 15, 2022</a></blockquote>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52446620499">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52446620499_1facc8a591_c.jpg" alt="Twin Totems Convenience Store" title="Twin Totems Convenience Store"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52446789720">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52446789720_dc126ccbee_c.jpg" alt="Parked at Twin Totems Convenience Store" title="Parked at Twin Totems Convenience Store"/>
</a>
</div>
</div>
<div class="postsection">
<h4>Part 2: Olympic Peninsula</h4>
<div class="postimage postmap">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52465267371">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52465267371_0542fb2ec9_b.jpg" alt="Part 2: Olympic Peninsula" title="Part 2: Olympic Peninsula"/>
</a>
</div>
<p>The more rural part of US 101 was a nice ride up the Olympic Peninsula, though I did end up stuck behind slow cars from time to time. I even passed the slowest of them when the coast was clear.</p>
<p>After ascending to Walker Pass, I had to stop to get photos. (It sure was smoky up there!) Shortly after, a woman parked her car right in my shot, but she was nice enough to move her car before getting out of the car to take her own photos.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Lots of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/smoke?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#smoke</a> out here.</p>— 竹下憲二 (@takeshita_kenji) <a href="https://twitter.com/takeshita_kenji/status/1581341444073459713?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 15, 2022</a></blockquote>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52446618799">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52446618799_1a70980815_c.jpg" alt="Bonneville T120 at Walker Pass" title="Bonneville T120 at Walker Pass"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52446350416">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52446350416_1d173ac19b_c.jpg" alt="Parked on United States Route 101 at Walker Pass" title="Parked on United States Route 101 at Walker Pass" class="skinny"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52446349496">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52446349496_511b5526dd_c.jpg" alt="United States Route 101 at Walker Pass" title="United States Route 101 at Walker Pass"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52445823022">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52445823022_7d2f9ee0f2_c.jpg" alt="United States Route 101 at Walker Pass" title="United States Route 101 at Walker Pass" class="skinny"/>
</a>
</div>
<hr/>
<p>I stopped for photos again in Quilcene, also spending the time to consider my route home. I eventually settled on Kingston instead of Bainbridge Island, mostly because I didn't want to deal with Downtown Seattle.</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52446617924">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52446617924_9537edfd01_c.jpg" alt="Parked at Peninsula Foods, Quilcene" title="Parked at Peninsula Foods, Quilcene"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52446858453">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52446858453_7ffcd493f2_c.jpg" alt="Parked at Peninsula Foods, Quilcene" title="Parked at Peninsula Foods, Quilcene"/>
</a>
</div>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">I'm at Peninsula Food Store in Quilcene, WA <a href="https://t.co/sJEgWaMehd">https://t.co/sJEgWaMehd</a></p>— 竹下憲二 (@takeshita_kenji) <a href="https://twitter.com/takeshita_kenji/status/1581341302746009600?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 15, 2022</a></blockquote>
<hr/>
<p>Rather than doing an unnecessary out-and-back, I used Center Road as a cutoff to save time to SR-104. Once on the latter, traffic was fairly heavy albeit not too slow. After crossing the Hood Canal Bridge, I hung a left to get photos of Port Gamble and the leaves changing on the trees.</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52446787110">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52446787110_bec4a6b58b_c.jpg" alt="Port Gamble Water Towers" title="Port Gamble Water Towers"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52446786910">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52446786910_dcf2d9f2f7_c.jpg" alt="N Rainier Avenue, Port Gamble" title="N Rainier Avenue, Port Gamble"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52446616564">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52446616564_96f9901643_c.jpg" alt="N Rainier Avenue, Port Gamble" title="N Rainier Avenue, Port Gamble"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52446857073">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52446857073_f39073a760_c.jpg" alt="Port Gamble General Store and Cafe" title="Port Gamble General Store and Cafe"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52446856993">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52446856993_349c6aa78f_c.jpg" alt="Walker Street, Port Gamble" title="Walker Street, Port Gamble"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52446785210">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52446785210_c05668761b_c.jpg" alt="Washington State Route 104 in Port Gamble" title="Washington State Route 104 in Port Gamble"/>
</a>
</div>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">I'm at Port Gamble, WA in WA <a href="https://t.co/m2bk1PLqEu">https://t.co/m2bk1PLqEu</a></p>— 竹下憲二 (@takeshita_kenji) <a href="https://twitter.com/takeshita_kenji/status/1581351450537435138?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 15, 2022</a></blockquote>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">The leaves changing color here are nice.</p>— 竹下憲二 (@takeshita_kenji) <a href="https://twitter.com/takeshita_kenji/status/1581352473796956161?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 15, 2022</a></blockquote>
<p>As I approached Kingston, I saw the tell-tale long line of cars heading the other way from a ferry that had recently arrived. Fearing the worst, I headed straight to the ferry terminal, and when I arrived, I saw the ferry finishing up its loading. I asked the ticket clerk if there was a chance, to which I responded with, "Hurry up." I quickly paid and headed right down to the ferry where I was waved on as the last vehicle. The crews are so nice!</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Almost missed the ferry! (@ Kingston Ferry Terminal in Kingston, WA) <a href="https://t.co/X2CAfl4MWH">https://t.co/X2CAfl4MWH</a></p>— 竹下憲二 (@takeshita_kenji) <a href="https://twitter.com/takeshita_kenji/status/1581359022833569792?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 15, 2022</a></blockquote>
<hr/>
<p>Once on the ferry, I drank my energy drink and ate a bag of Cooler Ranch Doritos that I'd bought at a vending machine on board.</p>
</div>
<div class="postsection">
<h4>Part 3: Return Home</h4>
<div class="postimage postmap">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52465553259">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52465553259_9b1e1aef4a_b.jpg" alt="Part 3: Return Home" title="Part 3: Return Home" class="skinny"/>
</a>
</div>
<p>After being stuck in bad ferry and local traffic on SR-104 on the way out of Edmonds, I took side streets through Richmond Beach to avoid having to deal with getting over to either I-5 or SR-99 and back, culminating in my usual route along 8th Avenue NW. The smoke was <em>much</em> worse on the mainland and I had to flip my visor down when moving because it stung my eyes too much.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Only downhill so far. <a href="https://t.co/EYNsDDNVpb">pic.twitter.com/EYNsDDNVpb</a></p>— 竹下憲二 (@takeshita_kenji) <a href="https://twitter.com/takeshita_kenji/status/1581382594176094208?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 15, 2022</a></blockquote>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">I went to the Olympic Peninsula to escape the worst of it today.</p>— 竹下憲二 (@takeshita_kenji) <a href="https://twitter.com/takeshita_kenji/status/1581416737060581376?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 15, 2022</a></blockquote>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">This is a fun <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/photo?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#photo</a> I got this morning. Exposure bracketing sure is useful! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/photography?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#photography</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/photog?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#photog</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/motorcycle?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#motorcycle</a> <a href="https://t.co/GcmcmFVoB1">pic.twitter.com/GcmcmFVoB1</a></p>— 竹下憲二 (@takeshita_kenji) <a href="https://twitter.com/takeshita_kenji/status/1581432770248986624?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 15, 2022</a></blockquote>
</div>Neil E. Hodgeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06096087090901980142noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7021228780421697859.post-19986205201537185942022-10-05T17:02:00.003-07:002022-10-05T17:07:03.035-07:00From Fire to Paradise (2022-09-10) <div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52403458283">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52403458283_613c177220_c.jpg" alt="Ninja 1000SX with Mount Rainier: Just east of Paradise." title="Ninja 1000SX with Mount Rainier"/>
</a>
</div>
<p class="summary">I originally intended to see White and Chinook passes, but the Goat Rocks fire forced me into Mount Rainier National Park. Needless to say, I wasn't too unhappy about it.</p>
<div class="postlink">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/albums/72177720302608874">Geotagged Album</a>
</div>
<p>I'd always thought I'd see Paradise for the first time with my dad since he likes to ride motorcycles through Mount Rainier National Park, but things didn't turn out that way.</p>
<p>Previous albums from the area:</p>
<div class="postlink">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/albums/72177720300169798">Chinook Pass and Yakima River Canyon (2022-06-25) (Album)</a>
</div>
<div class="postlink">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/albums/72157675611088215">Greenwater (Album)</a>
</div>
<div class="postlink">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/albums/72157670611560735">Morton (Album)</a>
</div>
<p>More after the break…</p>
<a name='more'></a>
<div class="postsection">
<h4>To Packwood</h4>
<div class="postimage postmap">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52406926202">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52406926202_5c3972d1e4_b.jpg" alt="Part 1: To Packwood" title="Part 1: To Packwood" class="skinny"/>
</a>
</div>
<p>I started at 5:30 this time, since this was going to be a fairly long ride. To avoid dealing with the I-5 closure, my route took me across SR-520, then south on I-405 to SR-169 in Renton. As I rode along the latter, there was a Mustang that really wanted to get around me, but didn't get the chance to pass prior to turning off in Covington.</p>
<p>Along the rural stretch of SR-169, I noticed that it was very cold in the lowlands and river valleys, but quite warm in the highlands. After being chilled around Lake Washington, I had been thinking about dawning another layer, but the warmth convinced me otherwise. This warmth was likely due to the smoke, which reduced visibility considerably. What really caught me off guard, however, were the strong windows. I usually wouldn't associate such winds with warmer temperatures.</p>
<p>As I neared Enumclaw, I considered my breakfast options. First was the Krain Corner diner, which wasn't open quite yet. I then headed over to the Kettle Cafe as I had <a href="/2022/06/chinook-pass-and-yakima-river-canyon.html">last time</a>. Seeing that its usual opening hours at 7 AM, I waited the 10 minutes, and when it still hadn't hopened, I looked online and discovered that it had shut down since I was last there!</p>
<p>Looking around a bit on my phone yielded Charlie's Cafe, which I arrived at only after making a couple wrong turns. The restaurant was fairly busy and the food took a while, but the ambiance was nice and the food was worth the wait: pancakes, bacon, and eggs.</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52402467177">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52402467177_b2973cd1b1_c.jpg" alt="Charlie's Cafe" title="Charlie's Cafe"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52403478668">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52403478668_b150968328_c.jpg" alt="Charlie's Cafe" title="Charlie's Cafe"/>
</a>
</div>
<p>As I returned to my bike in the parking lot, I asked a guy who was also leaving if this strange weather was normal since I wasn't from the area. He also wasn't.</p>
<hr/>
<p>I left Enumclaw via the usual route toward Orting, then continued south along Orville Road, only to be stuck behind a large dump truck until it turned off just before the Puyallup River crossing. Further along the road, a pickup truck tailgated me for a while until I upped the pace a little. It was around this time that the idea that I should pick up oil for my bike popped into my head, which remained a theme throughout the day.</p>
<p>After passing through Elbe, I got gas then stopped in Morton as I was feeling a bit off, likely from the smoke. To try to help with that, I grabbed a Diet Pepsi from a convenience store. As the cashier checked me out, I asked if the highway was closed on this side of Packwood, but he didn't have a clear picture of where the closure was, shown by how he didn't know if I could get to SR-123.</p>
<p>Before leaving, I tried to strike up a conversation with a big motorcycle group who was parked out front. They said they were headed to Windy Ridge, but didn't seem to keen on talking to me.</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52403478398">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52403478398_67b0043d33_c.jpg" alt="Morton Chevron: These riders were headed to Windy Ridge." title="Morton Chevron"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52403478473">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52403478473_bc4362924e_c.jpg" alt="Morton, Washington" title="Morton, Washington"/>
</a>
</div>
<hr/>
<p>There wasn't much traffic on US-12 between Morton and Packwood thanks to the closure. As I approached the latter, I started seeing signs directing people to various camps related to fighting the Goat Rocks fire, and when I arrived in town, most of the businesses were closed. Among those was the local Napa Auto Parts, which meant that I'd have to find oil elsewhere.</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52403409130">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52403409130_29c43e8b99_c.jpg" alt="US Route 12 Closed in Packwood: The Goat Rocks Fire was being addressed passed this road block." title="US Route 12 Closed in Packwood"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52403408690">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52403408690_4658baa006_c.jpg" alt="Cowlitz River Lodge" title="Cowlitz River Lodge"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52402978331">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52402978331_7dce5ee7f4_c.jpg" alt="Blanton's Market" title="Blanton's Market"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52402977816">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52402977816_90a9085f8b_c.jpg" alt="Packwood, Washington" title="Packwood, Washington"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52402976316">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52402976316_dba62c3fb1_c.jpg" alt="Packwood, Washington" title="Packwood, Washington"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52402464547">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52402464547_a3ff4a72da_c.jpg" alt="Histocic Hotel Packwood" title="Histocic Hotel Packwood"/>
</a>
</div>
<p>While I got my photos, I saw multiple convoys of (National Guard?) military vehicles headed past the road block to help with the fire.</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52403477223">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52403477223_f9f25d8650_c.jpg" alt="National Guard Firefighting Aid" title="National Guard Firefighting Aid"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52402463307">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52402463307_3d8a67037e_c.jpg" alt="National Guard Fire Aid" title="National Guard Fire Aid"/>
</a>
</div>
</div>
<div class="postsection">
<h4>Detour to Paradise</h4>
<div class="postimage postmap">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52407866530">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52407866530_f632b65620_b.jpg" alt="Part 2: Detour to Paradise" title="Part 2: Detour to Paradise"/>
</a>
</div>
<p>Since I didn't have a route plan at this point, I observed folks rolling through town. Several of them made a left onto a side street, so I decided to set my GPS's destination to Greenwater and check that out.</p>
<p>I was a little apprehensive until my GPS snapped to a through route along Skate Creek Road, a minor road through Mount Rainier National Park. Not long after I'd climbed a bit, I saw a dual-sport headed the other way, which was a decent sign that it was a reasonable road.</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52403257669">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52403257669_71239a2959_c.jpg" alt="Trees on National Forest Development Road 52" title="Trees on National Forest Development Road 52" class="skinny"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52403405715">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52403405715_78d9d178d1_c.jpg" alt="National Forest Development Road 52" title="National Forest Development Road 52" class="skinny"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52403474808">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52403474808_ca11371419_c.jpg" alt="Rocky Outcropping on National Forest Development Road 52" title="Rocky Outcropping on National Forest Development Road 52" class="skinny"/>
</a>
</div>
<p>At my second stop, I noticed that a family was doing car camping. Pretty strange considering the fire and smoke danger, but who am I to judge at this point?</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52402460842">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52402460842_b6b616ceb7_c.jpg" alt="Skate Creek" title="Skate Creek" class="skinny"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52403472403">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52403472403_442a95e759_c.jpg" alt="Skate Creek" title="Skate Creek"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52403403315">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52403403315_5976959273_c.jpg" alt="National Forest Development Road 52" title="National Forest Development Road 52"/>
</a>
</div>
<hr/>
<p>I eventually made it to the eastern edge of Ashford (SR-706), which meant that I'd enter the park for real if I hung a right. Not long after doing so, I ended up in a <strong>long</strong> line of cars entering the park. I was hot and hungry, so it wasn't the best time.</p>
<p>After paying for a day pass, I ended up stuck in a line of cars behind two new minivans who were randomly deciding to go between 20 MPH and 30 MPH on the 35 MPH road the whole way to Kautz Creek. While I also pulled off there to get some photos, there wasn't really much of interest so I didn't stay long.</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52402972526">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52402972526_94168e9a80_c.jpg" alt="Kautz Creek Crossing" title="Kautz Creek Crossing"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52402971986">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52402971986_f8e9250a49_c.jpg" alt="Mount Rainier from Kautz Creek Trailhead" title="Mount Rainier from Kautz Creek Trailhead"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52403403115">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52403403115_379d018a50_c.jpg" alt="Kautz Creek Trailhead Restrooms" title="Kautz Creek Trailhead Restrooms"/>
</a>
</div>
<hr/>
<p>My next stop was Longmire, where I got a lunch of a burger and seasoned fries at the National Park Inn restaurant. While I ate, a drunk guy in an adjacent chair kept commenting on everything people were doing.</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52403253959">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52403253959_49ab94b14e_c.jpg" alt="Longmire, Washington" title="Longmire, Washington"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52402459062">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52402459062_1e03f5ab3d_c.jpg" alt="National Park Inn Interior" title="National Park Inn Interior"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52403470293">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52403470293_795c9b2e3a_c.jpg" alt="National Park Inn" title="National Park Inn"/>
</a>
</div>
<p>After eating, I walked around to take photos of the interesting buildings in the area.</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52403401055">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52403401055_2454aaf51a_c.jpg" alt="Old Longmire Filling Station" title="Old Longmire Filling Station"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52402970081">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52402970081_da7d82398c_c.jpg" alt="Longmire Wilderness Information Center" title="Longmire Wilderness Information Center"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52403252289">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52403252289_c30a1a97c4_c.jpg" alt="Longmire Residential Area" title="Longmire Residential Area"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52403467593">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52403467593_0a150b2353_c.jpg" alt="Parked in Longmire, Washington" title="Parked in Longmire, Washington"/>
</a>
</div>
<p>Before leaving, I had to check out the historic Longmire suspension bridge, which <em>Bicycle Quarterly</em> had familiarized me with.</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52402454442">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52402454442_74a431bcd0_c.jpg" alt="Longmire Suspension Bridge" title="Longmire Suspension Bridge"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52403398405">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52403398405_8c243b876a_c.jpg" alt="Longmire Suspension Bridge" title="Longmire Suspension Bridge"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52403248979">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52403248979_977f0b8eca_c.jpg" alt="Nisqually River" title="Nisqually River"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52403396625">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52403396625_f1eca07a23_c.jpg" alt="Nisqually River" title="Nisqually River"/>
</a>
</div>
<hr/>
<p>When I returned to the main road, I ended up at the tail end of a group of four sportbike riders who were headed the same way as me. It didn't take long for all of us to end up stuck behind a slow sedan, and it took even shorter for them to start passing the car on a this winding road with several blind hairpin turns! The last of them nearly ran head-on into an oncoming car and had to duck behind the sedan at the last minute. After they were all gone, I gave a shrug to the driver of the sedan and stayed behind them since I didn't want to die!</p>
<p>After all that, I was at Christine Falls and had to stop for photos when I saw the sights. While I was walking around, a middle-aged couple were standing on the shoulderless bridge to get photos of the falls and I heard an older couple commenting that we aren't supposed to stand on the bridge. Thus, while I got my photos, I sat on the wall so I wasn't blocking traffic.</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52403247894">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52403247894_53f609f154_c.jpg" alt="Parked at Christine Falls" title="Parked at Christine Falls"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52403451338">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52403451338_6822ee6cb4_c.jpg" alt="Christine Falls" title="Christine Falls" class="skinny"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52403245689">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52403245689_5ea69027b5_c.jpg" alt="Christine Falls Bridge" title="Christine Falls Bridge"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52403395185">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52403395185_0f11d6b8d8_c.jpg" alt="Van Trump Creek" title="Van Trump Creek" class="skinny"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52403246379">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52403246379_88aa499ca9_c.jpg" alt="Paradise Valley Road" title="Paradise Valley Road"/>
</a>
</div>
<hr/>
<p>The day was starting to get long, so I decided to skip a few sights like the Nisqually River Bridge. After all, it wasn't all that hard to get out here under normal circumstances. That said, I did pull off to get a shot of my bike with Mount Rainier.</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52402962411">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52402962411_92147dbe19_c.jpg" alt="With Mount Rainier" title="With Mount Rainier"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52403244204">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52403244204_e82bcf43d3_c.jpg" alt="Longmire to Paradise Road" title="Longmire to Paradise Road"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52403392325">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52403392325_031d71bc00_c.jpg" alt="Mount Rainier National Park" title="Mount Rainier National Park"/>
</a>
</div>
<p>The climb up to Paradise was very curvy, but I had a good time with it at my reasonable pace. When I did get to Paradise, I kept seeing signs about parking lots being full, but I didn't have any trouble finding an open spot.</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52403392030">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52403392030_098ce60844_c.jpg" alt="Paradise and Mount Rainier" title="Paradise and Mount Rainier"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52402961166">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52402961166_ed1f2213b9_c.jpg" alt="Paradise and Mount Rainier" title="Paradise and Mount Rainier"/>
</a>
</div>
<p>While the mountain itself was quite striking, much of the environs were unfortunately obscured by smoke.</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52403459773">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52403459773_31605e0bfd_c.jpg" alt="Paradise, Washington" title="Paradise, Washington"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52402447407">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52402447407_690ae738b8_c.jpg" alt="Paradise, Washington" title="Paradise, Washington"/>
</a>
</div>
<p>Similarly to before, I decided to skip checking out the Paradise Inn, mainly because I doubted that I'd be able to find parking out there.</p>
</div>
<div class="postsection">
<h4>Return Home</h4>
<div class="postimage postmap">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52407715704">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52407715704_bf6eb73343_b.jpg" alt="Part 3: Return Home" title="Part 3: Return Home" class="skinny"/>
</a>
</div>
<p>There weren't many cars on the back side of Paradise, nor was there much smoke, which gave some awesome photo opportunities. I wasn't alone, either, as I saw someone modeling for the camera.</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52402446907">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52402446907_1f8b2d6a72_c.jpg" alt="Mount Rainier Over Paradise Valley" title="Mount Rainier Over Paradise Valley"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52402959501">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52402959501_75c4c816ca_c.jpg" alt="Paradise Across the Valley" title="Paradise Across the Valley"/>
</a>
</div>
<p>After making a note to save the Reflection Lakes for next time, I stopped after a tight hairpin behind an old motorhome because I saw Stevens Canyon opening up before my eyes.</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52403233759">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52403233759_34557a9b10_c.jpg" alt="Mount Rainier and Stevens Canyon: Projection: Cylindrical (1) FOV: 168 x 70 Ev: 12.06" title="Mount Rainier and Stevens Canyon"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52402959076">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52402959076_7af6e330e2_c.jpg" alt="Ninja 1000SX with Mount Rainier" title="Ninja 1000SX with Mount Rainier"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52402445672">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52402445672_8dedba6b9d_c.jpg" alt="Parked on Stevens Canyon Road" title="Parked on Stevens Canyon Road"/>
</a>
</div>
<p>Across the canyon, I saw that cars were moving along much more slowly than I'd expect, which seemed strange to me. After making my way to the other side of the canyon, the reason became obvious: there were gravel sections due to construction. Not the most fun on my Ninja!</p>
<p>As Stevens Canyon Road made its last hairpin-filled descent to SR-123, I ended up stuck behind that RV from earlier with another car, so I wasn't able to go very fast.</p>
<p>Traffic was nil on SR-123, and still fairly light on SR-410 until it descended to the White River, where I ended up stuck in a line of cars.. I was starting to feel out of it again at this point, so that wasn't ideal. Thankfully, I found a rest stop in Wapiti Outdoors, where I got water, a Diet Coke, and a Snickers bar. They had some tasty-looking homemade huckleberry ice cream that other customers were enjoying, but I didn't want something so heavy.</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52402445442">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52402445442_e32a67c06d_c.jpg" alt="Wapiti Outdoors" title="Wapiti Outdoors"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52402957461">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52402957461_255946c50e_c.jpg" alt="Wapiti Outdoors" title="Wapiti Outdoors"/>
</a>
</div>
<p>Across the highway was the Naches Tavern, which I noted for another time.</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52403240149">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52403240149_673ab6e68e_c.jpg" alt="Naches Tavern" title="Naches Tavern"/>
</a>
</div>
<hr/>
<p>As I descended further along SR-410 to Enumclaw, I ended up stuck in another line of cars. The last car in the line was barely keeping up, so I passed it when the opportunity presented itself, and that last car eventually disappeared in the distance behind me.</p>
<p>After a quick stop for gas in Enumclaw, I arrived at the Napa Auto Parts less than a half hour before closing. I wasn't too familiar with the layout of the store, so I asked an employee who was doing stocking work about motorcycle oil and he pointed me to the front of the store. All they had was Mobile 1 "racing" and "V-twin" oil, so I bought a bottle of the former and poured it in my bike. All the while, someone was working on their pickup's underside in the parking space next to my bike. He must've been having a pretty bad day!</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52402444162">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52402444162_c6438b7b91_c.jpg" alt="Napa Auto & Truck Parts: Bought some oil here." title="Napa Auto & Truck Parts"/>
</a>
</div>
<p>Oh, and the air was brown with smoke at this point, which only worsened as time went on.</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52403387840">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52403387840_0e59d63ba6_c.jpg" alt="Enumclaw Smoke" title="Enumclaw Smoke"/>
</a>
</div>
<hr/>
<p>Rather than dealing with the Auburn are, I headed back the way I came along SR-169. Traffic was pretty light, so it was definitely the right choice.</p>
<p>Traffic wasn't so light on I-405, but it did keep moving. Being in stop-and-go traffic while choking on wildfire smoke wasn't exactly something I wanted to experience.</p>
<p>By the time I got home, it was 7 PM. After that long day, I wasn't too happy when my garage door opener quit working, especially when I'd replaced the battery only a couple weeks prior. A fresh battery didn't help, either, so I messed around with its internals and got it to work. (Later, I would repair some cracked plastic, which ended up solving the problem.)</p>
</div>Neil E. Hodgeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06096087090901980142noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7021228780421697859.post-4019479958184375152022-09-05T07:20:00.004-07:002022-09-05T07:20:28.391-07:00Aberdeen (2022-08-22,23) <div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52328034021">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52328034021_bb497e9ecc_c.jpg" alt="Flat Tire in Aberdeen" title="Flat Tire in Aberdeen"/>
</a>
</div>
<p class="summary">What was supposed to be an overnight visit to a small city turned into quite a situation! My partner and I rode over on my Triumph, only for a nail to flat the rear tire. While that was getting resolved (see the blog post for more), we were limited to walking due to rideshare being pretty much unusable out there. And all of that walking really hammered home the sad state the city's old buildings were. Really sad such an old city is in such poor shape.</p>
<div class="postlink">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/albums/72177720301762195">Geotagged Album</a>
</div>
<p>Past albums from the area:</p>
<div class="postlink">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/albums/72157666551431223">Aberdeen II: Hoquiam (Album)</a>
</div>
<div class="postlink">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/albums/72157636803261376">Aberdeen (Album)</a>
</div>
<div class="postlink">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/albums/72157636964335723">Shelton (Album)</a>
</div>
<p>More after the break…</p>
<a name='more'></a>
<div class="postsection">
<h4>Day 1</h4>
<div class="postsection">
<h5>Part 1: To Ferry</h5>
<div class="postimage postmap">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52333118572">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52333118572_ed1f1f22bf_b.jpg" alt="Day 1, Part 1: To Ferry" title="Day 1, Part 1: To Ferry" class="skinny"/>
</a>
</div>
<p>My plan for this trip was to start with the 7:55 AM ferry, which my partner wasn't too happy about. As always, I wanted to avoid traffic and long waits as much as possible. We left at about 7 AM and took a bit of a dog leg over to NW 50th Street due to construction all along NW Market Street, especially that around where it hits SR-99. We then took the tunnel to avoid Downtown traffic, then headed over to the ferry waiting area, and ended up being the only motorcycle on the boat. (Several motorcycles disembarked the ferry as it landed in Seattle.)</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Heading west! (@ Bainbridge Island Ferry in Bainbridge Island, WA) <a href="https://t.co/YiAOve5v4H">https://t.co/YiAOve5v4H</a></p>— 竹下憲二 (@takeshita_kenji) <a href="https://twitter.com/takeshita_kenji/status/1561722341742284802?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 22, 2022</a></blockquote>
</div>
<div class="postsection">
<h5>Part 2: Outbound</h5>
<div class="postimage postmap">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52334501490">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52334501490_f2cac79de6_b.jpg" alt="Day 1, Part 2: Outbound" title="Day 1, Part 2: Outbound"/>
</a>
</div>
<p>As usual, we stopped at the Green Light Diner in Poulsbo. My breakfast was a pancake platter and my partner got a smaller dish since she wasn't too hungry.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">I'm at The Green Light Diner in Poulsbo, WA <a href="https://t.co/I3mFdSJceq">https://t.co/I3mFdSJceq</a> <a href="https://t.co/H4n8bQ9GG7">pic.twitter.com/H4n8bQ9GG7</a></p>— 竹下憲二 (@takeshita_kenji) <a href="https://twitter.com/takeshita_kenji/status/1561748594029371395?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 22, 2022</a></blockquote>
<hr/>
<p>After taking a sort of back way to get to the freeway portion of SR-3, we stuck to that highway all the way to Shelton, only stopping once along the way for gas.</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52328333479">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52328333479_7e2684fbcd_c.jpg" alt="Deer Creek Store and Chevron" title="Deer Creek Store and Chevron"/>
</a>
</div>
<p>By the time we got to Shelton, my partner was very tired, so we pulled off at the tiny Pear Orchard Park so she could nap on the bench while I sat beside her.</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52328100691">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52328100691_7793d86278_c.jpg" alt="Rest Stop Outside Shelton" title="Rest Stop Outside Shelton"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52328463165">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52328463165_aa14444339_c.jpg" alt="Rest Stop Outside Shelton" title="Rest Stop Outside Shelton"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52327083197">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52327083197_4d22d25ee3_c.jpg" alt="Rest Stop Outside Shelton" title="Rest Stop Outside Shelton"/>
</a>
</div>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Taking a break at a park here (@ City of Shelton in WA) <a href="https://t.co/v3g9ucwZtT">https://t.co/v3g9ucwZtT</a></p>— 竹下憲二 (@takeshita_kenji) <a href="https://twitter.com/takeshita_kenji/status/1561774502450806784?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 22, 2022</a></blockquote>
<hr/>
<p>After leaving Shelton via Matlock–Brady Road, we ended up stuck in a line of cars waiting for construction crews for a good 10 minutes. From what I could tell, they were doing some sort of water main or sewer work, as adjacent streets had a channel of fresh pavement along them. While waiting, I noticed that the old Simpson Railroad tracks in beside the road had been paved over.</p>
<p>The road to Matlock was fast with not much traffic aside from the big, empty logging truck I passed because I was getting tired of not being able to see the road ahead. Ended up getting to over 80 MPH to get around!</p>
<p>When we stopped at the Matlock Store, there were a couple of Harleys parked out front. While we were inside, we saw the folks who were riding them, but didn't start up a chat since we both needed the restroom and some water.</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52327082187">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52327082187_c2933b4d6f_c.jpg" alt="Matlock General Store & Feed" title="Matlock General Store & Feed"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52327082052">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52327082052_7e42324255_c.jpg" alt="Matlock, Washington" title="Matlock, Washington"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52328282158">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52328282158_56df2e6868_c.jpg" alt="Matlock General Store Gas Pump" title="Matlock General Store Gas Pump" class="skinny"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52328460770">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52328460770_d2d419019d_c.jpg" alt="W Shelton-Matlock Road" title="W Shelton-Matlock Road"/>
</a>
</div>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Been a long time! (@ matlock store in Shelton, WA) <a href="https://t.co/wI3VmxWpgo">https://t.co/wI3VmxWpgo</a></p>— 竹下憲二 (@takeshita_kenji) <a href="https://twitter.com/takeshita_kenji/status/1561790722700976128?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 22, 2022</a></blockquote>
<hr/>
<p>Our next stop was Schafer State Park, which I'd seen while planning the route. It was a cute little park, with covered areas, restrooms, and access to the East Fork of the Satsop River. When we rolled in, a guy with a new Ford F-250 asked where we came from and said he loved riding the Olympic Peninsula loop on his own bike. While we rested by the side of the river and enjoyed the sounds and sights of the river rippling over the rocks, that same guy, a woman I assumed was his partner, and his dog played with other folks who were also enjoying the riverside.</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52328458245">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52328458245_cb5d700ba3_c.jpg" alt="Schafer State Park Entrance" title="Schafer State Park Entrance"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52327080262">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52327080262_8c1c0d86ee_c.jpg" alt="Schafer State Park" title="Schafer State Park"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52328036871">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52328036871_6348564ba6_c.jpg" alt="East Fork Satsop River in Schafer State Park" title="East Fork Satsop River in Schafer State Park"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52328459795">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52328459795_0bea060be1_c.jpg" alt="East Fork Satsop River in Schafer State Park" title="East Fork Satsop River in Schafer State Park"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52328280173">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52328280173_c9ce885c10_c.jpg" alt="Parked at Schafer State Park with Cierra" title="Parked at Schafer State Park with Cierra"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52327063282">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52327063282_b08551bdbd_c.jpg" alt="East Fork Satsop River in Schafer State Park" title="East Fork Satsop River in Schafer State Park"/>
</a>
</div>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">I'm at Schafer State Park - <a href="https://twitter.com/WAStatePks?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@wastatepks</a> in Elma, WA <a href="https://t.co/uf1DJVyyLZ">https://t.co/uf1DJVyyLZ</a></p>— 竹下憲二 (@takeshita_kenji) <a href="https://twitter.com/takeshita_kenji/status/1561804956411248641?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 22, 2022</a></blockquote>
<hr/>
<p>From the park, we headed south along East Satsop Road, which provided some nice farming valley and river sights along the way. As we neared Satsop itself, there were a number of speed advisories in the tighter curves, with the last one being 10 MPH!</p>
<p>Our next road was Monte–Elma Road, which I was familiar with because of my <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/albums/72157636803261376">past</a> <a href="/2016/06/aberdeen-ii-hoquiam-2016-05-2829.html">times</a> in the area by bicycle. Familiar sights like the Brady Store brought back fond memories. We even saw a bicycle tourist heading the same way as us!</p>
<p>Our last big leg was along SR-12. As we went over the hills around Lemay, I noticed the bike handling a bit roughly. I thought it needed more oil, so I made a mental note to look for some in Aberdeen, which was only a couple miles further along. When we actually entered Aberdeen, the bike started to wobble and weave, which was very scary when crossing the Wishkah River Bridge!</p>
<p>When we finally arrived at our hotel, I planned to leave my partner there to see if it would help and ride over to the nearby AutoZone. As soon as I started getting going, the handling became very choppy, so I parked the bike and looked over it…only to find a flat rear tire, caused by a shiny nail about an inch long.</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52328034021">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52328034021_bb497e9ecc_c.jpg" alt="Flat Tire in Aberdeen" title="Flat Tire in Aberdeen"/>
</a>
</div>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">I've had better days. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/motorcycle?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#motorcycle</a> <a href="https://t.co/wnugRAMH7P">pic.twitter.com/wnugRAMH7P</a></p>— 竹下憲二 (@takeshita_kenji) <a href="https://twitter.com/takeshita_kenji/status/1561823157614309376?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 22, 2022</a></blockquote>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52335106069">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52335106069_21db0d3f25_c.jpg" alt="Flat Cause: Got it in my rear tire on SR-12 just east of Aberdeen." title="Flat Cause"/>
</a>
</div>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="und" dir="ltr">Oof. <a href="https://t.co/cPimmdSTGD">pic.twitter.com/cPimmdSTGD</a></p>— 竹下憲二 (@takeshita_kenji) <a href="https://twitter.com/takeshita_kenji/status/1561885670611726336?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 23, 2022</a></blockquote>
</div>
<div class="postsection">
<h5>Part 3: Tire Repair</h5>
<p>My plan was still to go to the AutoZone, but do it on foot. Since we were both hungry, however, we hoofed it to a bar in town for a late lunch. Didn't want to make the trip any worse with hangry arguing! I ate a French dip sandwich while my partner had a burger, and we split pretzel bites with beer cheese as an appetizer.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">I'm at Billy's Bar and Grill in Aberdeen, WA <a href="https://t.co/3fz0Ddfye8">https://t.co/3fz0Ddfye8</a> <a href="https://t.co/COiWEIVRyw">pic.twitter.com/COiWEIVRyw</a></p>— 竹下憲二 (@takeshita_kenji) <a href="https://twitter.com/takeshita_kenji/status/1561826532770955264?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 22, 2022</a></blockquote>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52328278503">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52328278503_b7a88f8c0e_c.jpg" alt="E Wishkah Street, Aberdeen" title="E Wishkah Street, Aberdeen"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52328457170">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52328457170_d7e83da94b_c.jpg" alt="E Wishkah Street, Aberdeen" title="E Wishkah Street, Aberdeen"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52328277778">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52328277778_05fd4c4534_c.jpg" alt=""Bubbles"" title=""Bubbles""/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52328326074">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52328326074_15c0b692e5_c.jpg" alt="S Broadway Street, Aberdeen" title="S Broadway Street, Aberdeen"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52328031816">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52328031816_e7a9e387a4_c.jpg" alt="Techlab, Aberdeen" title="Techlab, Aberdeen"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52328325554">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52328325554_402f713be7_c.jpg" alt="Timber Gym" title="Timber Gym"/>
</a>
</div>
<p>On the way back, we stopped at Cut Rate Auto Parts, a local chain I noticed with a location in town. The folks there were very helpful, pointing me straight to the motorcycle oil, oil funnel, and tubeless plug kit with lots of good advice. The oil was API SG despite Triumph recommending SH, which made me worry for quite some time whether it would actually be okay. Oh, and the guy helping us said that the Latino tire shop adjacent to the auto parts store would be able to provide the air compressor I'd need to inflate the tire for the plug, which ended up being the shop I'd noticed earlier kitty corner from our hotel!</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Very helpful folks! (@ Cut Rate Auto Parts in Aberdeen, WA) <a href="https://t.co/TtyCRuykTl">https://t.co/TtyCRuykTl</a></p>— 竹下憲二 (@takeshita_kenji) <a href="https://twitter.com/takeshita_kenji/status/1561837120045699073?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 22, 2022</a></blockquote>
<p>When we got back to the hotel, we checked in and brought all of our luggage up to our room. My partner decided to stay there for the rest of the afternoon while I figured out the tire mess. When I told an older Australian man who happened to walk by while I assessed the situation, he suggested using the engine to give a little boost while I walked the bike, which ended up being a great tip! It was also a good clutch control test.</p>
<p>When I got to Pacific Tire Company, I saw that only a young child was there, so I walked to an adjacent convenience store to ask if they knew what to do. The guy at the convenience store ended up being the kid's dad, and said to ask the kid for help. The guy's friend ran the tire shop, but didn't have strong English, so the kid would be doing the translation for us. It took a while, and the dad had to come over, but they got the compressor ready and the shop owner even knew exactly what to do: he brought over a spray bottle of soapy water to help narrow down the leak, and snipped the excess tire plug. I was very grateful for all of the help and gave them some cash for the trouble.</p>
<p>I thought I was done at that point, but I still heard a hissing. The shop owner said that one of the machines made a hiss, but the sound was coming from the bike's rear wheel. After spending so much time with the spray bottle that the shop owner went back into the other room, I discovered that the leak was at the valve stem. Nobody knew what to do at that point since they don't work on bikes, but they pointed me to a motorcycle shop a couple blocks away.</p>
<p>After doing the same engine-assisted walking to the shop (D K Performance), I realized that most bike shops wouldn't be open on Mondays. Not sure what to do, I called my dad and he offered advice and even to come out and get us, but in an amazing bit of serendipity, one of the owners of the motorcycle shop rolled up. When I explained it to him, he said (in a voice a little like Bob Dylan) that he'd bring the bike in and the shop would work on it the next day. This was the best luck I've had in recent memory! I was a bit worried, though, since the shop was cluttered and unkempt inside, but I made sure to leave my contact info.</p>
<p>I walked back to the hotel, stopping by the Latino convenience store from earlier to get my partner a Mexican Coke and myself a strawberry Fanta, which was exactly what I needed after walking all day in that hot weather. For the rest of the evening, we watched the TV in bed before going to sleep since we were pretty worn out after the day's events.</p>
</div>
</div>
<div class="postsection">
<h4>Day 2</h4>
<div class="postsection">
<h5>Part 1: Walking Around Aberdeen</h5>
<p>The next morning, we got breakfast at the Denny's a block away from the hotel. After waiting for a long time (not unexpected for early on a Tuesday), I got a French Toast Slam while my partner got a small collection of sides.</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52328325404">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52328325404_912c0167d5_c.jpg" alt="Travelodge Aberdeen: Where we spent the night." title="Travelodge Aberdeen"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52328325314">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52328325314_9d7128519f_c.jpg" alt="Quinalt Indian Nation" title="Quinalt Indian Nation"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52328031081">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52328031081_2a5457bdeb_c.jpg" alt="Coffeeman Expresso and Rainier Lanes" title="Coffeeman Expresso and Rainier Lanes"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52327075387">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52327075387_41b40c5e02_c.jpg" alt="Aberdeen Denny's" title="Aberdeen Denny's"/>
</a>
</div>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">I'm at <a href="https://twitter.com/DennysDiner?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DennysDiner</a> in Aberdeen, WA <a href="https://t.co/pqtWyz5KY0">https://t.co/pqtWyz5KY0</a> <a href="https://t.co/J0AmLS76hM">pic.twitter.com/J0AmLS76hM</a></p>— 竹下憲二 (@takeshita_kenji) <a href="https://twitter.com/takeshita_kenji/status/1562080166481985542?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 23, 2022</a></blockquote>
<p>Since we'd seen a Dutch Bros. Coffee shop on our ride into town the day before, my partner really wanted to get that as her morning coffee. After Uber failed to provide a ride yet again, we ended up walking all of the way to the eastern end of town.</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52328275668">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52328275668_b57740ab30_c.jpg" alt="W Heron Street, Aberdeen" title="W Heron Street, Aberdeen"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52328324109">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52328324109_234bcdfd46_c.jpg" alt="Chehalis River Bridge" title="Chehalis River Bridge"/>
</a>
</div>
<p>This walk really hammered home how run-down Aberdeen was. Aside from crumbling buildings, we even saw people smoking crack in front of abandoned storefronts.</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52328454390">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52328454390_1db512aabd_c.jpg" alt="Abandoned Garage on W Heron Street, Aberdeen" title="Abandoned Garage on W Heron Street, Aberdeen"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52327074237">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52327074237_a982f30f6b_c.jpg" alt="Scoops Drive-thru: Formerly a shell." title="Scoops Drive-thru"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52328453245">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52328453245_40247d034c_c.jpg" alt="W Heron Street, Aberdeen" title="W Heron Street, Aberdeen"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52328017741">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52328017741_ab165d6020_c.jpg" alt="Billy's Bar & Grill" title="Billy's Bar & Grill"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52327073612">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52327073612_2e1dcaeb83_c.jpg" alt="South G Street, Aberdeen" title="South G Street, Aberdeen"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52328273678">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52328273678_2e184837fd_c.jpg" alt="Wishkah River Bridge" title="Wishkah River Bridge"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52328273378">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52328273378_f1b89ddd9a_c.jpg" alt="Puget Sound and Pacific Railroad Wishkah River Bridge" title="Puget Sound and Pacific Railroad Wishkah River Bridge"/>
</a>
</div>
<p>When we finally got to the Dutch Bros., we found the front door locked, so we walked over to the drive-thru window. At the window, the employee said that they'd forgotten to open the front door and got to it while we were walking around. My partner got her coffee and we told the other employee about our flat tire. They really wanted to help and even suggested another motorcycle shop in Hoquiam. Such nice people!</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52328321974">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52328321974_3ba53f641d_c.jpg" alt="Aberdeen Dutch Bros.: My partner has been wanting to try this place for a long time." title="Aberdeen Dutch Bros."/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52328451605">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52328451605_50476de57e_c.jpg" alt=""Welcome to Aberdeen, Gateway to the Olympics."" title=""Welcome to Aberdeen, Gateway to the Olympics."" class="skinny"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52327072322">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52327072322_5d8e72c92a_c.jpg" alt="N Newell Street." title="N Newell Street."/>
</a>
</div>
<hr/>
<p>Still without any Uber luck, we hoofed it over to Kurt Cobain Memorial Park, which I'd hoped to see on this trip.</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52328450665">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52328450665_831fba2666_c.jpg" alt="Wishkah River" title="Wishkah River"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52328320489">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52328320489_1a6339c315_c.jpg" alt="E Market Street, Aberdeen" title="E Market Street, Aberdeen"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52328449930">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52328449930_593a2db07c_c.jpg" alt="Chicago Avenue, Aberdeen" title="Chicago Avenue, Aberdeen"/>
</a>
</div>
<p>Along our walk, we saw a number of cats. One of them even responded to meows from a distance and came running when we crossed the street toward them!</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52327070517">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52327070517_c449d02fc3_c.jpg" alt="Aberdeen Cat: This cat responded readily to when we meowed and came running when we crossed the street toward it." title="Aberdeen Cat"/>
</a>
</div>
<p>The park itself was nothing remarkable, but it was still cute. It was only built back in 2015!</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52328319829">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52328319829_56890cfe22_c.jpg" alt="Cierra in Kurt Cobain Memorial Park: Installed in 2015!" title="Cierra in Kurt Cobain Memorial Park"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52327070107">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52327070107_1c62f80802_c.jpg" alt="Guitar Statue in Kurt Cobain Memorial Park" title="Guitar Statue in Kurt Cobain Memorial Park" class="skinny"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52327069812">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52327069812_a97e0a26b6_c.jpg" alt="Young Street Bridge" title="Young Street Bridge"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52328318864">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52328318864_44722b06c2_c.jpg" alt=""In Memorial: From the muddy banks of the Wishkah": Under the Young Street Bridge." title=""In Memorial: From the muddy banks of the Wishkah""/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52328269063">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52328269063_b5a4576cd1_c.jpg" alt="Wishkah River and Aberdeen" title="Wishkah River and Aberdeen"/>
</a>
</div>
<p>At this point, my partner was done with Uber, so we returned to the hotel on foot. On our way back, we saw more cats, including a little of kittens that were living under one of the houses. When one of them saw us, they all came out!</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52328268038">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52328268038_2b2635f533_c.jpg" alt="Aberdeen Kittens: They all came out from under the house after one of them saw us. No idea if they're feral or not." title="Aberdeen Kittens"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52328268433">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52328268433_6d8754c522_c.jpg" alt="The Damito House, Aberdeen" title="The Damito House, Aberdeen"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52328022516">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52328022516_2df70a280c_c.jpg" alt="Aberdeen Thrift City and B Street Laundry" title="Aberdeen Thrift City and B Street Laundry"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52328267108">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52328267108_7dd79e307c_c.jpg" alt="E 1st Street, Aberdeen" title="E 1st Street, Aberdeen"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52328446380">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52328446380_5ac1f3b40c_c.jpg" alt="Bridges Restaurant" title="Bridges Restaurant"/>
</a>
</div>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Just saw these kittens. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/cat?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#cat</a> <a href="https://t.co/mlRopSgiK8">pic.twitter.com/mlRopSgiK8</a></p>— 竹下憲二 (@takeshita_kenji) <a href="https://twitter.com/takeshita_kenji/status/1562117588003393536?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 23, 2022</a></blockquote>
<p>When we got back to the hotel, we rested in bed since we were both tired after all the walking. My partner even ended up taking a nap for a couple of hours, which prompted me to pay for a late checkout from the hotel.</p>
<hr/>
<p>An hour before the late checkout time came, we packed up and left our luggage with the staff. They couldn't offer any guarantee someone would be watching, but did have an out of the way place for it. We then walked over to Arby's, looking more closely at the strange art installations in town.</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52328445870">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52328445870_609b181f12_c.jpg" alt=""Barkbeetle Beggar"" title=""Barkbeetle Beggar"" class="skinny"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52328315969">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52328315969_c5f6106737_c.jpg" alt=""Chinook Salmon"" title=""Chinook Salmon"" class="skinny"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52328265848">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52328265848_836d60a2fb_c.jpg" alt="Horse Pipe Statues" title="Horse Pipe Statues"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52328265538">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52328265538_0a907cff2e_c.jpg" alt="D&R Theatre" title="D&R Theatre"/>
</a>
</div>
<p>Without many options open in town, we opted for the Arby's adjacent to downtown. I got my usual Market Fresh sandwich and mozzarella sticks, while my partner got a chicken sandwich.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">I'm at <a href="https://twitter.com/Arbys?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Arbys</a> in Aberdeen, WA <a href="https://t.co/OJjispmgOl">https://t.co/OJjispmgOl</a></p>— 竹下憲二 (@takeshita_kenji) <a href="https://twitter.com/takeshita_kenji/status/1562158432735694848?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 23, 2022</a></blockquote>
<p>Once done with lunch, we moseyed on over to the motorcycle shop, where we saw my bike with its rear wheel off for the repair.</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52327102237">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52327102237_d422236ddd_c.jpg" alt="Triumph Bonneville Tire Replacement: Saw them working on my bike out front while we walked by. We hung out a block away until they were done." title="Triumph Bonneville Tire Replacement"/>
</a>
</div>
<p>Rather than pestering them, we set up shop at a picnic table embedded in the sidewalk in front of the local senior center and waited. Once I saw the rear wheel back on, I got a bit impatient and walked over to ask how things were going. Boy was I happy to hear that it was all done! A different guy was doing the work, and asked me why there was a tubeless plug on a tubed motorcycle tire. A bit tired, I fumbled a bit in our conversation, but he said that this bike had tubed tires front and rear and that a tubeless kit wasn't going to do anything useful. (He also said the chain was a little tight.) Oh, and he said the motorcycle oil should be fine when I mentioned API SG versus SH.</p>
<p>After making a note to get a portable pump, bead breakers, and and inner tubes for future trips, I walked the bike over to a park across the street from those picnic tables and told my partner to come over. Since I had a bag and couldn't ride with it, she said she'd watch it at the park while I rode the bike over to the hotel to grab our stuff.</p>
</div>
<div class="postsection">
<h5>Part 2: Inbound</h5>
<div class="postimage postmap">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52334501330">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52334501330_f94dd46c92_b.jpg" alt="Day 2, Part 1: Inbound" title="Day 2, Part 1: Inbound"/>
</a>
</div>
<p>After I grabbed our stuff at the hotel, emptied the oil bottle into my motorcycle's sump, and took a quick bathroom break, I rode back over to the park, grabbed my partner, and we were off by 1:40 PM!</p>
<p>My original plan was to take the old highway again so we could see McCleary, but my partner had to run a work errand so time was of the essence. She accidentally brought a work device home on Sunday, and when her workplace called on Monday about it, she said she'd bring it back on Tuesday. I thought it was a bit risky, but I understood being a bit flustered in that kind of situation. The urgency also prompted switching our return route from Bainbridge Island to Southworth since it would cut a lot of distance.</p>
<p>For the sake of speed, I stuck to SR-12/SR-8 for much of the way eastward, though ended up going through McCleary to get to SR-108 (no stops to minimize time wasted). Our only stop on the way to Southworth ended up being in Allyn for gas and a restroom break.</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52328264993">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52328264993_9b3f7a7eb7_c.jpg" alt="Allyn, Washington" title="Allyn, Washington"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52328314779">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52328314779_4e6d8c977e_c.jpg" alt="Big Bubba's Burgers: Where the big SR-3 sign with Washington eating a burger is located." title="Big Bubba's Burgers"/>
</a>
</div>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Break time! (at @Shell_us in Allyn, WA) <a href="https://t.co/5shOBJJQyt">https://t.co/5shOBJJQyt</a></p>— 竹下憲二 (@takeshita_kenji) <a href="https://twitter.com/takeshita_kenji/status/1562204201026854912?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 23, 2022</a></blockquote>
<hr/>
<p>Our sailing became less smooth as we passed through Belfair due to heavy afternoon traffic. Our directions said to go via Gorst to get to Southworth, but with that heavy traffic, I decided to use the Lake Flora Road cutoff. Traffic wasn't too bad until we got to Bethel, but became heavy again there which made me worry about a possible line for the ferry. Thankfully, most of that traffic peeled off well before the ferry, heading to Fred Meyer or thereabouts.</p>
<p>We arrived at the Southworth Ferry Terminal at about 4 PM…only to learn from the ticket seller that the next ferry wouldn't be leaving until 6 PM. My partner and I agreed to try Bremerton instead, so I used my familiarity with the area to take the more direct route via SR-166 instead of going through Manchester. We didn't experience much of a slowdown on this section despite the moderate traffic, but the traffic headed the other way on SR-3 was <em>terrible</em>! Something that caught my eye was the large number of coaches on the highway, likely handling the <a href="https://www.kitsaptransit.com/service/workerdriver-buses">Worker/Driver services</a>.</p>
<p>We finally arrived at the Bremerton Ferry Terminal at about 4:40 PM…and just like before found out that the next ferry wouldn't be leaving for two hours! Resigned to that fate, we went down to the motorcycle waiting area. Since my partner was in a hurry, I told her to take the fast ferry to Seattle. Since she'd never done it before and would be doing it solo, she ended up confused and flustered, and even came back after she nearly got on the fast ferry to Port Orchard. After some convincing and waiting with her at the fast ferry terminal, she boarded the fast ferry to Seattle, leaving me alone in Bremerton for another hour and thirty minutes.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Stuck here for two hours. Getting home late tonight, I guess! (@ Bremerton Ferry Terminal in Bremerton, WA) <a href="https://t.co/t764Dgiz7W">https://t.co/t764Dgiz7W</a></p>— 竹下憲二 (@takeshita_kenji) <a href="https://twitter.com/takeshita_kenji/status/1562223836510433283?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 23, 2022</a></blockquote>
<hr/>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52328314514">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52328314514_c8a827b84c_c.jpg" alt="Waiting for the Bremerton Ferry: My partner took the fast passenger ferry instead since she was in a hurry to run an errand for work." title="Waiting for the Bremerton Ferry"/>
</a>
</div>
<p>I started killing time by getting a <em>very</em> messy ice cream cone at the former Cold Stone. Similarly to Cold Stone, it involved mixing add-ins into the ice cream on a chilled countertop. Once I'd finished, I went back in and asked for the restroom, and one of the staff even opened the door for me so I wouldn't get the handle all messy.</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52328443190">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52328443190_5f8d5b47ae_c.jpg" alt="Scoops & Bites Menu: Got the &quot;birthday bash&quot; ice cream." title="Scoops & Bites Menu"/>
</a>
</div>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">I'm at Scoops & Bites in Bremerton, WA <a href="https://t.co/GmaylrnGrb">https://t.co/GmaylrnGrb</a> <a href="https://t.co/uPn2jd7mf9">pic.twitter.com/uPn2jd7mf9</a></p>— 竹下憲二 (@takeshita_kenji) <a href="https://twitter.com/takeshita_kenji/status/1562229690429239298?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 24, 2022</a></blockquote>
<p>For the rest of the time, I walked around aimlessly and took a few photos here and there. At one point, my partner called me and told me that she got a Gig car to so she wouldn't have to deal with figuring out the bus alone.</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52328264293">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52328264293_948d9b17a1_c.jpg" alt="Bremerton Marina" title="Bremerton Marina"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52328019116">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52328019116_680766369e_c.jpg" alt="Washington Avenue, Bremerton" title="Washington Avenue, Bremerton"/>
</a>
</div>
<p>Somehow, the time seemed to pass faster than I'd expected, and by the time the ferry pulled in, I was the only motorcycle heading to Seattle. (As before, plenty of bikes disembarked the inbound ferry.)</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Finally on the ferry.</p>— 竹下憲二 (@takeshita_kenji) <a href="https://twitter.com/takeshita_kenji/status/1562255565769695232?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 24, 2022</a></blockquote>
<hr/>
<p>For most of the trip, I sat in the cabin and enjoyed the warm breeze flowing through the open doors. It was a nice change of pace after the hot weather lately. There was a couple who were enthralled with the ferry and the number of cars on it, even though far more people and cars were let off when it docked in Bremerton. (It was their first time.)</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52327062607">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52327062607_1d0533c116_c.jpg" alt="Sunrise Over Puget Sound: Got this on the ferry while heading home." title="Sunrise Over Puget Sound"/>
</a>
</div>
</div>
<div class="postsection">
<h5>Part 3: Return Home</h5>
<div class="postimage postmap">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52334072771">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52334072771_0fe0406966_b.jpg" alt="Day 2, Part 2: Return Home" title="Day 2, Part 2: Return Home" class="skinny"/>
</a>
</div>
<p>Once back in Seattle, I took the SR-99 tunnel under downtown and continued on my usual route home. Just past the tunnel's northern exit, I saw a guy on a 150cc scooter trying to keep up with traffic in the left lane, then passed him when he moved to the middle lane.</p>
<p>When I was finally off the highway, I noticed that SDOT/WSDOT had made a lot of progress on repaving the formerly ratty off ramps. Looking forward to when that construction is done!</p>
<p>By the time I got home, it was 8 PM. I gave up on the notion of logging into work the next day since it was far too late. Man, that flat tire really messed things up!</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">As they say, you never tell stories about when things went perfectly well.</p>— 竹下憲二 (@takeshita_kenji) <a href="https://twitter.com/takeshita_kenji/status/1562263883363979264?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 24, 2022</a></blockquote>
</div>
</div>Neil E. Hodgeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06096087090901980142noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7021228780421697859.post-69017780135637211292022-08-28T17:14:00.004-07:002022-08-28T17:14:51.498-07:00Artist Point (Mount Baker) (2022-08-13) <div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52309564563">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52309564563_50279f8b47_c.jpg" alt="Nooksack Tower and Razor Hone Creek Valley" title="Nooksack Tower and Razor Hone Creek Valley"/>
</a>
</div>
<p class="summary">Rode to the end of the Mount Baker Highway.</p>
<div class="postlink">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/albums/72177720301547720">Geotagged Album</a>
</div>
<p>While working on these photos, I was still learning how to properly handle white balance, so please be kind!</p>
<p>More after the break…</p>
<a name='more'></a>
<div class="postsection">
<h4>Outbound</h4>
<div class="postimage postmap">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52309630404">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52309630404_ec48d4562e_b.jpg" alt="Outbound" title="Outbound" class="skinny"/>
</a>
</div>
<p>I started shortly after sunrise and headed to I-5 via N 80th Street. Shortly before actually joining the freeway, I had a bit of a scare making a left onto the ramp. I did the usual wait at the yield sign, but just as I was getting going, a white van without any lights on came out of nowhere, which caused my heart to skip a beat. While I didn't go down, I did let a few cars go by while I caught my breath in the shoulder of the turn pocket.</p>
<p>As I passed through Everett, I saw someone riding a new-to-them Aprilia sportbike. As we made our way through traffic and I moved to the right lane to leave the freeway, we kept leapfrogging each other, and this wouldn't be the the last I'd see of them.</p>
<p>My route from Arlington to parts north was along SR-9, as I wanted some nice small highway riding away from the hustle and bustle of the freeway. Along the way, I made a quick stop at the shut down Lake McMurray Store for photos.</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52309620795">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52309620795_ede56bf9be_c.jpg" alt="Former Lake McMurray Store" title="Former Lake McMurray Store"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52309606209">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52309606209_48831b8c48_c.jpg" alt="Lake McMurray" title="Lake McMurray"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52309606384">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52309606384_9fbd4256ac_c.jpg" alt="Washington State Route 9" title="Washington State Route 9"/>
</a>
</div>
<p>And another stop in Big Lake for similar photos.</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52308371462">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52308371462_2b4b0c70f6_c.jpg" alt="Big Lake Grocery" title="Big Lake Grocery"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52309097776">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52309097776_4338bb5bb3_c.jpg" alt="Big Lake" title="Big Lake"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52309621515">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52309621515_15b51277d5_c.jpg" alt="Lakeview Boulevard" title="Lakeview Boulevard"/>
</a>
</div>
<p>By the time I got to Sedro–Woolley, I was pretty hungry, so I looked for food. At first glance, I didn't see anything, but upon closer inspection I saw a diner across the street. The vibe when I entered was definitely that of a small-town diner, with good food and a nice staff.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">I'm at Bonnie Jo's in Sedro Woolley, WA <a href="https://t.co/zbsMeTkJsr">https://t.co/zbsMeTkJsr</a> <a href="https://t.co/9acefRkOdW">pic.twitter.com/9acefRkOdW</a></p>— 竹下憲二 (@takeshita_kenji) <a href="https://twitter.com/takeshita_kenji/status/1558474069108228096?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 13, 2022</a></blockquote>
<p>Once I was done with breakfast, I walked around town to get photos.</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52309096416">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52309096416_7e3493821a_c.jpg" alt="Metcalf Street, Sedro-Woolley" title="Metcalf Street, Sedro-Woolley"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52309096666">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52309096666_70a8b7040b_c.jpg" alt="Metcalf Street, Sedro-Woolley" title="Metcalf Street, Sedro-Woolley"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52309607624">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52309607624_7c55e0b22e_c.jpg" alt="Bingham-Holland Building" title="Bingham-Holland Building"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52309564873">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52309564873_12ea6d97ed_c.jpg" alt="Metcalf Street, Sedro-Woolley" title="Metcalf Street, Sedro-Woolley"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52309098141">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52309098141_27dd428f21_c.jpg" alt="Hammer Heritage Square" title="Hammer Heritage Square"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52309098621">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52309098621_69ee1d9e53_c.jpg" alt="Sedro-Woolley Post Office (98284)" title="Sedro-Woolley Post Office (98284)"/>
</a>
</div>
<p>And before leaving town, I stopped by the same gas station as <a href="/2022/05/north-cascades-highway-2022-05-30.html">last time</a>.</p>
<hr/>
<p>My route took me further north along SR-9, passing along picturesque farming valleys. I thought about getting some photos in Acme, but decided to do it later. (In the end, I never got that chance, but more on that later.) The only thing of note along this leg of the highway was that I passed a car that was going pretty slow, which I wouldn't do most of the time due to traffic. And when I did, I saw their brake lights come on as my engine revved while executing my pass.</p>
<p>I left SR-9 at SR-542, where it wasn't long before I was stuck in a long line of cars. As the line slowly passed the obstacle, I saw that we were stuck behind a huge group bicycle ride heading up to Artist Point. As we slowed down even more up a hill, I had to do a rev-matched downshift since my engine was spinning too slow for the quickshifter. Since I usually use the quickshifter on this bike, and my other bike has a much heavier flywheel, I ended up revving my engine a couple times before executing the downshift properly. Whoops!</p>
<p>My next photo stop was in Glacier, a small town with a good collection of shops. Not long after I pulled in, an SUV pulled in behind me and a woman got out to flag down the cyclists as this was a rest stop for them too.</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52308375827">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52308375827_49170346ca_c.jpg" alt="Graham's Store" title="Graham's Store"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52309566973">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52309566973_f99513d7a2_c.jpg" alt="The Heliotrope" title="The Heliotrope"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52309625605">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52309625605_a80c80e21d_c.jpg" alt="Glacier Ski Shop" title="Glacier Ski Shop"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52308375697">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52308375697_fe45e903f5_c.jpg" alt="Glacier Post Office (98244)" title="Glacier Post Office (98244)"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52309567493">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52309567493_069b5dc6bb_c.jpg" alt="Wake 'n' Bakery" title="Wake 'n' Bakery"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52309101056">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52309101056_ef94443e15_c.jpg" alt="Cyclists Stopped in Glacier: Big group ride heading up to Artist Point." title="Cyclists Stopped in Glacier"/>
</a>
</div>
<hr/>
<p>As I continued along the highway, I took note of several places I'd like to get photos of on the way back, including Maple Falls and a very nice view of the North Fork Nooksack River.</p>
<p>The further along I went, the more winding the highway became, with speed advisories as low as 15 MPH in some spots! I took those turns very carefully, as I've heard horror stories of motorcycle riders behind hit by cars crossing the center lines on these kinds of roads. When I finally got to the Mount Baker Ski Area, I breathed a sigh of relief before getting photos as usual.</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52308376727">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52308376727_202a6ba96d_c.jpg" alt="Washington State Route 542" title="Washington State Route 542"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52309620495">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52309620495_df720083ff_c.jpg" alt="Highwood Lake" title="Highwood Lake"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52308377327">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52308377327_de7fc6f45b_c.jpg" alt="The Chalet at Mount Baker" title="The Chalet at Mount Baker"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52309627870">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52309627870_cdd16fc581_c.jpg" alt="Mount Baker Maintenance Facility" title="Mount Baker Maintenance Facility"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52309613044">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52309613044_db64d9a185_c.jpg" alt="Mount Baker Ski Lift" title="Mount Baker Ski Lift"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52308370692">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52308370692_b2042c2132_c.jpg" alt="Mount Baker Ski Area" title="Mount Baker Ski Area"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52309102646">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52309102646_1d4431eae9_c.jpg" alt="Mount Baker Ski Area" title="Mount Baker Ski Area"/>
</a>
</div>
<p>Since it was well outside ski season, it was pretty dead. However, the Heather Meadows Cafe opened right as I was getting ready to leave. Since I'd gone a little ways down a one way road and didn't want to go the full loop to get back to my route, I waited a little while until the cafe employee putting out flags on the side of the road went back into the cafe, then slowly made my way up the shoulder to the intersection and made my left back onto the highway.</p>
<hr/>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">The road up Mount Baker is scary!</p>— 竹下憲二 (@takeshita_kenji) <a href="https://twitter.com/takeshita_kenji/status/1558588253250338816?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 13, 2022</a></blockquote>
<p>My next stop was at the Heather Meadows Visitor Center. Unlike on past rides, I decided to do the right thing and get a day pass for the National Park. I was surprised when I was able to pay with a credit card on a tablet and asked about mobile phone service. The clerk said that a few carriers were okay up there, and that there were a few cell phone towers in the bowl a little downhill from the visitor center. I pretty much only had luck with service between the visitor center and the parking lot on the edge of the highway, just enough to post a few tweets. I also made use of the vault toilet before getting my usual photos, which were a bit annoying to get because of the mist falling everywhere.</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52309630820">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52309630820_7abb028638_c.jpg" alt="Heather Meadows Visitor Center" title="Heather Meadows Visitor Center"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52309562398">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52309562398_5db29187ea_c.jpg" alt="Bagley Valley and Herman Saddle" title="Bagley Valley and Herman Saddle"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52309572303">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52309572303_68f5622012_c.jpg" alt="Austin Pass Ascent" title="Austin Pass Ascent"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52309616599">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52309616599_43ea08fc9c_c.jpg" alt="Lower Bagley Lake" title="Lower Bagley Lake"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52309103451">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52309103451_6ffa3363e9_c.jpg" alt="Austin Pass Hairpin Ascent" title="Austin Pass Hairpin Ascent"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52309629195">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52309629195_752d2b1a3e_c.jpg" alt=""Caution: Winding Road"" title=""Caution: Winding Road""/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52309572908">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52309572908_8e3dcb0866_c.jpg" alt="Austin Pass Hairpin Ascent" title="Austin Pass Hairpin Ascent"/>
</a>
</div>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">I'm at Heather Meadows Visitor Center in WA <a href="https://t.co/91T36UZ2L2">https://t.co/91T36UZ2L2</a></p>— 竹下憲二 (@takeshita_kenji) <a href="https://twitter.com/takeshita_kenji/status/1558517514216394754?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 13, 2022</a></blockquote>
<p>While I was getting those photos, I saw a number of cyclists going both up and down the highway, and even got a chance to chat with one of them who was taking a break. He said that he started at Glacier and only had a little bit further uphill before the end of the highway at Artist Point. Oh, and I saw a <em>huge</em> group of mostly Harley riders head up the hill.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Lots of bicyclists and motorcyclists were on it, too.</p>— 竹下憲二 (@takeshita_kenji) <a href="https://twitter.com/takeshita_kenji/status/1558588350356811776?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 13, 2022</a></blockquote>
<hr/>
<p>Above Heather Meadows, the highway had <em>even tighter</em> hairpin turns. The first one was so tight that it caught me off guard such that I deployed (but didn't dab) my feet for balance, and I almost went over the center line on the uphill side of the turn. The pavement soaked by the mist certainly didn't help visibility or my confidence in the grippiness of my tires, either.</p>
<p>I didn't bother with the Lake Ann Trailhead, as it was packed with cars and didn't present anything of interest to me with the thick fog around.</p>
<p>When I finally got to Artist Point, I had to hunt around for a while for a parking space, and ended up in a spot that would be too pinched for a car to fit on a curve. This was my introduction to the tiny ice caves around Artist Point, which I'd never seen on such a small scale before.</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52309573148">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52309573148_0831ec7dbe_c.jpg" alt="Parked at Artist Point" title="Parked at Artist Point"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52309632490">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52309632490_cd0a628691_c.jpg" alt="Artist Point Snow Caves" title="Artist Point Snow Caves"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52309633165">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52309633165_953db33b2f_c.jpg" alt="Artist Point Restrooms" title="Artist Point Restrooms"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52309107836">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52309107836_e40b69eb3e_c.jpg" alt="Artist Point Ice Cave" title="Artist Point Ice Cave"/>
</a>
</div>
<p>As I got my photos, I saw a guy walking out along the Table Mountain Trail with his dog, right past a "no dogs" sign. I guess dog people will be dog people.</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52309617364">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52309617364_5d56d82df1_c.jpg" alt=""No Dogs Allowed": Yes, he did head past that sign." title=""No Dogs Allowed""/>
</a>
</div>
<p>I also saw that huge group of cruiser riders start on their way back downhill and managed to get a photo of the tail end of the group.</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52308382667">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52308382667_7f6f8174fd_c.jpg" alt="Group Motorcycle Ride: I saw this huge group head up the mountain earlier and nearly missed their departure from Artist Point." title="Group Motorcycle Ride"/>
</a>
</div>
<p>Separately, there was a group of several riders parked near the entrance to the parking lot.</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52308383692">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52308383692_123186d5cd_c.jpg" alt="Another Group Motorcycle Ride" title="Another Group Motorcycle Ride"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52309575018">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52309575018_1901c9a59e_c.jpg" alt="Artist Point Entrance" title="Artist Point Entrance"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52309574713">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52309574713_6e4109f1b1_c.jpg" alt="Artist Point Ascent" title="Artist Point Ascent"/>
</a>
</div>
<p>While getting photos, I realized that I'd forgotten to turn on the eTrex GPS I usually use for photo walks, so I turned it on and took some location reference photos…which I'd later end up not using since it was pretty obvious what was where.</p>
<p>Once done with photos, I drank my energy drink and ate some beef jerky I'd brought to give me a boost for the return trip. After that scary highway on the way up, I really needed a confidence booster!</p>
</div>
<div class="postsection">
<h4>Inbound</h4>
<div class="postimage postmap">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52309645530">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52309645530_45a41a57fa_b.jpg" alt="Inbound" title="Inbound" class="skinny"/>
</a>
</div>
<p>As I descended back down the hairpins, I <em>had</em> to get a shot of the valley above the ski resort.</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52309620665">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52309620665_42fc12e5c9_c.jpg" alt="Razor Hone Creek Valley" title="Razor Hone Creek Valley"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52309109401">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52309109401_4a5c2759b3_c.jpg" alt="Rock Face Over Washington State Route 542" title="Rock Face Over Washington State Route 542"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52309620264">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52309620264_64488306d5_c.jpg" alt="Mount Baker Ski Area" title="Mount Baker Ski Area"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52308384957">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52308384957_119a7b53c2_c.jpg" alt="Mount Baker Ski Lift" title="Mount Baker Ski Lift"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52309635455">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52309635455_729928834f_c.jpg" alt="Mount Ann Over Mount Baker Ski Area" title="Mount Ann Over Mount Baker Ski Area"/>
</a>
</div>
<p>And at the bottom of the descent, I got some photos of a nice looking WSDOT maintenance facilities near a crossing of the North Fork Nooksack River. Now, I thought that it might've been the crossing I wanted to photograph earlier, but I kept an eye out for the actual crossing. I had no problem getting a few more photos!</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52309635625">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52309635625_73deaa5ed0_c.jpg" alt="WSDOT Shuksan Maintenance Facility" title="WSDOT Shuksan Maintenance Facility"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52309576863">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52309576863_86cd569f46_c.jpg" alt="North Fork Nooksack River" title="North Fork Nooksack River"/>
</a>
</div>
<p>As I rode along the low portion of the highway, I started hearing what I thought was a Harley in the distance. When I got a good look at my 6 o'clock, I saw that it was a twin-powered sportbike of some sort. Since I was held back by the car in front of me and wasn't about to pass it on this somewhat twisty highway, the rider got impatient and zoomed past us on a straightaway. Shortly after that, I saw the actual crossing I wanted to photograph at the Douglas Fir Campground.</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52309637295">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52309637295_60259c2db6_c.jpg" alt="North Fork Nooksack River" title="North Fork Nooksack River" class="skinny"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52309622914">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52309622914_1811c40f14_c.jpg" alt="North Fork Nooksack River" title="North Fork Nooksack River"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52309579008">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52309579008_ca2cfc2af0_c.jpg" alt=""Horseshoe Bend Trail"" title=""Horseshoe Bend Trail""/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52309112996">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52309112996_6b7a881acf_c.jpg" alt="Parked at Douglas Fir Campground Pullout" title="Parked at Douglas Fir Campground Pullout" class="skinny"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52308386532">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52308386532_5ea853c15c_c.jpg" alt="Parked at Douglas Fir Campground Pullout" title="Parked at Douglas Fir Campground Pullout"/>
</a>
</div>
<hr/>
<p>That just left Maple Falls, which was below Glacier on SR-542. I first stopped at the gas station…where all of the pumps were out of order. Then, I looked for food…whose options were a tiny food cart and a grocery store attached to a mini-mall containing several non-food businesses. Guess I'll be getting both later!</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52309579323">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52309579323_9a5d9f77b7_c.jpg" alt="Maple Falls Chevron: All of the pumps were out of order." title="Maple Falls Chevron"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52309579723">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52309579723_d83494d29c_c.jpg" alt="Maple Falls Mini Mall" title="Maple Falls Mini Mall"/>
</a>
</div>
<hr/>
<p>It was at this point where I decided to just take SR-542 all the way to Bellingham to save time on my return trip. I set my sights on the North Fork Brewery for lunch…which was surrounded by people lined up. When I asked if there was a wait (without dismounting my bike), the people in line said there was, so I continued on my way, resigning myself to getting food in the next town I hit. I made good time, and even passed someone again. Gotta love the big inline-four in my Ninja!</p>
<p>Thankfully, I didn't have to wait that long! The Welcome Grocery had a sign saying that they had burgers, so I decided to pull in for lunch there. The burger tasted good, like something you'd get at any small diner or would make at home. I started on the fries without ketchup, but the saltiness compelled me to ask for some. With the ketchup pump not functioning, I had to ask for packets.</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52309579943">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52309579943_661cc2b8c1_c.jpg" alt="Welcome Grocery" title="Welcome Grocery"/>
</a>
</div>
<p>Before leaving, I thought it'd be nice to support the place by buying gas there, so I asked one of the cashiers if the ethanol-free gasoline was the 92 octane that my bike required. She had to fetch the manager (owner?) to confirm, and he told me it was 87 like the ethanol gasoline. Since there weren't any gas options I could use, I continued on my way to Bellingham.</p>
<hr/>
<p>After picking up gas in Deming—</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52309624234">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52309624234_94798095ea_c.jpg" alt="Nooksack Market Center" title="Nooksack Market Center"/>
</a>
</div>
<p>—I headed straight for I-5 in Bellingham for a fast ride home. Traffic was mostly okay (heavy but not slow) until Marysville, where it really bogged down. At that point, I really needed a break, so I pulled off and looked for a parking space at the Seattle Premium Outlets, only to find no spaces in the "normal" parking lot. In the end, I parked behind a car in a corner of the lot for 10 minutes or so before continuing on my way.</p>
<p>Traffic went back to being okay like before for most of the way home. At one point, I did a dangerous thing and passed a car in the merge lane to the left of the HOV lane we were both in, and later on a car almost merged into me from the lane to the right of the HOV lane. I could tell the exact moment they realized their mistake when the car bounced left to right as they went back into their lane.</p>
<p>After taking one of my normal return route options via Northgate, I got home at about 5 PM, so not too late.</p>
</div>
<p>This was my big ride since recovering from COVID. For most of the time, I felt a bit sad and dissociated from my surroundings, which I think is why I did some risky things in traffic. (Strange how that works out, huh?) As of writing this post, I'm pretty much back to normal and being more careful</p>Neil E. Hodgeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06096087090901980142noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7021228780421697859.post-75236693772217608462022-08-08T13:47:00.002-07:002022-08-08T13:47:08.737-07:00Descending Palouse to Cascades Trail (2022-07-30) <div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52257377138">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52257377138_59d6f3a2cd_c.jpg" alt="Hansen Creek Trestle" title="Hansen Creek Trestle"/>
</a>
</div>
<p class="summary">My partner and I had originally planned to ride the Snoqualmie Tunnel together, but she was too afraid of it. However, I was still able to follow our original plan and meet her in North Bend after riding the length of Iron Horse State Park.</p>
<div class="postlink">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/albums/72177720300998634">Geotagged Album</a>
</div>
<p>Albums from past rides on the trail:</p>
<div class="postlink">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/albums/72157711368461807">Fall Colors on the Palouse to Cascades Trail (Album)</a>
</div>
<div class="postlink">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/albums/72157710147348542">Palouse to Cascades Trail/John Wayne Pioneer Trail III (Album)</a>
</div>
<div class="postlink">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/albums/72157674551046756">John Wayne Pioneer Trail II (Album)</a>
</div>
<div class="postlink">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/albums/72157653886851350">John Wayne Pioneer Trail (Album)</a>
</div>
<div class="postlink">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/albums/72157659220252061">Bicycle Quarterly Un-meeting 2015 (Album)</a>
</div>
<p>More after the break…</p>
<a name='more'></a>
<div class="postsection">
<h4>Part 1: Tunnel Round Trip</h4>
<div class="postimage postmap">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52264073949">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52264073949_5a83813436_b.jpg" alt="Part 1: Tunnel Round Trip" title="Part 1: Tunnel Round Trip"/>
</a>
</div>
<p>After loading up our bikes in the back of our tiny car, we arrived in Issaquah by car at about 9 AM to get breakfast and Coffee in Issaquah. About an hour later, we got to the Hyak Trailhead. As I told my partner about the Snoqualmie Tunnel, she became less enthused about the whole thing.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">I'm at <a href="https://twitter.com/panerabread?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PaneraBread</a> in Issaquah, WA <a href="https://t.co/9U1LhWFGpz">https://t.co/9U1LhWFGpz</a> <a href="https://t.co/VX28pkP5vr">pic.twitter.com/VX28pkP5vr</a></p>— 竹下憲二 (@takeshita_kenji) <a href="https://twitter.com/takeshita_kenji/status/1553413943409926145?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 30, 2022</a></blockquote>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">I'm at <a href="https://twitter.com/IssaquahCoffee?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@IssaquahCoffee</a> Company in Issaquah, WA <a href="https://t.co/5nJgDMsd9l">https://t.co/5nJgDMsd9l</a></p>— 竹下憲二 (@takeshita_kenji) <a href="https://twitter.com/takeshita_kenji/status/1553419536011071489?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 30, 2022</a></blockquote>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">I'm at Hyak Trailhead - Iron Horse Trail <a href="https://t.co/1IcCCNVBYJ">https://t.co/1IcCCNVBYJ</a></p>— 竹下憲二 (@takeshita_kenji) <a href="https://twitter.com/takeshita_kenji/status/1553434308991488001?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 30, 2022</a></blockquote>
<p>After unloading my partner's bike, I told her to ride around the parking lot a bit to reacquaint herself with it. (Prior to this ride, her bike had been sitting on the wall for the entirety of the COVID pandemic, so I had to clear out all of the dust stuck in it.) While she did that, I unloaded my bike and got ready.</p>
<p>After making use of the facilities, we headed over to the trail and the tunnel. We both loved the feeling of the cold air blowing out of the tunnel on this hot day, but as we got closer, she realized that she couldn't do it. The fact we forgot to pack her helmet certainly didn't help her confidence here, either. Thus, I headed through the tunnel solo.</p>
<p>The Snoqualmie Tunnel is always quite an experience. You have to keep an eye out for anyone walking or riding through it since it's pretty much pitch black for much of its length, with only carried lighting illuminating the way.</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52257357556">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52257357556_c16328ba27_c.jpg" alt="Snoqualmie Tunnel West Portal Area: There was some sort of running event going on, with stations every mile or so." title="Snoqualmie Tunnel West Portal Area"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52257636904">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52257636904_a2bbdffb37_c.jpg" alt="Snoqualmie Tunnel West Portal" title="Snoqualmie Tunnel West Portal"/>
</a>
</div>
<p>Once I reached the west portal, I realized that I had my partner's car keys and thus had to head back. When I saw her again, she was hanging out beside the restrooms, waiting for me. She said she had fun riding around in the parking lot for the 20 minutes or so we were apart.</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52257848265">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52257848265_17555fc75c_c.jpg" alt="Hyak Restrooms" title="Hyak Restrooms"/>
</a>
</div>
<p>Before we parted ways for a while again, I loaded up her bike and told her where we would be meeting in North Bend. I didn't have a good idea on how long it would take, a fact I kept reminding her of.</p>
</div>
<div class="postsection">
<h4>Part 2: Main Leg</h4>
<div class="postimage postmap">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52262835382">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52262835382_0bddc497ec_b.jpg" alt="Part 2: Main Leg" title="Part 2: Main Leg"/>
</a>
</div>
<p>Once back through the tunnel, I started on my way down the trail. Every mile or so, there were remnants of support stations for a running event, including restrooms and stacks of water bottles.</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52257356781">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52257356781_6fb4d2c30b_c.jpg" alt="Palouse to Cascades Trail" title="Palouse to Cascades Trail" class="skinny"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52257377788">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52257377788_453c293c0a_c.jpg" alt="Palouse to Cascades Trail: There was some sort of running event going on, with stations every mile or so." title="Palouse to Cascades Trail"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52257635559">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52257635559_50194f8ec9_c.jpg" alt="Hansen Creek Trestle" title="Hansen Creek Trestle"/>
</a>
</div>
<p>There were <em>a lot</em> of people when I went through the tunnel at the beginning of all this, but I saw almost nobody on the main section of the trail. Mostly cyclists heading uphill towards Hyak. One group was a bunch of older men who we saw eating at Panera earlier in our day.</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52257355401">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52257355401_2f117ebf9a_c.jpg" alt="Palouse to Cascades Trail Trailhead" title="Palouse to Cascades Trail Trailhead"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52257354721">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52257354721_1cbd070feb_c.jpg" alt="Mine Creek Trestle" title="Mine Creek Trestle" class="skinny"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52257845720">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52257845720_6d4ce723f7_c.jpg" alt="Mine Creek Trestle" title="Mine Creek Trestle"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52256389187">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52256389187_a722687d09_c.jpg" alt="Mine Creek Valley" title="Mine Creek Valley"/>
</a>
</div>
<p>It was honestly pretty fun riding my road-biased Soma Stanyan at 19-23 MPH with these 38mm tubeless tires set at 40 psi, despite the headwind at many points. The only hiccup I ran into was when some of my tools leaped out of their pocket on my handlebar bag while crossing the Boetzke Creek Trestle, but I managed to gather them all up.</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52257375298">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52257375298_a6c0747f11_c.jpg" alt="Boetzke Creek Trestle" title="Boetzke Creek Trestle"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52257633204">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52257633204_7895bd0365_c.jpg" alt="Boetzke Creek" title="Boetzke Creek" class="skinny"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52257632969">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52257632969_d1fa37144e_c.jpg" alt="South Fork Snoqualmie River Valley" title="South Fork Snoqualmie River Valley"/>
</a>
</div>
<p>When I got to the Cedar Falls Trailhead, I saw some barriers directing people towards the Snoqualmie Valley Trail, but no signage on them. Was this also for the running event? In any case, managed my way to the trail, only stopping to photograph a downed tree.</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52257844520">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52257844520_cdf6757883_c.jpg" alt="Tree Down on Snoqualmie Valley Trail" title="Tree Down on Snoqualmie Valley Trail"/>
</a>
</div>
<p>And photograph the South Fork Snoqualmie River at the bottom of the descent.</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52257373968">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52257373968_0b0f0b1265_c.jpg" alt="South Fork Snoqualmie River" title="South Fork Snoqualmie River" class="skinny"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52257373778">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52257373778_f7304bfc33_c.jpg" alt="South Fork Snoqualmie River" title="South Fork Snoqualmie River"/>
</a>
</div>
<p>At the Tanner Road trailhead, there was even more stuff leftover from that run, but I didn't bother to stop there. I didn't want to waste any more time: without the aid of the downhill grade, the wind slowed me down to a mere 13-14 MPH on the entire flat section of the trail.</p>
<p>When I finally got to our meeting point, my partner was pretty mad at me because it took me two hours to cover the ~30 miles. She was very bored, and even looked into heading to a local shopping center to kill time, only to be stopped by the Snoqualmie Valley Railroad crossing the road. Also, the inside of the car was pretty hot during this heatwave afternoon.</p>
<p>After I loaded up my bike, we headed into town for lunch. We were both starving since it had been a while. Thus ended our cycling for the day.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">I'm at The Iron Duck Public House in North Bend, WA <a href="https://t.co/SixXx8dLA2">https://t.co/SixXx8dLA2</a> <a href="https://t.co/obLA24F8Yv">pic.twitter.com/obLA24F8Yv</a></p>— 竹下憲二 (@takeshita_kenji) <a href="https://twitter.com/takeshita_kenji/status/1553496347596259328?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 30, 2022</a></blockquote>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">I'm at The North Bend Bakery in North Bend, WA <a href="https://t.co/08beJGvtC2">https://t.co/08beJGvtC2</a></p>— 竹下憲二 (@takeshita_kenji) <a href="https://twitter.com/takeshita_kenji/status/1553498514293923840?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 30, 2022</a></blockquote>
</div>Neil E. Hodgeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06096087090901980142noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7021228780421697859.post-72955014899981921652022-07-25T18:40:00.000-07:002022-07-25T18:40:00.166-07:00Mountain Loop Highway (2022-07-16, 17) <p class="summary">I could keep up speed better than the cars.</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52238100521">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52238100521_72586a4912_c.jpg" alt="North Fork Sauk River Bridge" title="North Fork Sauk River Bridge"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postlink">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/albums/72177720300789668">Geotagged Album</a>
</div>
<p>This is my first album where every photo was processed from the RAW rather than the camera JPEG. I'm still learning the process and have since improved, but I decided to leave these largely alone since finishing the album.</p>
<p>When planning this ride, something that worried me was how Snohomish County said the gravel section of the Mountain Loop Highway was closed. I asked about this in a few places, and someone pointed me to the US Forest Service map, which showed it as open. Since I always had the option of turning back in the event the information was bogus, I went for it.</p>
<p>Albums from past rides in the area:</p>
<div class="postlink">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/albums/72157716617063702">Barlow Pass and Lake Roesiger (2020-10-24) (Album)</a>
</div>
<div class="postlink">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/albums/72157708811130366">Silverton (Album)</a>
</div>
<div class="postlink">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/albums/72157681953012262">Barlow Pass II (Album)</a>
</div>
<div class="postlink">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/albums/72157666182504650">Barlow Pass (Album)</a>
</div>
<div class="postlink">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/albums/72157644393353441">Verlot (Album)</a>
</div>
<div class="postlink">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/albums/72157707789717664">Granite Falls and Lake Roesiger (Album)</a>
</div>
<div class="postlink">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/albums/72157650473141301">Granite Falls and Arlington II (Album)</a>
</div>
<div class="postlink">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/albums/72157642098688125">Granite Falls and Arlington (Album)</a>
</div>
<div class="postlink">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/albums/72157683881955540">Darrington III: Whitehorse Trail (Album)</a>
</div>
<div class="postlink">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/albums/72157674468762582">Darrington II (Album)</a>
</div>
<div class="postlink">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/albums/72157650585486232">Darrington (Album)</a>
</div>
<div class="postlink">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/albums/72157644552896228">Oso (Album)</a>
</div>
<p>More after the break…</p>
<a name='more'></a>
<div class="postsection">
<h4>Day 1</h4>
<div class="postsection">
<h5>Part 1: To Darrington</h5>
<div class="postimage postmap">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52241438189">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52241438189_3459c2965d_b.jpg" alt="Day 1, Part 1: To Granite Falls" title="Day 1, Part 1: To Granite Falls" class="skinny"/>
</a>
</div>
<p>When I planned to start, I noticed that there was a somewhat significant chance of rain, so I put it off for a while until things looked dry enough outside at about 7 AM and headed up I-5 to Snohomish County. I didn't see any wet pavement on the freeway, and that persisted as I headed east on US 2 and SR-204. However, when I hit SR-92, things started to get a little damp, but nothing worse by the time I got to Granite Falls.</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52238105166">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52238105166_38e5ce7d6e_c.jpg" alt="Granite Avenue, Granite Falls" title="Granite Avenue, Granite Falls"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52238389264">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52238389264_e43ae2f713_c.jpg" alt="Granite Avenue, Granite Falls" title="Granite Avenue, Granite Falls"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52238105351">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52238105351_c976d29fa8_c.jpg" alt="Granite Avenue, Granite Falls" title="Granite Avenue, Granite Falls"/>
</a>
</div>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">I'm at City of Granite Falls in WA <a href="https://t.co/7hF4pNanUj">https://t.co/7hF4pNanUj</a></p>— 竹下憲二 (@takeshita_kenji) <a href="https://twitter.com/takeshita_kenji/status/1548309348425682946?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 16, 2022</a></blockquote>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">A bit damp outside. It was dry all the way from Seattle to Lake Stevens, though.</p>— 竹下憲二 (@takeshita_kenji) <a href="https://twitter.com/takeshita_kenji/status/1548312573350555648?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 16, 2022</a></blockquote>
<p>After parking my bike downtown, I looked at my surroundings to see if I could find a place with breakfast. The only thing open was the Buzz Inn Steakhouse, as indicated by a local walking in for their all-day breakfast. I had a plate of eggs, bacon, hashed browns, and a biscuit, while enjoying the scenery depicted in the photos on the walls.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">All day breakfast! (@ Buzz Inn Steakhouse Granite Falls - <a href="https://twitter.com/BuzzInnWA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@buzzinnwa</a> in Granite Falls, WA) <a href="https://t.co/kYLm4w8JDY">https://t.co/kYLm4w8JDY</a> <a href="https://t.co/qvX1EpoWw8">pic.twitter.com/qvX1EpoWw8</a></p>— 竹下憲二 (@takeshita_kenji) <a href="https://twitter.com/takeshita_kenji/status/1548312889076854787?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 16, 2022</a></blockquote>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">There are photos of both the area around here and other places around the world on the walls.</p>— 竹下憲二 (@takeshita_kenji) <a href="https://twitter.com/takeshita_kenji/status/1548313021088276482?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 16, 2022</a></blockquote>
<hr/>
</div>
<div class="postsection">
<h5>Part 2: Mountain Loop Highway</h5>
<div class="postimage postmap">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52240165787">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52240165787_04e7bebf96_b.jpg" alt="Day 1, Part 2: Mountain Loop Highway" title="Day 1, Part 2: Mountain Loop Highway"/>
</a>
</div>
<p>Not long after I left Granite Falls, the rain really started coming down! Despite that, I didn't want to put on rain gear quite yet, even when I stopped at the Mountain Loop General Store for photos. When I did stop there, a couple of cars were waiting for it open, which it did only a couple minutes later.</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52238114938">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52238114938_bd3b02f5a9_c.jpg" alt="Mountain Loop General Store" title="Mountain Loop General Store"/>
</a>
</div>
<p>My plan was to put on my rain gear when I hit Verlot, which involved ducking into the undercover area in front of the restrooms to prevent my inner layers from getting soaked while I changed.</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52238598355">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52238598355_d9ae905909_c.jpg" alt="Verlot Public Service Center" title="Verlot Public Service Center"/>
</a>
</div>
<p>With my rain gear equipped, I continued west along the highway to Barlow Pass. Along the way, I slowed down as I approached the road for the Big Four Mountain Trailhead…only for it to be closed. While a bummer, I did get to pull off for photos at the nearby Ice Caves Trailhead.</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52238388759">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52238388759_8b88e1ca46_c.jpg" alt="Ice Caves Trailhead Restrooms" title="Ice Caves Trailhead Restrooms"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52238104531">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52238104531_062c8f749c_c.jpg" alt="Ice Caves Trailhead Restrooms" title="Ice Caves Trailhead Restrooms"/>
</a>
</div>
<p>By the time I hit Barlow Pass, the rain had thankfully stopped. When I commented on that, someone nearby muttered "Sure hopes it stays that way."</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52238104401">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52238104401_201db650a9_c.jpg" alt="Barlow Pass" title="Barlow Pass"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52238113718">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52238113718_386d815a9b_c.jpg" alt="Monte Cristo Trail Gate" title="Monte Cristo Trail Gate"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52238114053">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52238114053_a5f67a742c_c.jpg" alt="Mountain Loop Highway" title="Mountain Loop Highway"/>
</a>
</div>
<hr/>
<p>Next up was the center attraction: the gravel section! It started off a bit rough with nasty potholes in the gravel adjacent to the pavement as is usually the case, and I took the steep downhill section right after a bit slowly. Thankfully, with engine braking, I didn't have to worry about losing traction on the front tire. I did eventually loosen up, even making it to second gear for the straighter sections. Even in first, I was coming up on cars who were bouncing left and right with every pothole. Since I could weave to avoid them instead and maintain speed, cars regularly pulled over to let me pass.</p>
<p>With many windy and narrow sections, it really made sense to me that they haven't bothered with paving this part of the highway. Also, there aren't that many people out there.</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52238113493">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52238113493_7008c8be59_c.jpg" alt="Mountain Loop Highway" title="Mountain Loop Highway"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52238596960">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52238596960_bb78c1598b_c.jpg" alt="Mountain Loop Highway" title="Mountain Loop Highway" class="skinny"/>
</a>
</div>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">The gravel section of the Mountain Loop Highway is honestly not bad at all. Definitely fine for street bikes.</p>— 竹下憲二 (@takeshita_kenji) <a href="https://twitter.com/takeshita_kenji/status/1548377930446712832?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 16, 2022</a></blockquote>
<p>The scenery along the highway was something else! The Sauk River and its forks provided some very nice sights, and I wasn't the only one who thought so. At one point, I wanted to get a photo of my bike with a lovely rock face and a view of the river, but huge black SUV full of people also wanting photos parked right in the shot. After biding my time (and using the time to remove my rain gear because of the heat), they left and I got the chance I wanted.</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52238102901">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52238102901_40a75cd52c_c.jpg" alt="South Fork Sauk River" title="South Fork Sauk River"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52238102786">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52238102786_b1d59bd116_c.jpg" alt="South Fork Sauk River" title="South Fork Sauk River"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52238093301">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52238093301_751ee253f0_c.jpg" alt="South Fork Sauk River" title="South Fork Sauk River"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52238101961">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52238101961_29ac882253_c.jpg" alt="South Fork Sauk River" title="South Fork Sauk River"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52238101506">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52238101506_08f89e64e6_c.jpg" alt="South Fork Sauk River" title="South Fork Sauk River"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52238385579">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52238385579_7255385fee_c.jpg" alt="South Fork Sauk River" title="South Fork Sauk River"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52238586980">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52238586980_2ff49d8502_c.jpg" alt="Bedal Peak Over South Fork Sauk River" title="Bedal Peak Over South Fork Sauk River"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52238385139">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52238385139_dcf6f5a9d1_c.jpg" alt="Bedal Peak Over Mountain Loop Highway" title="Bedal Peak Over Mountain Loop Highway"/>
</a>
</div>
<p>I saw a number of tents at campsites without accompanying cars adjacent to them, which made me wonder how the campers got out there. In at least one case, they parked on the other side of the highway bridge, so I'm guessing people sometimes like to park away from where they camp.</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52238384344">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52238384344_b7f69636ed_c.jpg" alt="North Fork Sauk River Bridge" title="North Fork Sauk River Bridge"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52238385014">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52238385014_cbb7126786_c.jpg" alt="Mountain Loop Highway" title="Mountain Loop Highway"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52238100356">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52238100356_e33e13cbef_c.jpg" alt="North Fork Sauk River Bridge" title="North Fork Sauk River Bridge"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52238593210">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52238593210_0163ce2b95_c.jpg" alt="North Fork Sauk River" title="North Fork Sauk River"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52238592950">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52238592950_9b078165c4_c.jpg" alt="North Fork Sauk River" title="North Fork Sauk River"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52238099006">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52238099006_009fc443d3_c.jpg" alt="White Chuck Overlook" title="White Chuck Overlook"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52238098886">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52238098886_e01691b813_c.jpg" alt="Parked at White Chuck Overlook" title="Parked at White Chuck Overlook"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52238103198">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52238103198_203386985a_c.jpg" alt="White Chuck Overlook Restroom" title="White Chuck Overlook Restroom"/>
</a>
</div>
<p>The pavement returned shortly before the confluence of the Sauk River's forks, which was sooner than I'd expected. Seeing a sign for the White Chuck Boat Launch, I turned off the highway and parked in its associated lot, which had several cars with boat trailers. Passing a number of groups getting their watercraft ready, including some pumping up inflatable types, I headed to the riverbank, which was not unlike a rocky beach, to take photos.</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52238590895">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52238590895_b68e9c6115_c.jpg" alt="Sauk River Confluence" title="Sauk River Confluence"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52238381399">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52238381399_8369963941_c.jpg" alt="Sauk River" title="Sauk River"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52237116037">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52237116037_64a4ce6e73_c.jpg" alt="Sauk River" title="Sauk River"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52237115637">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52237115637_986fd91baf_c.jpg" alt="Sauk River" title="Sauk River"/>
</a>
</div>
<p>Since I'd wanted to photograph the bridge I'd crossed to get to the boat launch, I headed back towards the highway and parked in a gravel patch an the side of the road.</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52238095421">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52238095421_23263516a7_c.jpg" alt="N Sauk River Road" title="N Sauk River Road"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52238380584">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52238380584_1375a4459b_c.jpg" alt="N Sauk River Road Bridge" title="N Sauk River Road Bridge"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52238589585">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52238589585_c9ccf7bde5_c.jpg" alt="South Fork Sauk River" title="South Fork Sauk River"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52238589100">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52238589100_e602bf0dc7_c.jpg" alt="South Fork Sauk River" title="South Fork Sauk River"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52238379759">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52238379759_5c01561616_c.jpg" alt="South Fork Sauk River" title="South Fork Sauk River" class="skinny"/>
</a>
</div>
<p>As I finished up and prepared to be on my way, I heard the sound of loud thumpers approaching, which turned out to be a couple of folks headed out to some real gravel riding. I do hope to someday be like them.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Saw a couple of guys on dual sports headed out on one of the rougher rodes on this side of the pass.</p>— 竹下憲二 (@takeshita_kenji) <a href="https://twitter.com/takeshita_kenji/status/1548378053960556551?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 16, 2022</a></blockquote>
<p>My journey to Darrington was interrupted once more, as I wanted to get shots of the barricaded section of the highway. Still not sure if it was a washout or just settling, as there were trees between the highway and the river.</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52238379419">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52238379419_e8810dec76_c.jpg" alt="Mountain Loop Highway Washout" title="Mountain Loop Highway Washout"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52237113697">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52237113697_b60b0786eb_c.jpg" alt="Mountain Loop Highway Washout" title="Mountain Loop Highway Washout"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52238588490">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52238588490_23a698bc53_c.jpg" alt="Mountain Loop Highway" title="Mountain Loop Highway"/>
</a>
</div>
<hr/>
<p>Not long after that, I finally rolled into Darrington, stopping for lunch at the first place I saw: the Red Top Tavern. The locals were chatting very loudly while gathering to play horseshoes, so I kept quiet and to myself since it was a bit intimidating. I ended up eating a basket of two corn dogs and tater tots, which were satisfying after being out for so long.</p>
<p>While I was there, a couple walked in and asked about where the nearest RV park was, as they had a huge truck and fifth wheel trailer and wanted the usual hook-ups. The locals at the bar told them to try the Cascade Kamloops Trout Farm & RV Park only a few blocks away.</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52238378849">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52238378849_1c5d2c762b_c.jpg" alt="Red Top Tavern" title="Red Top Tavern"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52238104358">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52238104358_2724b342cd_c.jpg" alt="Highlander Second Hand Store" title="Highlander Second Hand Store"/>
</a>
</div>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">I'm at Darrington, WA in WA <a href="https://t.co/piXYFiBNPN">https://t.co/piXYFiBNPN</a></p>— 竹下憲二 (@takeshita_kenji) <a href="https://twitter.com/takeshita_kenji/status/1548377667610689537?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 16, 2022</a></blockquote>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">I'm at Red Top in darrington, WA <a href="https://t.co/Ss2vKAx9f2">https://t.co/Ss2vKAx9f2</a> <a href="https://t.co/BLEvYG6Q5G">pic.twitter.com/BLEvYG6Q5G</a></p>— 竹下憲二 (@takeshita_kenji) <a href="https://twitter.com/takeshita_kenji/status/1548381951731515394?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 16, 2022</a></blockquote>
</div>
<div class="postsection">
<h5>Part 3: Return via Bothell</h5>
<div class="postimage postmap">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52241438144">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52241438144_c0ca98e5ac_b.jpg" alt="Day 1, Part 3: Return via Bothell" title="Day 1, Part 3: Return via Bothell"/>
</a>
</div>
<p>Before fully leaving Darrington, I headed to the IGA to get water since I still had a ways before I was done for the day. In an adjacent spot was a 1927 Model T, whose owner was more than happy to tell a small crowd about. He left not long before I did, so I got to hear that classic engine sound. Also at the IGA was a booth selling fresh pulled pork sandwiches, which made me regret getting food already!</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52238587650">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52238587650_38b24d3aaf_c.jpg" alt="At Darrington IGA" title="At Darrington IGA"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52238094371">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52238094371_99b190ec7d_c.jpg" alt="1927 Ford Model T" title="1927 Ford Model T"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52238094191">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52238094191_6f77cd4ec6_c.jpg" alt="Hills Over Darrington" title="Hills Over Darrington"/>
</a>
</div>
<hr/>
<p>While I headed back west along SR-530, I ended up stuck in a few lines of cars behind slow "lead" cars. In one case, a sport bike pulled up behind me and zipped by the line at the first chance, without much of a safety margin between them and oncoming traffic. In another case, I saw a big pickup truck do the same, but with an even narrower safety margin!</p>
<p>When I approached the section of SR-530 that had been rebuilt after the landslide, I kept an eye out for the <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/105592384@N07/30552436362"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/5581/30552436362_e1cff3b1ef_t.jpg" alt="Ivory Pass at Oso Mudslide Monument: <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Oso_mudslide" rel="noreferrer nofollow">2014 Oso mudslide</a>" title="Ivory Pass at Oso Mudslide Monument" class="postthumbnail"/>Oso Landslide Memorial</a> since I'd missed it on <a href="/2022/05/north-cascades-highway-2022-05-30.html">my previous time</a> in the area. Thankfully, I saw it coming this time and had my chance to pull off to check it out. While taking photos, I noticed a couple of guys in white pickup trucks who were chatting to each other with their window rolled down the entire time, which seemed a bit odd to me.</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52238093971">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52238093971_494032df3d_c.jpg" alt="Oso Landslide Memorial" title="Oso Landslide Memorial"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52238103573">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52238103573_0031925a34_c.jpg" alt="Oso Landslide" title="Oso Landslide"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52238093911">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52238093911_1b9759d8a7_c.jpg" alt="Washington State Route 530 and North Mountain" title="Washington State Route 530 and North Mountain"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52238093726">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52238093726_9a65489afb_c.jpg" alt="Washington State Route 530" title="Washington State Route 530"/>
</a>
</div>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">I'm at Oso slide area in WA <a href="https://t.co/hWmYURe7kP">https://t.co/hWmYURe7kP</a></p>— 竹下憲二 (@takeshita_kenji) <a href="https://twitter.com/takeshita_kenji/status/1548394963427139584?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 16, 2022</a></blockquote>
<hr/>
<p>Once at the west end of SR-530 in Arlington, I started on my way south along SR-9. I was hoping for a nice ride along a back road, but traffic was horrible! Every roundabout involved waiting in a long line of cars headed south, and it got even worse at stoplights! I was sure glad when I left it for the road to my parents' place. Right after the turn off, I saw very long and fresh skid-marks coming down the hill going from the downhill to the uphill side of the road, and a car that was either pulling out from a side street or was recovering from quite the skid. I still don't know what actually happened as I write this post.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Saw LONG and fresh skid marks down 228th's descent to SR-9, that ended on the wrong side of the road. There was also a black Subaru turning onto 228th downhill at the end of the skid marks. Wondering if the marks were theirs.</p>— 竹下憲二 (@takeshita_kenji) <a href="https://twitter.com/takeshita_kenji/status/1548419979074162690?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 16, 2022</a></blockquote>
</div>
</div>
<div class="postsection">
<h4>Day 2: Return Home</h4>
<div class="postimage postmap">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52241145111">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52241145111_cb81244204_b.jpg" alt="Day 2: Return Home" title="Day 2: Return Home"/>
</a>
</div>
<p>After birthday festivities at my parents' place on the next day, I headed back home in the early evening. It was fairly uneventful, aside from a lost driver nearly merging into me on N 46th Street under Aurora! SDOT really needs to put better signage further back from that mess of an intersection so people don't end up in the left turn lane when they don't want to turn left.</p>
</div>Neil E. Hodgeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06096087090901980142noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7021228780421697859.post-89733167058372422232022-07-11T17:12:00.003-07:002022-07-11T17:12:26.847-07:00Grand Coulee Dam (2022-07-02,03) <div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52197948476">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52197948476_170d2b6ce5_c.jpg" alt="Parked at Grand Coulee Dam" title="Parked at Grand Coulee Dam"/>
</a>
</div>
<p class="summary">Two days on the open road through some crazy scenery in Eastern Washington!</p>
<div class="postlink">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/albums/72177720300345681">Geotagged Album</a>
</div>
<p>More after the break…</p>
<a name='more'></a>
<div class="postsection">
<h4>Day 1</h4>
<div class="postimage postmap">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52206690598">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52206690598_33bfa764ac_b.jpg" alt="Day 1" title="Day 1"/>
</a>
</div>
<p>As I prefer to do, I started at around 5:30 in the morning. It took a bit longer for me to get going because I had to latch on my side cases. First time on one of these longer rides!</p>
<p>My first outbound stop was the Hoot Owl Mart, where I got gas, used the restroom, and ate a slice of pound cake to tide me over until Cole's Corner. I really wanted to get a certain photo while there, but cars kept pulling in, obscuring the shot. One of the passengers was a guy with a tiny dog on a leash, while a couple other folks bought huge bags of ice that they emptied into coolers they had. Thankfully, right as I started to get ready to leave, the cars left, so I was able to get the shot I wanted.</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52204986776">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52204986776_fe7e87722a_c.jpg" alt="Hoot Owl Mini Mart" title="Hoot Owl Mini Mart"/>
</a>
</div>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">I'm at Hoot Owl Mini Mart in Sultan, WA <a href="https://t.co/v2yym8PmEY">https://t.co/v2yym8PmEY</a></p>— 竹下憲二 (@takeshita_kenji) <a href="https://twitter.com/takeshita_kenji/status/1543227594870497280?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 2, 2022</a></blockquote>
<hr/>
<p>While making my way over Stevens Pass, I saw a couple of drivers pull some dangerous stunts. No wonder the road is infamous for being dangerous!</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Saw two cars pass on no passing sections: one was a sport-trim Civic and the other was a pickup truck. Also saw a couple cars have a close call when one of them was passing. No wonder this highway was its reputation of being dangerous!</p>— 竹下憲二 (@takeshita_kenji) <a href="https://twitter.com/takeshita_kenji/status/1543253109853474816?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 2, 2022</a></blockquote>
<p>I made a point of not stopping before Cole's Corner, as I wanted to check out the 59er Diner. Unfortunately, it was closed when I arrived and wouldn't open for an hour.</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52203979612">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52203979612_f343e55f85_c.jpg" alt="59er Diner: Was hoping to eat here for breakfast, but it wasn't going to open for an hour." title="59er Diner"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52205254984">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52205254984_e5b20372b3_c.jpg" alt="United States Route 2" title="United States Route 2"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52203980247">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52203980247_42811d9925_c.jpg" alt="59er Diner: Was hoping to eat here for breakfast, but it wasn't going to open for an hour." title="59er Diner"/>
</a>
</div>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Looks like it's not open yet, so I guess I'll be eating in town. (@ 59er Diner in Leavenworth, WA) <a href="https://t.co/Hn60LE0b4a">https://t.co/Hn60LE0b4a</a></p>— 竹下憲二 (@takeshita_kenji) <a href="https://twitter.com/takeshita_kenji/status/1543247754184589313?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 2, 2022</a></blockquote>
<p>Thankfully, the nearby Squirrel Tree Restaurant was open, so I stopped there for breakfast instead, which consisted of a Denver Omelet and seasoned potatoes. I was surprised when it was served to me on a square plate, more typical of fancier restaurants and contrasting with the restaurant's rustic decor.</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52205006818">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52205006818_03364a5979_c.jpg" alt="Squirrel Tree Restaurant, Lounge, and Motel: Where I ended up eating breakfast." title="Squirrel Tree Restaurant, Lounge, and Motel"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52205007183">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52205007183_db8b58acd8_c.jpg" alt="Squirrel Tree Restaurant Interior: Very rustic!" title="Squirrel Tree Restaurant Interior"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52205491875">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52205491875_ec969abc7e_c.jpg" alt="Squirrel Tree Restaurant Interior: Very rustic!" title="Squirrel Tree Restaurant Interior" class="skinny"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52205255674">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52205255674_bed878db0b_c.jpg" alt="Cole's Corner Market" title="Cole's Corner Market"/>
</a>
</div>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">I'm at Squirrel Tree Restaurant in Leavenworth, WA <a href="https://t.co/KRq6eHwX63">https://t.co/KRq6eHwX63</a> <a href="https://t.co/YgWfRt1daE">pic.twitter.com/YgWfRt1daE</a></p>— 竹下憲二 (@takeshita_kenji) <a href="https://twitter.com/takeshita_kenji/status/1543255542994542599?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 2, 2022</a></blockquote>
<hr/>
<p>I also tried to avoid stopping around Leavenworth, but the canyon housing Jolanda Lake persuaded me to make a quick photo stop.</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52205008013">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52205008013_fff6521bc9_c.jpg" alt="Jolanda Lake" title="Jolanda Lake"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52203981222">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52203981222_6289b3cfb7_c.jpg" alt="Parked at Jolanda Lake" title="Parked at Jolanda Lake"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52204988411">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52204988411_8387ed938a_c.jpg" alt="The Alps Fudge and Candy" title="The Alps Fudge and Candy"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52205007363">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52205007363_31e6f69330_c.jpg" alt="United States Route 2" title="United States Route 2" class="skinny"/>
</a>
</div>
<p>As I rode along US 2 through Dryden, the green hills dotted with trees inspired me to pull off and get some photos of them. I first stopped where Main Street crossed the Wenatchee river on a very rutted gravel parking lot that made it very difficult to handle the bike, but that didn't get me much of a view.</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52203981752">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52203981752_11e32f9411_c.jpg" alt="Dryden Hills" title="Dryden Hills"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52203982077">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52203982077_fe79684505_c.jpg" alt="BNSF Scenic Subdivision Wenatchee River Bridge #3" title="BNSF Scenic Subdivision Wenatchee River Bridge #3"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52205493105">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52205493105_b4f0fa336a_c.jpg" alt="Main Street, Dryden" title="Main Street, Dryden"/>
</a>
</div>
<p>After going a little further from the highway, I found more or less the same style of hills, though more brown than green. I also found a park with a restroom, which was very helpful at this point!</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52198215554">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52198215554_e72ed6ebd6_c.jpg" alt="Dryden Hills and Farms, BNSF Mainline" title="Dryden Hills and Farms, BNSF Mainline"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52205257369">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52205257369_14b2903e04_c.jpg" alt="BNSF Scenic Subdivision" title="BNSF Scenic Subdivision"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52205257419">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52205257419_e4b48d04bf_c.jpg" alt="School Street, Dryden" title="School Street, Dryden"/>
</a>
</div>
<p>Before rejoining the highway, I had to make a quick stop in downtown Dryden for the cute, albeit run-down, shops there. While I got those photos, I saw a guy enter an old building across the street trying to be as discreet as possible.</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52203983142">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52203983142_56be340c14_c.jpg" alt="Dryden Avenue, Dryden" title="Dryden Avenue, Dryden"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52205009043">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52205009043_f2e2b4110b_c.jpg" alt="Old Dryden Building" title="Old Dryden Building"/>
</a>
</div>
<hr/>
<p>My next stop was the town of Cashmere, where a bridge across the now wider Wenatchee River inspired me to pull off for some photos. I also noted Milepost Brewing and the quite busy espresso stand attached to it.</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52204990336">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52204990336_205679d89e_c.jpg" alt="Aplets Way, Cashmere" title="Aplets Way, Cashmere"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52205257919">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52205257919_f67bc7194e_c.jpg" alt="Cashmere Hills" title="Cashmere Hills"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52205494250">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52205494250_8b233d78e4_c.jpg" alt="Wenatchee River" title="Wenatchee River"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52203983747">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52203983747_5ebcfafbef_c.jpg" alt="Cashmere Hills Over Wenatchee River" title="Cashmere Hills Over Wenatchee River"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52205009908">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52205009908_ae1ea1bfc0_c.jpg" alt=""Welcome to Cashmere"" title=""Welcome to Cashmere""/>
</a>
</div>
<p>A sign mentioning a pioneer museum enticed me further into town, where I found the <a href="https://www.libertyorchards.com/category/Aplets_and_Cotlets">Aplets & Cotlets</a> factory and some nice brick buildings.</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52205494945">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52205494945_e2bdfd08e9_c.jpg" alt="Aplets & Cotlets" title="Aplets & Cotlets"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52205010093">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52205010093_603bc2dfc9_c.jpg" alt="Cashmere Baptist Church" title="Cashmere Baptist Church"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52205258854">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52205258854_563097ec52_c.jpg" alt="Aplets Way, Cashmere" title="Aplets Way, Cashmere"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52203984142">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52203984142_621f0dee7a_c.jpg" alt="Old Cashmere Train Depot" title="Old Cashmere Train Depot"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52205010463">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52205010463_f250b6215e_c.jpg" alt="Mission Avenue, Cashmere" title="Mission Avenue, Cashmere"/>
</a>
</div>
<p>Since I didn't want to go on a wild goose chase, I looked for the museum on Google Maps and started heading that way…only to <em>have</em> to stop to get photos of Cottage Avenue. Not only was it packed with storefronts, the walkways were also covered! Even the crosswalks!</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52203984367">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52203984367_0bf4915362_c.jpg" alt="Parked on Cottage Avenue, Cashmere" title="Parked on Cottage Avenue, Cashmere"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52203984512">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52203984512_dfeaae57f9_c.jpg" alt="Parked on Cottage Avenue, Cashmere" title="Parked on Cottage Avenue, Cashmere"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52203984557">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52203984557_771c5afc95_c.jpg" alt="Cottage Avenue, Cashmere: Got a 75¢ soda at Doane's Valley Pharmacy." title="Cottage Avenue, Cashmere"/>
</a>
</div>
<p>While walking, I noticed that Doane's Valley Pharmacy advertised a soda fountain and wanted to stop in for a refreshing drink. The fountain was in the back and was being operated by who looked like a local teenager. The small-town feel was further pushed when I got a large diet cola for only 75¢!</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Only 75¢ for a large soda! (@ Doane's Valley Pharmacy Old Fashioned Soda Fountain in Cashmere, WA) <a href="https://t.co/UAr70CQfAM">https://t.co/UAr70CQfAM</a></p>— 竹下憲二 (@takeshita_kenji) <a href="https://twitter.com/takeshita_kenji/status/1543288811278548993?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 2, 2022</a></blockquote>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52205495770">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52205495770_c7f80ed93d_c.jpg" alt="Rusty's Burgers: There was a line out front when I was on my way out of town." title="Rusty's Burgers"/>
</a>
</div>
<p>Just down the street was the Pioneer Museum, where the humidity made me beg for A/C.</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52205259684">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52205259684_353f666e07_c.jpg" alt="Cashmere Pioneer Museum" title="Cashmere Pioneer Museum"/>
</a>
</div>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">It's way too humid out here.</p>— 竹下憲二 (@takeshita_kenji) <a href="https://twitter.com/takeshita_kenji/status/1543296622951407617?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 2, 2022</a></blockquote>
<p>When I entered the museum, I was told by an older woman working at it that both I and a couple of older women had to follow her to see a couple of interesting exhibits. The first was one with a very old photo of local Native Americans with the actual beaded bag in the photo beneath it.</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52205496160">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52205496160_5d4d60fee4_c.jpg" alt="Cashmere Pioneer Museum: Beaded Bag: The bag at the bottom here is the same one that's in the old photo above it." title="Cashmere Pioneer Museum: Beaded Bag" class="skinny"/>
</a>
</div>
<p>The second one consisted of a couple of stones, each one weighing over 200 pounds. The woman told me that, in order to become a warrior of the tribe, teenage boys needed to carry a stone like them a certain distance. Then she said that the stones carried by the women were lighter "because women were smarter!" That got a laugh out of all of us, but she walked over to me a few minutes later to apologize despite my laughing.</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52205260219">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52205260219_5b90d0d370_c.jpg" alt="Cashmere Pioneer Museum: Sinkiuse-Columbia Test of Strength Stones: A woman working for the museum told me the story of the stones used by the Sinkiuse-Columbia for the test of strength. They were 200+ pounds and teenaged boys needed to carry them a certain distance. The stones used by women were lighter, and she said it was &quot;because women were smarter,&quot; which got a laugh from everyone including me. A few minutes later, she apologized, even though I thought it was funny." title="Cashmere Pioneer Museum: Sinkiuse-Columbia Test of Strength Stones"/>
</a>
</div>
<p>After poking around a bit inside, I also checked out the Pioneer Village outside, which consisted of a lot of very old buildings. One thing that I was curious about was how small they were, as I would've had to duck my head to enter any of them. Nonetheless, these were the original buildings.</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52203986097">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52203986097_fced11ceaf_c.jpg" alt="Cashmere Pioneer Museum: Pioneer Village" title="Cashmere Pioneer Museum: Pioneer Village"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52203987582">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52203987582_88e8467d9f_c.jpg" alt="Cashmere Pioneer Museum: Pioneer Village" title="Cashmere Pioneer Museum: Pioneer Village"/>
</a>
</div>
<p>There were also a couple of Northern Pacific Railroad exhibits among other things.</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52204994211">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52204994211_984d97428a_c.jpg" alt="Cashmere Pioneer Museum: Draisine and Caboose" title="Cashmere Pioneer Museum: Draisine and Caboose"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52205497880">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52205497880_9668898dbf_c.jpg" alt="Cashmere Pioneer Museum: Section House" title="Cashmere Pioneer Museum: Section House"/>
</a>
</div>
<p>I have many more photos from the museum in <strong><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/albums/72177720300427299">this album</a></strong>, but I wanted to avoid cluttering up this post with them.</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52203987852">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52203987852_c3c5c848e4_c.jpg" alt="Parked at Cashmere Pioneer Museum" title="Parked at Cashmere Pioneer Museum"/>
</a>
</div>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">I'm at Cashmere Museum in Cashmere, WA <a href="https://t.co/Jba3t1L7gF">https://t.co/Jba3t1L7gF</a></p>— 竹下憲二 (@takeshita_kenji) <a href="https://twitter.com/takeshita_kenji/status/1543294646310297602?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 2, 2022</a></blockquote>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Seeing all of the Native American stuff on display here saddens me because it reminds me of all of the cultures that were erased.</p>— 竹下憲二 (@takeshita_kenji) <a href="https://twitter.com/takeshita_kenji/status/1543294813084102656?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 2, 2022</a></blockquote>
<hr/>
<p>After skipping Wenatchee since it didn't interest me, I headed north for a while along the Columbia River, which presented some very nice scenery. I didn't stop in this direction because I wanted to keep moving, but I did note that I needed to get photos on the return trip.</p>
<p>My route then headed up the Corbaley Canyon, which forced me to stop with the views of the rugged hills that the highway wound up, complete with several advisory speed limits.</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52197947046">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52197947046_c58b2dcc42_c.jpg" alt="Corbaley Canyon" title="Corbaley Canyon"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52203988167">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52203988167_85023dff5d_c.jpg" alt="Parked on United States Route 2's Ascent of Corbaley Canyon" title="Parked on United States Route 2's Ascent of Corbaley Canyon"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52205263499">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52205263499_e2f8cd64fd_c.jpg" alt="United States Route 2's Ascent of Corbaley Canyon" title="United States Route 2's Ascent of Corbaley Canyon"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52204996056">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52204996056_ff2dbac07b_c.jpg" alt="United States Route 2's Ascent of Corbaley Canyon" title="United States Route 2's Ascent of Corbaley Canyon"/>
</a>
</div>
<p>Once out of the canyon, the plateau really opened up. Grassy hills and farms as far as the eyes could see! I stopped for both gas and photos at the Exxon west of Waterville, noting a lot of painted advertisements for "Doctor Pierce's Anuric Tablets".</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52197947776">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52197947776_b0da93e7fd_c.jpg" alt="Farms Around Waterville" title="Farms Around Waterville"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52205499710">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52205499710_2703b35706_c.jpg" alt="Douglas County Farm" title="Douglas County Farm"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52203989207">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52203989207_1282a92c99_c.jpg" alt=""For Your Kidneys: Dr. Pierce's Anuric"" title=""For Your Kidneys: Dr. Pierce's Anuric""/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52203989467">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52203989467_f40bf3579c_c.jpg" alt="Standpipe Hill Antennas" title="Standpipe Hill Antennas"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52205016223">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52205016223_80bc1f84e0_c.jpg" alt="United States Route 2" title="United States Route 2"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52205500465">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52205500465_3f9716989c_c.jpg" alt="Waterville Exxon" title="Waterville Exxon"/>
</a>
</div>
<p>When I arrived in downtown Waterville, I was surrounded by brick buildings like back home in Seattle! Before going on a photo walk, however, I had to get lunch, and the Coyote Pass Cafe was one of the few places open when I showed up.</p>
<p>The cafe had a nice atmosphere, but the staff seemed a bit overworked, as it took a long time for my food to come out. While I waited, a large group said grace before eating, which I'd never seen in public before. Eventually, I ended up with the last glass of lemonade and the last barbecue pull pork sandwich before they ran out, but they were plenty tasty.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">I'm at Coyote Pass Cafe in Waterville, WA <a href="https://t.co/avsP1WAsl3">https://t.co/avsP1WAsl3</a> <a href="https://t.co/1UBlhXcv6b">pic.twitter.com/1UBlhXcv6b</a></p>— 竹下憲二 (@takeshita_kenji) <a href="https://twitter.com/takeshita_kenji/status/1543329182188535808?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 2, 2022</a></blockquote>
<p>Once done eating, I walked around town to take photos.</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52205016353">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52205016353_37597e4539_c.jpg" alt="W Locus Street, Waterville" title="W Locus Street, Waterville"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52205016508">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52205016508_e829c8cd90_c.jpg" alt="W Locus Street, Waterville" title="W Locus Street, Waterville"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52205253994">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52205253994_52bf6213a0_c.jpg" alt="Dorsey Insurance, Inc." title="Dorsey Insurance, Inc."/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52205016578">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52205016578_1055e047ec_c.jpg" alt="S Chelan Avenue, Waterville" title="S Chelan Avenue, Waterville"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52205016753">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52205016753_0d85a8849a_c.jpg" alt="N Chelan Avenue, Waterville" title="N Chelan Avenue, Waterville"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52205016808">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52205016808_1a9d85f20b_c.jpg" alt="Waterville Family Foods" title="Waterville Family Foods"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52204997471">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52204997471_10280fbdca_c.jpg" alt="The Nifty" title="The Nifty"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52205501680">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52205501680_c1059e6486_c.jpg" alt="Pioneer Park, Waterville" title="Pioneer Park, Waterville"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52205266084">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52205266084_74419768a2_c.jpg" alt="Waterville Historic Hotel" title="Waterville Historic Hotel"/>
</a>
</div>
<p>As I was getting ready to leave, an older guy came up to me and admired my Bonneville. He knew about the recent Triumph models, and was more than happy to mention that his Harley trike parked at the nearby Pioneer Park had 116,000 miles on the clock.</p>
<hr/>
<p>The plateau east of Waterville was comprised of low rolling hills, which the highway went straight over. Pretty much the only things of note for a long time were the dust devils, which were difficult to distinguish from smoke rising from fire. Oh, and there was the small settlement of Douglas, which was located where the old BNSF branch line crossed the highway.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Saw a number of dust devils in the fields east of Waterville.</p>— 竹下憲二 (@takeshita_kenji) <a href="https://twitter.com/takeshita_kenji/status/1543370297369186304?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 2, 2022</a></blockquote>
<p>Then the highway dove into Moses Coulee, whose scale forced me to stop as I <em>had</em> to get photos!</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52198216414">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52198216414_f8593dc4ca_c.jpg" alt="Moses Coulee" title="Moses Coulee"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52196942207">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52196942207_4279e1f04d_c.jpg" alt="Moses Coulee" title="Moses Coulee"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52204998581">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52204998581_89d9bcb1ab_c.jpg" alt="United States Route 2 in Moses Coulee" title="United States Route 2 in Moses Coulee"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52205018253">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52205018253_814d515508_c.jpg" alt="Moses Coulee" title="Moses Coulee"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52204998851">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52204998851_96b9d5c50a_c.jpg" alt="Parked on United States Route 2 in Moses Coulee" title="Parked on United States Route 2 in Moses Coulee"/>
</a>
</div>
<p>After another ascent and descent, the highway crossed the Dry Falls Dam, the creator of Banks Lake. By the way, Banks Lake provides both pumped storage power generation and irrigation storage for Grand Coulee Dam, my ultimate destination. I pulled off in a parking lot intended to serve the dam's power plant, then walked around for a bit to take photos.</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52203991807">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52203991807_23c1443b11_c.jpg" alt="I NE Street, Coulee City" title="I NE Street, Coulee City"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52205266934">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52205266934_734f4bbc20_c.jpg" alt="Parked on I NE Street, Coulee City" title="Parked on I NE Street, Coulee City"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52204999096">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52204999096_c0f7fa8a4a_c.jpg" alt="Coulee City Outskirts" title="Coulee City Outskirts"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52205018798">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52205018798_a023915458_c.jpg" alt="Dry Falls Dam Outlet Canal" title="Dry Falls Dam Outlet Canal"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52205254064">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52205254064_521a8d9eeb_c.jpg" alt="Dry Falls Dam" title="Dry Falls Dam"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52198215969">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52198215969_123567ba14_c.jpg" alt="South End of Banks Lake: Taken from atop the Dry Falls Dam." title="South End of Banks Lake"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52205503395">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52205503395_9a5e6d6764_c.jpg" alt="Banks Lake and Coulee City Community Park" title="Banks Lake and Coulee City Community Park"/>
</a>
</div>
<hr/>
<p>I finally left US 2 in Coulee City and followed the eastern shore of Banks Lake along SR-155. There were a number of points where I would've liked to get photos of the lake and Grand Coulee housing it, but it was getting late in the afternoon and I didn't want to waste too much time. However, I did pull off the highway to check out Steamboat Rock State Park…where both I and a few cars were stuck behind an old RV that slowed to a near-stop for every culvert. Did the driver think the different pavement was speed bumps?</p>
<p>There was a line of cars at the park entrance, whose drivers were apparently simply buying Discover Passes. Since I already had one and wasn't planning on camping, I used the bypass lane to avoid the line. Unfortunately, the parking lot was pretty full, so I ended up parking on the side of the travel area of the lot as I saw some other people do.</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52198216014">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52198216014_358a0ea15e_c.jpg" alt="Steamboat Rock" title="Steamboat Rock"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52197963313">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52197963313_44bd775850_c.jpg" alt="Devil's Punch Bowl" title="Devil's Punch Bowl"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52205267654">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52205267654_bf85a9a27a_c.jpg" alt="Steamboat Rock Boat Launch" title="Steamboat Rock Boat Launch"/>
</a>
</div>
<p>While I was getting one panorama, a shirtless guy saw what I was doing and gave a double thumbs-up. He thought it was hilarious, but I wasn't bothered much by it.</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52198216114">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52198216114_bf6b4f67c1_c.jpg" alt="Steamboat Rock State Park: That guy saw me taking a panorama and had to give his thumbs up." title="Steamboat Rock State Park"/>
</a>
</div>
<hr/>
<p>My last stop before Grand Coulee Dam was Coulee City, as I wanted to get some food at the local Safeway since my day was nearly done. I spent quite a bit of time looking for a package of muffins, but after coming up empty-handed, I asked an employee. They said that they didn't have a bakery, but there was a table of baked goods on the other side of the store, which I'd missed. What I did not miss was the 99¢ per pound price on Cosmic Crisp apples!</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="zxx" dir="ltr">… <a href="https://t.co/rKL0lh1zTh">pic.twitter.com/rKL0lh1zTh</a></p>— 竹下憲二 (@takeshita_kenji) <a href="https://twitter.com/takeshita_kenji/status/1543369889653485569?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 2, 2022</a></blockquote>
<p>Once done at Safeway, I had to get some photos of the cute town before leaving.</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52205019668">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52205019668_c7f9420676_c.jpg" alt="Grand Coulee City Hall" title="Grand Coulee City Hall"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52205503715">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52205503715_5cef3bb1e0_c.jpg" alt="Midway Avenue, Grand Coulee" title="Midway Avenue, Grand Coulee"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52203992972">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52203992972_c88506c4c9_c.jpg" alt="Midway Avenue, Grand Coulee" title="Midway Avenue, Grand Coulee"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52205020183">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52205020183_e7d1da3a21_c.jpg" alt="Midway Avenue, Grand Coulee" title="Midway Avenue, Grand Coulee"/>
</a>
</div>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">I'm at <a href="https://twitter.com/Safeway?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Safeway</a> in Grand Coulee, WA <a href="https://t.co/Cb5rkWBfOT">https://t.co/Cb5rkWBfOT</a></p>— 竹下憲二 (@takeshita_kenji) <a href="https://twitter.com/takeshita_kenji/status/1543369750172127232?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 2, 2022</a></blockquote>
<hr/>
<p>After climbing over one last hill, I finally reached it: Grand Coulee Dam! I spent quite a bit of time in both the upper parking lot and the lower picnic area getting photos since I could finally relax.</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52197948476">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52197948476_170d2b6ce5_c.jpg" alt="Parked at Grand Coulee Dam" title="Parked at Grand Coulee Dam"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52196942262">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52196942262_0097c0ec05_c.jpg" alt="Grand Coulee Dam" title="Grand Coulee Dam"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52205020338">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52205020338_39f23d02c2_c.jpg" alt="Coulee Dam" title="Coulee Dam"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52205269089">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52205269089_c9b989aff1_c.jpg" alt="Parked at Grand Coulee Dam" title="Parked at Grand Coulee Dam"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52205504845">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52205504845_72ec6fcafc_c.jpg" alt="Washington State Route 155" title="Washington State Route 155"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52196942342">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52196942342_ab32c7fa8c_c.jpg" alt="Grand Coulee Dam from Picnic Area" title="Grand Coulee Dam from Picnic Area"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52205021038">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52205021038_d2e144e0b8_c.jpg" alt="Grand Coulee Dam Picnic Area" title="Grand Coulee Dam Picnic Area"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52205505085">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52205505085_380462fe95_c.jpg" alt="Grand Coulee Bridge" title="Grand Coulee Bridge"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52205504930">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52205504930_13e27df442_c.jpg" alt="Parked at Grand Coulee Dam Picnic Area" title="Parked at Grand Coulee Dam Picnic Area"/>
</a>
</div>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Someone took it too literally when someone said "dammit." <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/motorcycle?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#motorcycle</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/washington?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#washington</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/washingtonstate?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#washingtonstate</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/grandcoulee?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#grandcoulee</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/grandcouleedam?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#grandcouleedam</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/damn?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#damn</a> (@ Grand Coulee Dam in Coulee Dam, WA) <a href="https://t.co/J97LoDCDUd">https://t.co/J97LoDCDUd</a> <a href="https://t.co/HYdGT7zQ5o">pic.twitter.com/HYdGT7zQ5o</a></p>— 竹下憲二 (@takeshita_kenji) <a href="https://twitter.com/takeshita_kenji/status/1543380717320773632?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 2, 2022</a></blockquote>
<p>Unfortunately, as I was wrapping things up in the lower picnic area, an announcement came over the PA that the visitor center was closing in 10 minutes. Rushing up to the visitor center only gave me enough time to get a few photos inside of it; the gift shop had already closed nearly an hour ago.</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52205021208">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52205021208_ce932bccc2_c.jpg" alt="Grand Coulee Dam Visitor Center: Closed right after I took this photo, which was right after I showed up." title="Grand Coulee Dam Visitor Center"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52205505265">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52205505265_a2bc8fd391_c.jpg" alt="Grand Coulee Dam Visitor Center" title="Grand Coulee Dam Visitor Center"/>
</a>
</div>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">They closed when I showed up, and the gift shop had been closed for an hour. (@ Grand Coulee Dam Visitor Center in Grand Coulee, WA) <a href="https://t.co/UqMAo9z1Z1">https://t.co/UqMAo9z1Z1</a></p>— 竹下憲二 (@takeshita_kenji) <a href="https://twitter.com/takeshita_kenji/status/1543384098181419008?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 3, 2022</a></blockquote>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">I'm not sad about it, though. I still got to see the dam itself from multiple angles.</p>— 竹下憲二 (@takeshita_kenji) <a href="https://twitter.com/takeshita_kenji/status/1543384234726789120?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 3, 2022</a></blockquote>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">I've also been to the visitor center before, many years ago.</p>— 竹下憲二 (@takeshita_kenji) <a href="https://twitter.com/takeshita_kenji/status/1543384297628786688?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 3, 2022</a></blockquote>
<p>Before leaving, I noticed a <em>huge</em> wildfire on the other side of Electric City.</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52205021443">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52205021443_f71b667074_c.jpg" alt="Fire on Coulee Dam Hill" title="Fire on Coulee Dam Hill"/>
</a>
</div>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">There's a HUGE fire just outside of town.</p>— 竹下憲二 (@takeshita_kenji) <a href="https://twitter.com/takeshita_kenji/status/1543384674151456768?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 3, 2022</a></blockquote>
<p>Just before leaving the visitor center for the last time, a young woman saw me taking photos of it and seemed like she wanted to start a conversation, but my one-word answers weren't really conducive to that.</p>
<p>I wasn't quite done with the dam, however, and snapped a few photos of Lake Roosevelt, which it impounds.</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52205505485">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52205505485_2abe867c75_c.jpg" alt="Parked Behind Grand Coulee Dam" title="Parked Behind Grand Coulee Dam"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52197948176">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52197948176_27766a1606_c.jpg" alt="Lake Roosevelt" title="Lake Roosevelt"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52197963508">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52197963508_260f376753_c.jpg" alt="Behind Grand Coulee Dam" title="Behind Grand Coulee Dam"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52198443760">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52198443760_ff368eb561_c.jpg" alt="Rattlesnake Canyon" title="Rattlesnake Canyon"/>
</a>
</div>
<hr/>
<p>When I pulled into the Trailwest Motel parking lot, I noticed that the hill's slope made my bike really unstable on its kickstand. The only thing I could think of was parking at more of an angle, which only helped a bit. While checking in, some staff wondered why there were so many sirens, so I told them about the wildfire. One of them said something along the lines of "it's starting again."</p>
<p>Sick of eating out, I ended up getting my dinner from Safeway while on a small photo walk: a corn dog, chicken tenders, and potato triangles, with a Bud Light for later.</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52205270124">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52205270124_ff096fd0f2_c.jpg" alt="Parked at Trailwest Motel" title="Parked at Trailwest Motel"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52205270289">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52205270289_1807eaaefe_c.jpg" alt="Spokane Way, Grand Coulee" title="Spokane Way, Grand Coulee"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52203995362">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52203995362_69b8765835_c.jpg" alt="Midway Avenue, Grand Coulee" title="Midway Avenue, Grand Coulee"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52205022203">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52205022203_bbe1815857_c.jpg" alt="Trailwest Motel" title="Trailwest Motel"/>
</a>
</div>
<p>A <em>The Simpsons</em> marathon played while I ate, featuring back-to-back episodes of the "Treehouse of Horror" anthology. Once done eating, I took the shower I desperately needed, drank that Bud Light, and went to bed.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">And so ends day 1. (@ Trail West Motel in Grand Coulee, WA) <a href="https://t.co/9jwwdvcB7w">https://t.co/9jwwdvcB7w</a></p>— 竹下憲二 (@takeshita_kenji) <a href="https://twitter.com/takeshita_kenji/status/1543400483691397120?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 3, 2022</a></blockquote>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Beer?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Beer</a> enthusiasts love to shit on Bud Light, but it's nice not feeling like shit the next morning.</p>— 竹下憲二 (@takeshita_kenji) <a href="https://twitter.com/takeshita_kenji/status/1543696974636933124?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 3, 2022</a></blockquote>
</div>
<div class="postsection">
<h4>Day 2</h4>
<div class="postimage postmap">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52206670101">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52206670101_57c5905062_b.jpg" alt="Day 2" title="Day 2"/>
</a>
</div>
<p>I started day 2 with a breakfast consisting of a muffin and a banana, then headed out when it was just light enough. I was paranoid about the forecast thunderstorms in the area, so I wanted to get as far as possible before they hit. Leaving early also gave me the advantage of empty roads and high speeds.</p>
<p>Even so, I did make one photo stop on Banks Lake to make up for the lack of stops yesterday.</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52209440069">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52209440069_b0d117bac7_c.jpg" alt="Parked on Banks Lake Shore (Edited): Spent a few hour learning how to use Darktable to create this." title="Parked on Banks Lake Shore (Edited)"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52198442045">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52198442045_009c7c4e90_c.jpg" alt="North Banks Lake" title="North Banks Lake"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52205271399">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52205271399_ee5c7a71b8_c.jpg" alt="Banks Lake Shore and Grand Coulee Wall" title="Banks Lake Shore and Grand Coulee Wall"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52205506885">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52205506885_7aa2303237_c.jpg" alt="Parked With Steamboat Rock" title="Parked With Steamboat Rock"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52205271624">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52205271624_616400b66e_c.jpg" alt="Washington State Route 155" title="Washington State Route 155"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52203996717">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52203996717_05fc0d705e_c.jpg" alt="Banks Lake Shore and Grand Coulee Wall" title="Banks Lake Shore and Grand Coulee Wall"/>
</a>
</div>
<p>I stopped again in Coulee City for gas, the restroom, and a few quick photos of the area. A couple Harley riders rolled in while I was doing so, but they weren't interested in conversation.</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52205272274">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52205272274_601bd7160a_c.jpg" alt="Big Wally's" title="Big Wally's"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52205004366">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52205004366_6a16a2e955_c.jpg" alt="Coulee City" title="Coulee City"/>
</a>
</div>
<hr/>
<p>A while later, after making the ascent from Banks Lake, there was a Harley rider on the horizon of the highway, who I thought was going the same speed as me as I was closing the gap <em>very</em> slowly. I did eventually pass him on the descent into Moses Coulee, but he passed me again as I stopped to take the photos of Douglas that I'd skipped out on yesterday.</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52205272559">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52205272559_7a0fc040d4_c.jpg" alt="Former Douglas General Store" title="Former Douglas General Store"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52205004681">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52205004681_b89c4574a2_c.jpg" alt="Douglas, Washington" title="Douglas, Washington"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52205507935">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52205507935_8a9dcc5513_c.jpg" alt="Douglas, Washington" title="Douglas, Washington"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52205023933">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52205023933_290e207b8c_c.jpg" alt="United States Route 2" title="United States Route 2"/>
</a>
</div>
<p>I'd later pass him again when he stopped in Waterville, and wouldn't see him again.</p>
<hr/>
<p>After the quick descent down Corbaley Canyon, I stopped at a gas station so I could take some photos of the brown hills abutting the Columbia River.</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52197963678">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52197963678_0dbfbd2794_c.jpg" alt="Rocky Hills West of Orondo" title="Rocky Hills West of Orondo"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52205508180">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52205508180_ae4f5a02d0_c.jpg" alt="United States Route 97" title="United States Route 97"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52205004866">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52205004866_c6324eb338_c.jpg" alt="The Market Place, Orondo" title="The Market Place, Orondo"/>
</a>
</div>
<p>Wanting more photos of the local scenery, I pulled off on Turtle Rock Road…only to not find much of interest.</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52205272864">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52205272864_4b7ecf7022_c.jpg" alt="Turtle Rock" title="Turtle Rock"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52205005016">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52205005016_ca3397e857_c.jpg" alt="Columbia River Canyon" title="Columbia River Canyon"/>
</a>
</div>
<p>I'd originally wanted to check out the park I saw on my map and thought Turtle Rock Road was the way to get to it. After actually entering the park into my directions, I found it was a little further down the highway. I was hoping to find water access, only to discover that campsites were the only places with good water access. After making a couple circles, I parked in a dirt lot on the side of the road and got my photos.</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52197963173">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52197963173_fd20d41d69_c.jpg" alt="Rocky Hills Across from Lincoln Rock State Park" title="Rocky Hills Across from Lincoln Rock State Park"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52205508525">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52205508525_1f82c7294a_c.jpg" alt="Columbia River Canyon Wall" title="Columbia River Canyon Wall"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52205024898">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52205024898_f605a9609e_c.jpg" alt="Parked in Lincoln Rock State Park" title="Parked in Lincoln Rock State Park" class="skinny"/>
</a>
</div>
<p>That wouldn't be my last photo stop, however: I found a random parking lot on the side of the highway and got the rugged hills I <em>really</em> wanted.</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52197962463">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52197962463_d4e63cd19f_c.jpg" alt="Rocky Hills North of Wenatchee" title="Rocky Hills North of Wenatchee"/>
</a>
</div>
<hr/>
<p>As I approached Wenatchee, the thought of food entered my mind, so I left the highway and tried to look for downtown. Unfortunately, all I found was wide roads and strip malls, but I did eventually find Smitty's and stopped there for breakfast.</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52205005536">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52205005536_60c67471d6_c.jpg" alt="P7032014" title="P7032014"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52205024988">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52205024988_941a836e6e_c.jpg" alt="Wenatchee, Washington" title="Wenatchee, Washington"/>
</a>
</div>
<p>The food was pretty good, as were the waitstaff.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Forgot to photograph it before I started eating. (@ Smitty's Pancake House in Wenatchee, WA) <a href="https://t.co/QOv5uQSW8j">https://t.co/QOv5uQSW8j</a> <a href="https://t.co/GqbdL9DkOf">pic.twitter.com/GqbdL9DkOf</a></p>— 竹下憲二 (@takeshita_kenji) <a href="https://twitter.com/takeshita_kenji/status/1543624934706106368?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 3, 2022</a></blockquote>
<p>I really couldn't get my distaste for this style of land use while I was there.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Wenatchee does not spark joy for me.</p>— 竹下憲二 (@takeshita_kenji) <a href="https://twitter.com/takeshita_kenji/status/1543621604021653504?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 3, 2022</a></blockquote>
<p>My camera's SD card was full at this point, and I forgot to pack extras, but since it was starting to sprinkle anyway, I decided that I probably wouldn't get many more photos on this ride.</p>
<hr/>
<p>By the time I got to Dryden, it started to rain heavily, so I pulled off the highway and parked in a church's parking lot. Luckily, there was a staircase with a roof overhang that allowed me to change without soaking my inner layers!</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Rain started falling in earnest when I hit Dryden. Ironic?</p>— 竹下憲二 (@takeshita_kenji) <a href="https://twitter.com/takeshita_kenji/status/1543664258914738176?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 3, 2022</a></blockquote>
<p>I did have to make one last stop east of the pass for the restroom at Cole's Corner's rest area. There were some locals selling food from a stand who were clearly having a miserable time with the weather.</p>
<p>From there, I hunkered down and made my way over the Stevens Pass Highway, dealing with rain but not really slowing down much thanks to the generous curves over much of it—I even passed in the left lane in the climb—until I hit thick fog coming down the western slope from Stevens Pass. At that point, I was doing 50 MPH in the right lane since I couldn't see very far!</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Foggy descent from Stevens Pass. Took it a bit slow because it was hard to see.</p>— 竹下憲二 (@takeshita_kenji) <a href="https://twitter.com/takeshita_kenji/status/1543664442298081280?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 3, 2022</a></blockquote>
<hr/>
<p>When I hit Gold Bar, I knew I needed to take a break. I was so worn out! I'd hoped to get some sort of diet cola at the local grocery store, but they were fully out of them thanks to a sale, so I ended up with a 12 ounce sugar free Red Bull. Probably more caffeine than I should've had at that point, but I got what I could. I sat down against the side of the store and drank it.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Need a short break.</p>— 竹下憲二 (@takeshita_kenji) <a href="https://twitter.com/takeshita_kenji/status/1543664068363333632?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 3, 2022</a></blockquote>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">I'm at Gold Bar Family Grocer in Gold Bar, WA <a href="https://t.co/1XScogY7K7">https://t.co/1XScogY7K7</a></p>— 竹下憲二 (@takeshita_kenji) <a href="https://twitter.com/takeshita_kenji/status/1543663970636136451?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 3, 2022</a></blockquote>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">My butt is sore.</p>— 竹下憲二 (@takeshita_kenji) <a href="https://twitter.com/takeshita_kenji/status/1543665004183838720?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 3, 2022</a></blockquote>
<p>Before leaving, an older guy walked up to me, admired my Triumph, and told me about his old Triumph and current Harley. It's nice riding a conversation piece.</p>
<hr/>
<p>As I approached Monroe, the rain let up quite a bit, which made SR-522 back to the Seattle area a bit nicer than my riding the hours previous. I did do some stupid things like passing right before traffic from an on-ramp was merging, but nothing bad came from it.</p>
<p>There was still some sprinkling by the time I got back to the Seattle, but I didn't care: I really wanted to go home! And when I did finally get home, all I felt was the need to take a break from these adventures. Riding motorcycles in itself still appealed to me, but not in mountain rain!</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Finally home!</p>— 竹下憲二 (@takeshita_kenji) <a href="https://twitter.com/takeshita_kenji/status/1543692761223667712?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 3, 2022</a></blockquote>
</div>Neil E. Hodgeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06096087090901980142noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7021228780421697859.post-6230313451633261042022-06-30T16:28:00.001-07:002022-06-30T16:28:01.461-07:00Chinook Pass and Yakima River Canyon (2022-06-25) <div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52180408765">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52180408765_cbf39faf8e_c.jpg" alt="Parked on Washington State Route 410's Ascent of Yakima Peak" title="Parked on Washington State Route 410's Ascent of Yakima Peak"/>
</a>
</div>
<p class="summary">I'd been eyeing this route for a long time, and boy did it deliver!</p>
<div class="postlink">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/albums/72177720300169798">Geotagged Album</a>
</div>
<p>Albums from past rides in the area:</p>
<div class="postlink">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/sets/72177720299194865/">Roslyn and Cle Elum Lake (2022-05-21) (Album)</a>
</div>
<div class="postlink">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/sets/72177720298584515/">Snoqualmie Pass & Cle Elum (2022-05-01) (Album)</a>
</div>
<div class="postlink">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/sets/72157675611088215/">Greenwater (Album)</a>
</div>
<div class="postlink">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/sets/72157681416756891/">Teanaway Community Forest (Album)</a>
</div>
<div class="postlink">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/sets/72157659220252061/">Bicycle Quarterly Un-meeting 2015 (Album)</a>
</div>
<p>More after the break…</p>
<a name='more'></a>
<div class="postsection">
<h4>Part 1: Chinook Pass</h4>
<div class="postimage postmap">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52184675799">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52184675799_d4e286b63b_b.jpg" alt="Part 1: Chinook Pass" title="Part 1: Chinook Pass"/>
</a>
</div>
<p>To beat the traffic over the pass, I started just after 5 AM. That meant that there was pretty much nobody on the freeways, which is always enjoyable. I took SR-520 and I-405 to Renton, then nearly made a wrong turn onto NE 3rd Street, thanks to unclear directions. Once I realized I was in the left turn lane for the wrong light, I pulled forward far enough so that I wasn't triggering the sensor, and thankfully I didn't get the left turn light. After the lane to my right cleared, I moved over and continued on my way.</p>
<p>SR-169 was similarly vacant along the Cedar River. Sadly, the <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/105592384@N07/43078060700"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/1917/43078060700_21c16ded84_t.jpg" alt="Maple Valley Market: Closed down around 8 months ago according to locals." title="Maple Valley Market" class="postthumbnail"/>Maple Valley Market</a> was still sitting empty.</p>
<p>By the time I got to Enumclaw, I was pretty cold. I guess the foothills aren't as warm as the lowlands! I spent some time snapping photos along Cole Street while looking for food. The street was closed, which I later learned was something the city started doing every weekend during the pandemic.</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52180175684">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52180175684_7ff9d74263_c.jpg" alt="Cole Street, Enumclaw: Closed every weekend at the moment." title="Cole Street, Enumclaw"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52179925241">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52179925241_e4ee2eba20_c.jpg" alt="Cole Street, Enumclaw: Closed every weekend at the moment." title="Cole Street, Enumclaw"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52179930483">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52179930483_31f699a33f_c.jpg" alt="Cole Street, Enumclaw: Closed every weekend at the moment." title="Cole Street, Enumclaw"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52180175504">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52180175504_d3c72cc881_c.jpg" alt="Cole Street, Enumclaw: Closed every weekend at the moment." title="Cole Street, Enumclaw"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52180412315">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52180412315_b3a13a9dce_c.jpg" alt="Parked in Enumclaw" title="Parked in Enumclaw"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52180175434">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52180175434_c07060f61f_c.jpg" alt="Mount Rainier from Enumclaw" title="Mount Rainier from Enumclaw"/>
</a>
</div>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Smells so good out here! (@ City of Enumclaw in WA) <a href="https://t.co/j72fNtPTs5">https://t.co/j72fNtPTs5</a> <a href="https://t.co/Os9rsJ2RQU">pic.twitter.com/Os9rsJ2RQU</a></p>— 竹下憲二 (@takeshita_kenji) <a href="https://twitter.com/takeshita_kenji/status/1540690221817163777?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 25, 2022</a></blockquote>
<p>Since nothing in town was open, I headed over to The Kettle for breakfast, parking next to a police cruiser. The diner had all kinds of decorations featuring Native Americans, among other memorabilia. As far as food went, I got a plate of bacon, eggs, and potatoes, with one of the muffins on the side. By the time I'd finished my plate, I was full, so I got a box for the muffin so I could eat it as a snake later on.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">I'm at The Kettle in Enumclaw, WA <a href="https://t.co/N1tLo5d6b7">https://t.co/N1tLo5d6b7</a> <a href="https://t.co/lpdT66H99C">pic.twitter.com/lpdT66H99C</a></p>— 竹下憲二 (@takeshita_kenji) <a href="https://twitter.com/takeshita_kenji/status/1540695937080778752?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 25, 2022</a></blockquote>
<p>Before heading out, I threw on my middle layer for warmth.</p>
<hr/>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Gotta beat the traffic over the pass.</p>— 竹下憲二 (@takeshita_kenji) <a href="https://twitter.com/takeshita_kenji/status/1540698061646680065?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 25, 2022</a></blockquote>
<p>My next stop was in Greenwater, which was <a href="/2016/10/greenwater-2016-10-22.html">the extent</a> of my bicycle riding out that way. While I was taking photos, a couple of guys in a truck rolled up and asked me if the Greenwater General Store was open, which it wasn't.</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52180174849">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52180174849_cea84da5ee_c.jpg" alt="Greenwater General Store" title="Greenwater General Store"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52180411695">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52180411695_473af93fe7_c.jpg" alt="Greenwater, Washington: This little multi-family unit appeals to me." title="Greenwater, Washington"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52179929803">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52179929803_86f261aaf6_c.jpg" alt="Greenwater General Store Gas Station" title="Greenwater General Store Gas Station"/>
</a>
</div>
<p>As I rolled through town, I saw several buildings that were new to me, which I decided to save for photographing some other time.</p>
<hr/>
<p>Since I was headed into the mountains, I kept an eye out for points of interest, and I found my first one at Skookum Falls. I wasn't alone either, as a number of vehicles carrying families rolled in and out as I took photos.</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52180174364">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52180174364_6255d03032_c.jpg" alt="Parked at Skookum Falls Trailhead" title="Parked at Skookum Falls Trailhead"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52180410360">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52180410360_92e138feb8_c.jpg" alt="White River" title="White River"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52180173954">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52180173954_f3809a5879_c.jpg" alt="White River Palisades" title="White River Palisades"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52179923061">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52179923061_1bdaa58594_c.jpg" alt="Skookum Falls" title="Skookum Falls" class="skinny"/>
</a>
</div>
<p>One such vehicle was an old RV that rolled up so the occupants could take photos. This RV would soon end up a bit of a road block, as it refused to go faster than 45 MPH as we entered Mount Rainier National Park. Several cars passed it before I finally got my chance to do the same.</p>
<hr/>
<p>As I headed up SR-410, I saw a nice view of Mount Rainier in a gap in the trees, so I quickly parked to snap some photos. The RV from earlier rolled up not long after I did, so I quickly got out of there so I wouldn't end up stuck behind them again.</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52178897707">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52178897707_5acf17b2ea_c.jpg" alt="Mount Rainier" title="Mount Rainier"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52180173239">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52180173239_7c7b7f6d04_c.jpg" alt="Parked on Washington State Route 410" title="Parked on Washington State Route 410"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52179928458">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52179928458_8678510e09_c.jpg" alt="Washington State Route 410" title="Washington State Route 410"/>
</a>
</div>
<p>After zipping by the turn-off to Sunrise, noting some cars headed down that way, I was treated to breath-taking views as the highway wound its way between mountain peaks along cliffs. It evoked memories of <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/collections/72157715010629283/">Yellowstone National Park</a> and I just had to get some photos!</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52179927753">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52179927753_1dc9eafd0e_c.jpg" alt="Parked on Washington State Route 410 Below Naches Peak" title="Parked on Washington State Route 410 Below Naches Peak"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52179928058">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52179928058_632f971dba_c.jpg" alt="Washington State Route 410" title="Washington State Route 410"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52180172229">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52180172229_1c6dd383bf_c.jpg" alt="Rock Cut on Washington State Route 410" title="Rock Cut on Washington State Route 410"/>
</a>
</div>
<p>It didn't stop there: the highway doubled back on itself twice as it climbed the face of Yakima Peak. After the first hairpin turn, I saw the <em>perfect</em> pull-out for taking photos, right on the edge of the cliff.</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52179927123">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52179927123_31c6fbaa9f_c.jpg" alt="Parked on Washington State Route 410's Ascent of Yakima Peak" title="Parked on Washington State Route 410's Ascent of Yakima Peak"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52180408460">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52180408460_b8eee98cc0_c.jpg" alt="Washington State Route 410's Ascent of Yakima Peak" title="Washington State Route 410's Ascent of Yakima Peak"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52180407970">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52180407970_fd1611c9f8_c.jpg" alt="Washington State Route 410's Ascent of Yakima Peak" title="Washington State Route 410's Ascent of Yakima Peak" class="skinny"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52178879572">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52178879572_3a48bfa0db_c.jpg" alt="West From Yakima Peak Climb" title="West From Yakima Peak Climb"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52179925783">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52179925783_b08c69c39a_c.jpg" alt="Washington State Route 410 Switchback" title="Washington State Route 410 Switchback"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52180407225">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52180407225_1c7679f4a9_c.jpg" alt="With Double Peak" title="With Double Peak"/>
</a>
</div>
<p>Riding carefully as the highway snaked around, I made a few more photo stops. One was at the Tipsoo Lake comfort station, which was also a restroom stop. The parking lot had snow-melt flowing across its width, which was quite a sight! Right after I used the facility, a rental truck pulled in and a park staff member started cleaning it. Thank goodness I didn't show up any later!</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52179925093">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52179925093_bd07df7f5c_c.jpg" alt="Tipsoo Lake Comfort Station" title="Tipsoo Lake Comfort Station"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52180169819">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52180169819_992b52a596_c.jpg" alt="Washington State Route 410 Below Governors Peak" title="Washington State Route 410 Below Governors Peak" class="skinny"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52178894822">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52178894822_0eea6411bf_c.jpg" alt="Washington State Route 410" title="Washington State Route 410"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52178894662">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52178894662_ab6211f2e9_c.jpg" alt="Yakima Peak" title="Yakima Peak"/>
</a>
</div>
<p>After another hairpin was the parking area for Tipsoo Lake itself, where a lady was sitting on a folding camping chair with a hot drink while her dog tugged at its leash.</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52179924633">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52179924633_72cef88727_c.jpg" alt="Mount Rainier Over Governors Peak" title="Mount Rainier Over Governors Peak"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52179918596">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52179918596_692eb69a1b_c.jpg" alt="Yakima Peak Over Chinook Creek" title="Yakima Peak Over Chinook Creek"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52179918166">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52179918166_106fe6cd15_c.jpg" alt="Yakima Peak Over Tipsoo Lake" title="Yakima Peak Over Tipsoo Lake" class="skinny"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52179917991">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52179917991_b4d9d59e01_c.jpg" alt="Tipsoo Lake" title="Tipsoo Lake"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52179918441">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52179918441_d167f2f8d4_c.jpg" alt="Washington State Route 410" title="Washington State Route 410"/>
</a>
</div>
<p>My last stop in the mountains was at Chinook Pass proper, and I had to ask some folks getting ready to do some back-country skiing to make sure. Their gear was strewn across a parking lot, and they not only talking about gear, clothes, and food, but they even started changing out in public! Two of them then headed over to the vault toilets on the other side of the highway, while the third asked me if my Ninja 1000 was anything like riding a dirt bike. He was surprised when I told him that my bike was over 500 pounds, and he said that was double the weight of his dirt bike.</p>
<p>While making my way up to the pass, I kept seeing the same pair of cyclists heading up that way, and finally started chatting with them at the pass. The said they started at the bottom of Crystal, and were later headed for Sunrise. When they said that the road Sunrise was still closed to motor vehicles, I mentioned that I saw some cars headed that way, to which they replied that the campgrounds on the section of road near the highway were still open.</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52180168399">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52180168399_a7cefc19f3_c.jpg" alt="Parked at Chinook Pass" title="Parked at Chinook Pass"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52179916936">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52179916936_de821e8d57_c.jpg" alt="Parked Below Deadwood Mountain" title="Parked Below Deadwood Mountain"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52179923123">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52179923123_2a1b28f181_c.jpg" alt="Chinook Pass" title="Chinook Pass"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52178879667">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52178879667_c7a0ba6e44_c.jpg" alt="East From Chinook Pass" title="East From Chinook Pass"/>
</a>
</div>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Chinook Pass is something else!</p>— 竹下憲二 (@takeshita_kenji) <a href="https://twitter.com/takeshita_kenji/status/1540752094142930945?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 25, 2022</a></blockquote>
<p>Since it was already so warm, I removed my middle layer prior to heading down the long, straight section of SR-410 towards Naches.</p>
<hr/>
<p>As I rode along the highway, I was treated to numerous beautiful river views and despite considering pulling off for one, I only finally did so at the Old River Road bridge across the American River. I rode down the road a bit on the lookout for a better view, but ended up turning around and parking my bike in the dirt beside the stop sign where the road joined the highway. Due to the camber of the dirt, I had to be careful putting my bike on its kickstand, lest it fall into the dirt.</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52179916736">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52179916736_d7e9c75f52_c.jpg" alt="Old River Road Bridge" title="Old River Road Bridge" class="skinny"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52179922413">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52179922413_97dca1bd4b_c.jpg" alt="Hill Over Naches River" title="Hill Over Naches River"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52180167284">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52180167284_255594be8e_c.jpg" alt="Naches River" title="Naches River"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52180166944">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52180166944_a411aa42cc_c.jpg" alt="Naches River" title="Naches River"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52180166539">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52180166539_059a93ae88_c.jpg" alt="Washington State Route 410" title="Washington State Route 410"/>
</a>
</div>
<p>Not far down the highway from the bridge was Whilstin' Jack's, which featured a gas station, convenience store, restaurant and lodging. After getting gas and a couple big bottles of water, I chilled in my parking space, removed my jacket's liner, and finally ate the muffin from earlier. The flavor was unlike any blueberry muffin I'd had before, and I hope to try their cinnamon muffin sometime.</p>
<p>When I rolled in, there were several side-by-sides parked beside Whistlin Jack's, and they all left for either NF-1705 or the highway while I ate.</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52178890387">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52178890387_7e464f179d_c.jpg" alt="Parked at Whistlin' Jack's" title="Parked at Whistlin' Jack's"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52179921193">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52179921193_ebd7a46cb1_c.jpg" alt="Whistlin' Jack's Sign" title="Whistlin' Jack's Sign"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52179920998">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52179920998_8196e34d5e_c.jpg" alt="Washington State Route 410" title="Washington State Route 410"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52179920753">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52179920753_f7b5ecbb4a_c.jpg" alt="National Forest Development Road 1705 Over Washington State Route 410" title="National Forest Development Road 1705 Over Washington State Route 410"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52178889292">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52178889292_a65b1fa95e_c.jpg" alt="Hills Over Whistlin' Jack's" title="Hills Over Whistlin' Jack's"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52180401990">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52180401990_77e098f6f5_c.jpg" alt="Whistlin' Jack's" title="Whistlin' Jack's"/>
</a>
</div>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">I'm at Whistlin' Jack Lodge in Naches, WA <a href="https://t.co/l90hqPW8Tw">https://t.co/l90hqPW8Tw</a></p>— 竹下憲二 (@takeshita_kenji) <a href="https://twitter.com/takeshita_kenji/status/1540751887527514114?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 25, 2022</a></blockquote>
<hr/>
<p>I then headed further east, kept entertained by how the pine tree forests gradually thinned out and gave way to the desert of Eastern Washington. My next stop was in Naches, where I pulled into a church parking lot to take photos.</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52180401750">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52180401750_29c3697317_c.jpg" alt="Parked with Naches Tower" title="Parked with Naches Tower"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52180164694">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52180164694_46b23fd072_c.jpg" alt="Old Naches Station" title="Old Naches Station"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52179919803">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52179919803_9a18e659b8_c.jpg" alt="Naches, Washington" title="Naches, Washington"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52179919673">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52179919673_8a96470ae3_c.jpg" alt="Naches Trail and Crossing" title="Naches Trail and Crossing"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52180164309">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52180164309_e6dab86c19_c.jpg" alt="Naches Tower Park" title="Naches Tower Park"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52178887977">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52178887977_1048427e54_c.jpg" alt="Naches Canal" title="Naches Canal" class="skinny"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52180400175">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52180400175_af690bb262_c.jpg" alt="Naches Town Hall" title="Naches Town Hall"/>
</a>
</div>
<p>While I was taking photos, an SUV pulled in and the lady driving it asked me if I'd seen an old lady riding an e-bike. I asked which way the lady was coming from, and the driver was sad when I told her that I was coming from the other way and couldn't have seen her. Lucky for both of them, the old lady rolled from the Naches Trail into the parking lot not long after.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">I'm at Naches, WA in WA <a href="https://t.co/tRavSuoQ4j">https://t.co/tRavSuoQ4j</a></p>— 竹下憲二 (@takeshita_kenji) <a href="https://twitter.com/takeshita_kenji/status/1540762435958849536?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 25, 2022</a></blockquote>
<p>I didn't want to take up any more time in the church's parking lot, so I rolled between the rocks comprising the barrier to the opposing road, then parked on a street adjacent to downtown. Before taking any photos, I really wanted to get some food, and found only the Sticky Fingers Bakery & Cafe open.</p>
<p>The cafe felt like an extremely small-town operation the likes of which I hadn't seen in years: teenage boys were doing hosting and serving duties, and the only TV was an old tube unit. There were also Trump 2024 hats and similar merchandise. Thankfully, the burger was pretty good, and came disassembled so that the diner could pick their veggies and so on.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">I'm at Sticky Fingers Bakery & Cafe in Naches, WA <a href="https://t.co/ItMIKa8ab2">https://t.co/ItMIKa8ab2</a> <a href="https://t.co/mHYmlOZGHZ">pic.twitter.com/mHYmlOZGHZ</a></p>— 竹下憲二 (@takeshita_kenji) <a href="https://twitter.com/takeshita_kenji/status/1540772744127623168?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 25, 2022</a></blockquote>
<p>Once done eating, I wandered around and snapped some more photos of Naches. It really felt like a small town!</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52178887507">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52178887507_95918aed36_c.jpg" alt="Naches Avenue, Naches" title="Naches Avenue, Naches"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52180162714">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52180162714_05c0749f5a_c.jpg" alt="Naches Avenue & Old Naches Highway, Naches" title="Naches Avenue & Old Naches Highway, Naches"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52180155134">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52180155134_dd0d543a3e_c.jpg" alt="Naches Avenue, Naches" title="Naches Avenue, Naches"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52180162234">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52180162234_11b9427fea_c.jpg" alt="Naches Vet Clinic & Consignment Shop" title="Naches Vet Clinic & Consignment Shop"/>
</a>
</div>
</div>
<div class="postsection">
<h4>Part 2: Yakima River Canyon</h4>
<div class="postimage postmap">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52184436073">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52184436073_666b45735c_b.jpg" alt="Part 2: Yakima River Canyon" title="Part 2: Yakima River Canyon" class="skinny"/>
</a>
</div>
<p>I made my way back to the highway, which was now US 12, but only stuck on it as far as Gleed before leaving it for Mapleway Road. My directions had me going along Slade Road, but I thought better when I saw that it was gravel. Thankfully, I didn't have to go far to hit my next target road: Crusher Canyon Road to downtown Selah. When I rolled in, I found a small downtown complete with a…Ford dealer?</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52179917183">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52179917183_bd81f943ea_c.jpg" alt="Pingrey Ford" title="Pingrey Ford"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52178886567">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52178886567_80c9ba784e_c.jpg" alt="W Naches Avenue, Selah" title="W Naches Avenue, Selah"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52179917308">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52179917308_c8c42bbc88_c.jpg" alt="W Naches Avenue, Selah" title="W Naches Avenue, Selah"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52178885867">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52178885867_f022fbb567_c.jpg" alt="E Naches Avenue, Selah" title="E Naches Avenue, Selah"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52180398310">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52180398310_11b683af74_c.jpg" alt="S 1st Street, Selah" title="S 1st Street, Selah"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52178885687">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52178885687_52af64de37_c.jpg" alt="W Naches Avenue, Selah" title="W Naches Avenue, Selah"/>
</a>
</div>
<p>Before leaving, I noticed that Selah had the first letter of its name carved into an adjacent hill, something that again brought me back to <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/collections/72157715010629283/">my Yellowstone trip</a>.</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52180160869">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52180160869_d8587d83c2_c.jpg" alt="Sela "S"" title="Sela "S""/>
</a>
</div>
<hr/>
<p>SR-823 and SR-821 brought me to the Yakima River Canyon, which was another sight I wanted to see on this ride. The most inspiring rock formations were right at its southern entrance…but there were no places to park. I guess this'll also have to wait for some other time!</p>
<p>After following the road as it lazily meandered along the canyon, I stopped at the Roza Recreational Area. Right when I pulled in, a couple of guys walked over and asked me if my Ninja was a 650. Of course, I told them it was a 1000, which I chose instead because of the sound of the engine. One of the guys had rode in on a BMW R NineT, and the other was a Harley Sportster from what I could tell. They were making a rest stop on they way from Selah to points north.</p>
<p>There were several families and groups enjoying the park, some with beach towels and swimsuits, some with jet skis, some with barbecue grills, and some with pop-up booths for shade. The only time I'd seen people making use of a river like this previously was the Cedar River back on the other side of the mountains. The sight of the cool water surrounded by trees contrasting with the dry, brown hills made me think this must be one of the most refreshing places to be!</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52178885042">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52178885042_b0b9203507_c.jpg" alt="Parket at Roza Recreational Area" title="Parket at Roza Recreational Area"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52180160779">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52180160779_75dc48d7a5_c.jpg" alt="Roza Recreational Area Parking Lot" title="Roza Recreational Area Parking Lot"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52180160739">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52180160739_b6b78af4ce_c.jpg" alt="P6250725: The guys riding these asked me about my bike when I rolled in. One is a BMW R nineT and the other is likely a Harley Sportster." title="P6250725"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52179904731">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52179904731_c8b000fa33_c.jpg" alt="Yakima River at Roza Recreational Area" title="Yakima River at Roza Recreational Area"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52180160214">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52180160214_f81a3c7f78_c.jpg" alt="Roza Recreational Area" title="Roza Recreational Area"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52180396670">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52180396670_89134c0cd9_c.jpg" alt="Roza Recreational Area Parking Lot" title="Roza Recreational Area Parking Lot"/>
</a>
</div>
<hr/>
<p>My next stop was at the Umtanum Creek Recreational Area, as the rock formations on the opposing canyon wall drew me in, as well as the cool suspension pedestrian bridge across the river.</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52178879082">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52178879082_2f083e0fca_c.jpg" alt="Yakima River at Umtanum Creek Recreational Area" title="Yakima River at Umtanum Creek Recreational Area"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52180395365">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52180395365_3651ba4f3b_c.jpg" alt="Yakima River" title="Yakima River"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52180394640">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52180394640_7771e6ea82_c.jpg" alt="Yakima River Canyon Wall Over Umtanum Creek Recreational Area Parking Lot" title="Yakima River Canyon Wall Over Umtanum Creek Recreational Area Parking Lot"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52178880497">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52178880497_be5b76ce12_c.jpg" alt="Umtanum Creek Suspension Bridge" title="Umtanum Creek Suspension Bridge"/>
</a>
</div>
<p>Camping was also a popular activity at this site.</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52180392245">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52180392245_907e76dd22_c.jpg" alt="Umtanum Creek Recreational Area" title="Umtanum Creek Recreational Area"/>
</a>
</div>
<hr/>
<p>From Umtanum Creek, I headed straight for Ellensburg. As I approached the city, I saw Mount Stuart in the distance, and had to stop to photograph it. I didn't want to stop on the side of the high-speed highway, and didn't want buildings to block my view, so I headed all the way to the north side of town…only for the local hills to reduce the peak's prominence. The local wind turbines were cool, though.</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52180393475">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52180393475_7bfcae3700_c.jpg" alt="Mount Stuart Over Rural Ellensburg" title="Mount Stuart Over Rural Ellensburg"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52179905726">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52179905726_0c530f1fe6_c.jpg" alt="Ellensburg Wind Turbines" title="Ellensburg Wind Turbines"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52179905421">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52179905421_5ee8385660_c.jpg" alt="W Bender Road, Ellensburg" title="W Bender Road, Ellensburg"/>
</a>
</div>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">I'm at Ellensburg, WA in WA <a href="https://t.co/8Wwsl83dtl">https://t.co/8Wwsl83dtl</a></p>— 竹下憲二 (@takeshita_kenji) <a href="https://twitter.com/takeshita_kenji/status/1540811650273624066?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 25, 2022</a></blockquote>
<p>Before hitting the freeway, I made sure to put my jacket's liner back in, since the pass could've been cold.</p>
</div>
<div class="postsection">
<h4>Part 3: Return Home</h4>
<div class="postimage postmap">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52183404332">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52183404332_18d55dae7b_b.jpg" alt="Part 3: Return Home" title="Part 3: Return Home"/>
</a>
</div>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Back over the mountains I go!</p>— 竹下憲二 (@takeshita_kenji) <a href="https://twitter.com/takeshita_kenji/status/1540811751523905537?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 25, 2022</a></blockquote>
<p>I was among the speediest traffic on I-90, passing much of the slower traffic while I was in the left lane. I was not far from a certain white Audi crossover for much of the east side of Snoqualmie Pass, and I was similarly not far from a black Tesla sedan on the west side. Thankfully, I didn't sweat too much because of the air rushing by!</p>
<p>I made one last stop for gas and ranch Bugles in North Bend, albeit at a different gas station from my typical one. While I ate, the horns of the locomotives of the <a href="https://www.trainmuseum.org/">Northwest Railway Museum</a> provided a backdrop beyond the usual drone of the freeway.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Break time! (at @Shell_us in North Bend, WA) <a href="https://t.co/hZ0xflXEDb">https://t.co/hZ0xflXEDb</a></p>— 竹下憲二 (@takeshita_kenji) <a href="https://twitter.com/takeshita_kenji/status/1540835337857126401?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 25, 2022</a></blockquote>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">I've been strangely obsessed with Ranch Bugles for most of my adult life.</p>— 竹下憲二 (@takeshita_kenji) <a href="https://twitter.com/takeshita_kenji/status/1540836124490203136?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 25, 2022</a></blockquote>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">As much as we like to make fun of gas stations, they can sometimes be an oasis in the desert.</p>— 竹下憲二 (@takeshita_kenji) <a href="https://twitter.com/takeshita_kenji/status/1540838649343856640?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 25, 2022</a></blockquote>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Looks like the heritage railroad here is operating in full swing!</p>— 竹下憲二 (@takeshita_kenji) <a href="https://twitter.com/takeshita_kenji/status/1540838762027945984?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 25, 2022</a></blockquote>
<p>After dealing with stop-and-go traffic around the I-90/I-405 interchange, which was mainly because of the southbound I-405 traffic jam, the rest of the freeway home was smooth and fast. I did have to deal with a long line of cars on NE 50th Street in Wallingford, which is par for the course.</p>
<p>When I did finally get home, it was a little after 6 PM, so I was ready to turn in for the night!</p>
</div>Neil E. Hodgeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06096087090901980142noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7021228780421697859.post-90338471165236446502022-06-29T16:05:00.004-07:002022-06-29T16:05:21.705-07:00Hurricane Ridge (2022-06-19) <div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52170448465">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52170448465_f236a5b4e5_c.jpg" alt="On Hurricane Ridge Road" title="On Hurricane Ridge Road"/>
</a>
</div>
<p class="summary">I'd been wanting to visit Hurricane Ridge for a while now, and the weather finally was good enough to do so!</p>
<div class="postlink">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/albums/72177720300065748">Geotagged Album</a>
</div>
<p>Photos from past rides in the area:</p>
<div class="postlink">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/albums/72177720297524614">Port Angeles (2022-03-05) (Album)</a>
</div>
<div class="postlink">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/albums/72157710658823088">Sequim V: New Trails (Album)</a>
</div>
<div class="postlink">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/albums/72157677558158161">Port Angeles (Album)</a>
</div>
<p>My partner was along for this one, which was the first time in quite a while! Riding felt a bit awkward at first, but it didn't take me long to adjust.</p>
<p>More after the break…</p>
<a name='more'></a>
<div class="postsection">
<h4>Part 1: To Ferry</h4>
<div class="postimage postmap">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52178481424">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52178481424_c2eb171e56_b.jpg" alt="Part 1: To Ferry" title="Part 1: To Ferry" class="skinny"/>
</a>
</div>
<p>We started at a little before 7 AM, as we were targeting the 7:55 AM ferry. My route had us going along SR-99, but the on-ramp was closed for sewer work, so I had to head over to I-5 and hope that we'd still make it. Once downtown, we had to also go around a detour on Second Avenue. In the end, we still got to the ferry terminal at the same time my GPS said we would've on my original route, just as the boat we wanted was unloading its inbound passengers..</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">There was so much construction! The ramp to Aurora was closed, as was Second Avenue downtown.</p>— 竹下憲二 (@takeshita_kenji) <a href="https://twitter.com/takeshita_kenji/status/1538535395545055232?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 19, 2022</a></blockquote>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Got here right before they started unloading the boat! (@ Bainbridge Island Ferry in Bainbridge Island, WA) <a href="https://t.co/jXhhCaJ6eq">https://t.co/jXhhCaJ6eq</a></p>— 竹下憲二 (@takeshita_kenji) <a href="https://twitter.com/takeshita_kenji/status/1538535126224756738?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 19, 2022</a></blockquote>
<p>When we got there, there was a guy with a BMW R nineT, who was soon met with a guy on a Triumph Thruxton. The Triumph rider and I admired each other's bikes. He even said he really wanted the "peashooter" exhausts like mine.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">There was a pair of guys on motorcycles (one BMW RnineT and one Triumph Thruxton) on the ferry. Once on the island, they proved to be cruiser-type riders, going below the speed limit.</p>— 竹下憲二 (@takeshita_kenji) <a href="https://twitter.com/takeshita_kenji/status/1538553268414033922?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 19, 2022</a></blockquote>
<hr/>
<p>While we were relaxing in the ferry's passenger cabin, I asked my partner if she still hated the ferry, and she said she did.</p>
</div>
<div class="postsection">
<h4>Part 2: To Hurricane Ridge</h4>
<div class="postimage postmap">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52178723980">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52178723980_ba0d3b2d3b_b.jpg" alt="Part 2: To Hurricane Ridge" title="Part 2: To Hurricane Ridge"/>
</a>
</div>
<p>As we disembarked the ferry, the two other riders were riding up the hill well below the speed limit in the left lane, so the car traffic and I passed them on the right. They were behind me for much of the length of the highway on Bainbridge Island, but I lost them once on the Kitsap Peninsula.</p>
<p>Our first stop was in Poulsbo for breakfast and coffee.</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52169973021">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52169973021_56d5c72caf_c.jpg" alt="Parked in Poulsbo: We ate breakfast at the nearby Green Light Diner, after finding this &quot;parking space&quot;. A guy walking by commented on how we found one." title="Parked in Poulsbo"/>
</a>
</div>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">I'm at City of Poulsbo in WA <a href="https://t.co/4a0XLh5YfJ">https://t.co/4a0XLh5YfJ</a></p>— 竹下憲二 (@takeshita_kenji) <a href="https://twitter.com/takeshita_kenji/status/1538550773176582144?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 19, 2022</a></blockquote>
<p>We first visited the Green Light Diner, but had to join the waiting list for a half-hour because of a staffing shortage. To kill time, we went to the nearby Hot Shots Java for coffee.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">I'm at Hot Shots Java in Poulsbo, WA <a href="https://t.co/iuiX42xjTY">https://t.co/iuiX42xjTY</a></p>— 竹下憲二 (@takeshita_kenji) <a href="https://twitter.com/takeshita_kenji/status/1538554138912509955?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 19, 2022</a></blockquote>
<p>It wasn't long until we were paged that our table was ready, so my partner ended up finishing her coffee with breakfast. Breakfast, by the way, was the "Hungry Viking" split between us, which was quite a lot of food!</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">I'm at The Green Light Diner in Poulsbo, WA <a href="https://t.co/S3bC555Ydb">https://t.co/S3bC555Ydb</a> <a href="https://t.co/8wya6fXauB">pic.twitter.com/8wya6fXauB</a></p>— 竹下憲二 (@takeshita_kenji) <a href="https://twitter.com/takeshita_kenji/status/1538562927980158977?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 19, 2022</a></blockquote>
<hr/>
<p>I noted that we'd need to get gas soon, and remembered that there was a gas station at the other end of Big Valley Road, so we didn't have to stick around in town any longer.</p>
<p>Our next stop was in Port Angeles, mainly for the restroom. I thought that the visitor center would have one, so I parked in the 15 minute spot in front of it.</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52169979043">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52169979043_b80984cc83_c.jpg" alt="Port Angeles Visitor Center" title="Port Angeles Visitor Center"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52168951982">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52168951982_643cda6081_c.jpg" alt="Red Lion Hotel, Port Angeles Harbor" title="Red Lion Hotel, Port Angeles Harbor"/>
</a>
</div>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">I'm at Port Angeles Wharf in Port Angeles, WA <a href="https://t.co/HpTjfeXdda">https://t.co/HpTjfeXdda</a></p>— 竹下憲二 (@takeshita_kenji) <a href="https://twitter.com/takeshita_kenji/status/1538589813095407616?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 19, 2022</a></blockquote>
<p>My partner noticed a sign in the window that said there were restrooms in The Wharf behind it, so we went in there and found them to have key code entries on them. We found a cafe in the building and ordered a lemon blueberry muffin so we could get the code…only to see that there were likely-free restrooms in the arcade also in The Wharf. Oh well.</p>
<p>Thinking I could use a minor caffeine boost, but since the vending machine in The Wharf was unplugged, I grabbed a Diet Coke from the bar across the street and quickly drank it before we headed out to Hurricane Ridge.</p>
<hr/>
<p>The road from Port Townsend to the Olympic National Forest toll gate entrance was a quick and smooth climb with broad curves. When I told my mom that I was thinking about heading up to Hurricane Ridge, she said the road was scary, so I was surprised that it was so easy here. I'd learn what she meant further up the climb.</p>
<p>On the other side of the entrance, the road quickly became narrow, windier, and slower, following the edge of cliffs in several places. There were also a number of foggy spots where everyone slowed down a bit more. I hope the cyclists we saw climbing and descending weren't dealing with any false calls! Oh, and at several points along the way, my partner and I saw deer</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52170451090">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52170451090_f82850029c_c.jpg" alt="Hurricane Ridge Road at Switchback Trailhead" title="Hurricane Ridge Road at Switchback Trailhead"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52169972436">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52169972436_b507b94e41_c.jpg" alt="Sunrise Ridge Over Hurricane Ridge Road" title="Sunrise Ridge Over Hurricane Ridge Road" class="skinny"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52170451030">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52170451030_c4cd07b1ac_c.jpg" alt="Mount Angeles and Morse Creek" title="Mount Angeles and Morse Creek" class="skinny"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52170451370">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52170451370_5144caef91_c.jpg" alt="Morse Creek" title="Morse Creek"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52170450460">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52170450460_b97c89ddaa_c.jpg" alt="Mount Angeles" title="Mount Angeles"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52168950642">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52168950642_37dbb7922b_c.jpg" alt="Morse Creek Culvert" title="Morse Creek Culvert"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52170217504">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52170217504_651ef5b8c1_c.jpg" alt="Morse Creek Valley and Culvert" title="Morse Creek Valley and Culvert"/>
</a>
</div>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">It was cool seeing bicyclists making the climb up to Hurricane Ridge.</p>— 竹下憲二 (@takeshita_kenji) <a href="https://twitter.com/takeshita_kenji/status/1538638691194638336?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 19, 2022</a></blockquote>
<p>The further we climbed, the more it seemed like we were both climbing to the heavens and entering an alien world! The trees became sparser and sparser, with snow patches on fields covered merely with thin grass.</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52169976308">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52169976308_1eed481d90_c.jpg" alt="Elwha River Valley" title="Elwha River Valley"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52169976263">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52169976263_9abe9d85ec_c.jpg" alt="Hurricane Ridge Road" title="Hurricane Ridge Road"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52169969936">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52169969936_6489719029_c.jpg" alt="On Hurricane Ridge Road" title="On Hurricane Ridge Road"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52168948952">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52168948952_523970a5e6_c.jpg" alt="Hurricane Ridge Road" title="Hurricane Ridge Road"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52170214759">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52170214759_9d61c1998a_c.jpg" alt="Ruth Peak" title="Ruth Peak"/>
</a>
</div>
<p>When we arrived to the Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center, we found the parking lot well occupied and the inside of the center <em>packed</em> with tourists. We browsed inside the visitor center for a while, and ended up with a couple of nice shirts. There was also a restaurant on the lower level, but we decided to eat back in Port Angeles.</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52170449640">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52170449640_2354c62512_c.jpg" alt="Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center" title="Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52170449695">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52170449695_68cfe6ea45_c.jpg" alt="Hurricane Ridge and Parking Lot" title="Hurricane Ridge and Parking Lot"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52170212519">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52170212519_56f644f348_c.jpg" alt="View from Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center" title="View from Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52169976943">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52169976943_910da2e874_c.jpg" alt="Olympic Range South of Hurricane Ridge" title="Olympic Range South of Hurricane Ridge"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52168949862">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52168949862_53299d7d68_c.jpg" alt="Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center" title="Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52170215934">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52170215934_49ca91220b_c.jpg" alt="Hurricane Ridge Road Continuation: Leads to the Hurricane Hill Trailhead." title="Hurricane Ridge Road Continuation"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52170215844">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52170215844_4d5dfe3454_c.jpg" alt="Black-tailed Deer: We saw several of this along the way." title="Black-tailed Deer"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52169970531">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52169970531_3b9964ce0c_c.jpg" alt="Dodger Point" title="Dodger Point"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52169976543">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52169976543_8b017d1c12_c.jpg" alt="Parked at Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center" title="Parked at Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52169976393">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52169976393_6da4e23ddf_c.jpg" alt="Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center" title="Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center"/>
</a>
</div>
<p>Much to my surprise, <a href="https://www.clallamtransit.com/">Clallam Transit</a> actually ran a shuttle service up there! From the site:</p>
<blockquote>
<h3>Hurricane Ridge Shuttle Service</h3>
<p>Shuttle will be fare free the entire month of June</p>
<p>3 trips daily, 7 days a week, including holidays</p>
<p>Must provide proof of paid park pass (All America the Beautiful passes, lifetime or annual accepted as well as the Olympic National Park pass)</p>
<p>Youth 18 and Younger Ride Free (Ages 15 and younger do not need a park pass)</p>
</blockquote>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52170215449">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52170215449_1438117d2b_c.jpg" alt="Clallam Transit Gillig Low Floor #645 at Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center: They really run buses up here!" title="Clallam Transit Gillig Low Floor #645 at Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center"/>
</a>
</div>
</div>
<div class="postsection">
<h4>Part 3: Return via Bainbridge Island</h4>
<div class="postimage postmap">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52177205942">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52177205942_9597637a3d_b.jpg" alt="Part 3: Return via Port Townsend" title="Part 3: Return via Port Townsend"/>
</a>
</div>
<p>Our descent went smoothly, as I was more used to the curves. I really felt like it was great motorcycle riding practice, especially since the roads back home are mostly straight.</p>
<p>We made a few stops here and there, with one very atmospheric one being in a foggy patch. My partner really liked the ambiance, and I liked how absolutely nobody wanted to stop at the overlook there since the visibility was so short.</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52170214409">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52170214409_686472c0b7_c.jpg" alt="Parked at Rocky Peak Lookout: There were a couple of sections with thick fog like this." title="Parked at Rocky Peak Lookout"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52170214494">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52170214494_952de9c430_c.jpg" alt="Foggy Hurricane Ridge Road: There were a couple of sections with thick fog like this." title="Foggy Hurricane Ridge Road"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52169969181">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52169969181_8408758dd3_c.jpg" alt="Foggy Hurricane Ridge Road: There were a couple of sections with thick fog like this." title="Foggy Hurricane Ridge Road"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52169969081">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52169969081_8dce52b988_c.jpg" alt="Rocky Peak Lookout" title="Rocky Peak Lookout"/>
</a>
</div>
<hr/>
<p>Once we passed through the tunnels, came across the beautiful views from the Morse Creek overlook, on par with those from <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/collections/72157720667184316/">our San Juan trip</a>. Finally!</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52170446045">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52170446045_57ca210dd2_c.jpg" alt="View from Morse Creek Overlook: I was hoping to get more views like this further up, but was glad to finally get one on the way back." title="View from Morse Creek Overlook"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52169974753">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52169974753_3d016f6b2b_c.jpg" alt="Port Townsend in the Distance" title="Port Townsend in the Distance"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52170447025">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52170447025_a85edd835b_c.jpg" alt="Hurricane Ridge Road Tunnel" title="Hurricane Ridge Road Tunnel"/>
</a>
</div>
<hr/>
<p>Once back in town, I parked on the street and we sought out food.</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52168947152">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52168947152_8ed4690ba8_c.jpg" alt="E 1st Street, Port Angeles" title="E 1st Street, Port Angeles"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52170212874">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52170212874_1710032e55_c.jpg" alt="E 1st Street, Port Angeles" title="E 1st Street, Port Angeles"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52170446350">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52170446350_5380370c42_c.jpg" alt="Conrad Dyar Memorial Fountain" title="Conrad Dyar Memorial Fountain"/>
</a>
</div>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">I'm at City of Port Angeles in WA <a href="https://t.co/keCMrBAuuD">https://t.co/keCMrBAuuD</a></p>— 竹下憲二 (@takeshita_kenji) <a href="https://twitter.com/takeshita_kenji/status/1538638164151214088?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 19, 2022</a></blockquote>
<p>We ended up at the the New Day Eatery, where I got a banh mi and my partner got a burger.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">I'm at New Day Eatery in Port Angeles, WA <a href="https://t.co/nyTneWpcnk">https://t.co/nyTneWpcnk</a> <a href="https://t.co/CTMygTmPec">pic.twitter.com/CTMygTmPec</a></p>— 竹下憲二 (@takeshita_kenji) <a href="https://twitter.com/takeshita_kenji/status/1538645113055989760?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 19, 2022</a></blockquote>
<hr/>
<p>Once done eating, we headed straight home along US 101, and had to deal with quite a bit of traffic. I made use of every passing lane to leap ahead of slower traffic, but wasn't able to pass on the two-lane sections because oncoming traffic was too frequently.</p>
<p>As we approached the Bainbridge Island Ferry Terminal on SR-305, I saw a long line of cars waiting for the ferry. Since motorcycles don't normally need to wait for cars, I went all the way to the start of the line, then pulled off on a side street to look up info about it with my partner. The info we found said to go down to the dock, past the ticket booth, and pay down there. That proved to be incorrect, as a couple of staff shouted at us to stop, because we had to pay at the booth, albeit not behind the line of cars. I ran over, paid, and we rushed down to the motorcycle waiting area as the boat was about to leave, where the kind staff member directing traffic let us on as the very last vehicle. Wow!</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52170212384">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52170212384_79d07d189e_c.jpg" alt="Leaving Bainbridge Island: As we rolled up to the Bainbridge Island ferry terminal, we saw a long line of cars waiting to get on. I pulled off to look up what to do here, since motorcycles usually get on first, and the site I found said to roll down to the dock. We used the bicycle lane to skirt around the toll booth, and immediately after, we were shouted at to stop, since we actually had to pay there (but didn't need to wait behind the cars as far as I could tell). After paying, we quickly rushed down to the motorcycle area and were let on as the last vehicle on the ferry. The WSF crews are too nice!" title="Leaving Bainbridge Island"/>
</a>
</div>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">The WSF crews are too nice! (@ Bainbridge Island Ferry Terminal in Bainbridge Island, WA) <a href="https://t.co/lqF6qzoWlq">https://t.co/lqF6qzoWlq</a></p>— 竹下憲二 (@takeshita_kenji) <a href="https://twitter.com/takeshita_kenji/status/1538683077706252288?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 20, 2022</a></blockquote>
<p>We were both pretty worn out, so we were looking forward to relaxing at home.</p>
</div>
<div class="postsection">
<h4>Part 4: Return Home</h4>
<div class="postimage postmap">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52178481304">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52178481304_ed5996a580_b.jpg" alt="Part 4: Return Home" title="Part 4: Return Home" class="skinny"/>
</a>
</div>
<p>Once the ferry docked, we ended up being among the first vehicles to leave, as the center lanes of the ferry disembark first. There was a long line of cars waiting to make left left out of Colman Dock, but we were among the only to make the right so we didn't have to wait long. A quick jaunt through the SR-99 tunnel and we were back in Fremont to head home the normal way.</p>
<p>We ended up getting home at about 5 PM or so. Early on in the ride, I kept telling my partner that we'd get home at 2 PM based on a past ride of mine, but because my time didn't take into account the ferries nor restaurants, it ended up being, well, bunk. She wouldn't let me hear the end of it, either, though only as a joke.</p>
</div>
<p>Just like <a href="/2022/05/leavenworth-2022-05-22.html">my previous time riding my Triumph</a>, my hands started hurting at the edges. Thankfully, it wasn't long until my handlebar swap!</p>Neil E. Hodgeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06096087090901980142noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7021228780421697859.post-61826643718788676832022-05-31T10:29:00.003-07:002022-05-31T12:47:13.918-07:00North Cascades Highway (2022-05-30) <div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52107381562">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52107381562_4e60c6a3eb_c.jpg" alt="Parked at Early Winters Creek Valley" title="Parked at Early Winters Creek Valley"/>
</a>
</div>
<p class="summary">I wanted to experience familiar sights from the first few days of my <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/collections/72157651439276173/">2015 bicycle tour</a>. Seattle to Mazama and back in a day. What a ride!</p>
<div class="postlink">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/albums/72177720299351862">Geotagged Album</a>
</div>
<p>Previous ride albums:</p>
<div class="postlink">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/sets/72157653747798392/">WA NT Day 1: Burlington to Marblemount (Album)</a>
</div>
<div class="postlink">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/sets/72157651444731133/">WA NT Day 2: Marblemount to Colonial Creek Campground (Album)</a>
</div>
<div class="postlink">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/sets/72157653765186911/">WA NT Day 3: Colonial Creek Campground to Mazama (Album)</a>
</div>
<div class="postlink">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/sets/72157651446976083/">WA NT Day 4: Mazama to Winthrop (Album)</a>
</div>
<div class="postlink">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/albums/72157683881955540">Darrington III: Whitehorse Trail (Album)</a>
</div>
<div class="postlink">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/albums/72157674468762582">Darrington II (Album)</a>
</div>
<div class="postlink">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/albums/72157650585486232">Darrington (Album)</a>
</div>
<p>More after the break…</p>
<a name='more'></a>
<div class="postsection">
<h4>Outbound</h4>
<div class="postimage postmap">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52110439856">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52110439856_ecfb3d19ac_b.jpg" alt="Outbound" title="Outbound"/>
</a>
</div>
<p>Since I was in it for the long haul on this ride, I tried to start at 5 AM, but ended up leaving 30 minutes later because of various things including how the knee protection in my riding jeans had been messed up in the wash. I then headed straight north to Arlington, making only one stop at a rest area in Smokey Point to use the restroom. The last time I'd done so was <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/10407603574/in/album-72157636803261376/"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/2806/10407603574_13d267b773_t.jpg" alt="PA200160: OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA" title="PA200160" class="postthumbnail"/>years ago</a>! The only thing that looked a bit odd this time was a homeless person laying down beside the restroom entrance.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Haven't been to one of these in a while! (@ Smokey Point Rest Area (N) in Arlington, WA) <a href="https://t.co/Xz68O7pELO">https://t.co/Xz68O7pELO</a></p>— 竹下憲二 (@takeshita_kenji) <a href="https://twitter.com/takeshita_kenji/status/1530537475936071680?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 28, 2022</a></blockquote>
<p>I needed gas since I wasn't sure about services through the Cascades here, so I stopped at the 76 in Arlington. When I inserted my credit card, the reader at the pump didn't register a thing, so I had to go in and pay inside. As I was filling up after that, a touring Harley rolled by on the highway, which would be the only other motorcycle I'd see out this way for hours..</p>
<p>I was starting to feel a bit cold and shaky as I got to Darrington, so I stopped at the local IGA grocery store to get some food. When I walked in, a couple of the staff told me "good morning", but I couldn't hear them. In response, they made a snide comment about it being easier to hear without the helmet on, but they didn't know I had earplugs in. I ended up with a couple of sausage, egg, and cheese breakfast sandwiches. I also bought an "OG" Rockstar, as the drink I'd packed had more caffeine than I wanted on this ride. I also grabbed a a hot chocolate at the espresso stand out front, after standing behind a truck whose order was taking a while.</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52107393822">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52107393822_e5c35fd2aa_c.jpg" alt="Darrington IGA: Got two breakfast sandwiches from here and a hot chocolate at the espresso stand out front because it was so cold. The staff here made a snide comment about how I should take off my helmet to hear better." title="Darrington IGA"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52107393712">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52107393712_b6a40f4b38_c.jpg" alt="Darrington" title="Darrington"/>
</a>
</div>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">I'm at Darrington IGA in Darrington, WA <a href="https://t.co/BneutF066L">https://t.co/BneutF066L</a></p>— 竹下憲二 (@takeshita_kenji) <a href="https://twitter.com/takeshita_kenji/status/1530553428912611328?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 28, 2022</a></blockquote>
<hr/>
<p>After turning on my heated grips and setting "Newhalem Street" as the next destination in my GPS (Washington Pass wasn't listed), I rolled out of Darrington. It was a pretty nice ride here with no traffic and lots of green scenery, but I did have to be careful crossing the grated bridge deck across the Sauk River.</p>
<p>The smoothness continued along SR-20, aside from having to wait at a traffic light set up for a one lane section of the highway. As I rode through said section, I saw that the downhill side of the highway was subsiding significantly. Scary!</p>
<p>Newhalem Street turned out to be the access road to the North Cascades Visitor Center, which I wanted to check out. Said road had a one lane bridge with permanent traffic lights set up to default to letting inbound traffic go, with a sensor switching the direction to outbound traffic. While snapping photos around the bridge, the beauty of the scenery and the clarity of the river water out here really hit me!</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52108926230">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52108926230_9494dac3fc_c.jpg" alt="Newhalem Campground" title="Newhalem Campground"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52108662444">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52108662444_4b13210fb0_c.jpg" alt="Newhalem Campground Access Road Bridge: This one lane bridge by default has its signals set to allow inbound traffic, but uses sensors to switch to allowing outbound traffic." title="Newhalem Campground Access Road Bridge"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52107393192">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52107393192_3f3de402a0_c.jpg" alt="Newhalem Campground Access Road Signals: This one lane bridge by default has its signals set to allow inbound traffic, but uses sensors to switch to allowing outbound traffic." title="Newhalem Campground Access Road Signals"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52108925440">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52108925440_c49df6d1fa_c.jpg" alt="Skagit River Water: It's so clear!" title="Skagit River Water"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52108662109">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52108662109_658c967f27_c.jpg" alt="Skagit River" title="Skagit River"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52107392507">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52107392507_e2d6c72de3_c.jpg" alt="Skagit River" title="Skagit River"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52108414136">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52108414136_6a6f1f993e_c.jpg" alt="Parked at Newhalem Campground" title="Parked at Newhalem Campground"/>
</a>
</div>
<p>When I headed up to the actual visitor center, I saw a lot of tourists who I'd later see a lot of along the route. They were waiting at the entrance for the visitor center to open, and since I really needed to use the restroom, I joined them. I watched as one of the rangers was unfolding and hoisting up the flag, thinking that he'd be the one to open the door, but an older ranger was taking care of that. Once inside, I wandered around for a while, looking at the exhibits and for the restrooms at the same time. The restrooms turned out to be right inside the entrance, by the way.</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52108661204">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52108661204_0315544811_c.jpg" alt="North Cascades Visitor Center: Folks were waiting outside for it to open, which didn't take long." title="North Cascades Visitor Center"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52108414071">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52108414071_5b4a458fc4_c.jpg" alt="North Cascades Visitor Center Parking Lot" title="North Cascades Visitor Center Parking Lot"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52108448388">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52108448388_ce2c51c649_c.jpg" alt="North Cascades Visitor Center: I wandered around a bit out of curiosity while looking for the restroom, which turned out to be next to the entrance." title="North Cascades Visitor Center"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52108660809">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52108660809_564ec7b096_c.jpg" alt="North Cascades Visitor Center: I wandered around a bit out of curiosity while looking for the restroom, which turned out to be next to the entrance. The stuffed animal at the right is a banana slug." title="North Cascades Visitor Center"/>
</a>
</div>
<hr/>
<p>My next stop was in Newhalem, a Seattle City Light company town where only employees are allowed to live. It was just like I remembered, but I'd completely forgotten about the huge rocky hill to the north! The general store was closed, so I walked around a bit, taking photos.</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52107390877">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52107390877_ac86120668_c.jpg" alt="Gorge Inn" title="Gorge Inn"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52108412801">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52108412801_8564b6ab1c_c.jpg" alt="Newhalem General Store" title="Newhalem General Store"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52108923890">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52108923890_a01325d539_c.jpg" alt="Newhalem, Washington" title="Newhalem, Washington"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52108447448">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52108447448_64d6fdc856_c.jpg" alt="Newhalem Crag" title="Newhalem Crag"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52108447173">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52108447173_aebc693151_c.jpg" alt="Big Devil Peak" title="Big Devil Peak"/>
</a>
</div>
<p>One thing that caught my eye was the art installation behind the Skagit Information Center.</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52107390367">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52107390367_0312ef9f07_c.jpg" alt="Temple of Power" title="Temple of Power"/>
</a>
</div>
<p>I also walked a ways to get the Gorge Dam Powerhouse. I didn't recall it being so far, but that was likely because I rode my bike down there <a href="/2015/06/washington-aca-northern-tier-may-2015.html">last time</a>.</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52108411511">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52108411511_211b36da75_c.jpg" alt="Gorge Powerhouse" title="Gorge Powerhouse"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52108659094">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52108659094_777527301e_c.jpg" alt="Newhalem Transmission Station" title="Newhalem Transmission Station"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52108658884">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52108658884_205cd1e254_c.jpg" alt="Skagit River Gorge" title="Skagit River Gorge"/>
</a>
</div>
<p>For folks who don't know, the access bridge to the powerhouse used to carry the Skagit River Railway, one of whose locomotives is sitting in the nearby park.</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52108921895">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52108921895_0c0822b78f_c.jpg" alt="Gorge Dam Powerhouse Bridge: Formerly a railroad bridge, now a road bridge." title="Gorge Dam Powerhouse Bridge"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52108921525">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52108921525_3bd4b62e14_c.jpg" alt="Gorge Dam Powerhouse Bridge: Formerly a railroad bridge, now a road bridge." title="Gorge Dam Powerhouse Bridge"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52107390262">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52107390262_f568f75978_c.jpg" alt="Seattle City Light #6" title="Seattle City Light #6"/>
</a>
</div>
<hr/>
<p>A little further down the road was the Gorge Overlook Trail trailhead and Gorge Creek Bridge, which also had a grated road deck.</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52108444688">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52108444688_ff2e7af489_c.jpg" alt="Gorge Lake" title="Gorge Lake"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52107388127">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52107388127_e7cefe30d8_c.jpg" alt="George Overlook Trail" title="George Overlook Trail" class="skinny"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52108444253">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52108444253_038fbe098e_c.jpg" alt="Gorge Creek" title="Gorge Creek"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52107386582">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52107386582_e2dccb5362_c.jpg" alt="Skagit River Gorge" title="Skagit River Gorge"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52108443108">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52108443108_95291dac34_c.jpg" alt="Davis Peak" title="Davis Peak"/>
</a>
</div>
<p>While I was asking photos, an older couple asked me if if there was a waterfall, and I told them it was on the hill side of the bridge.</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52107386297">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52107386297_cf489d7fd0_c.jpg" alt="Gorge Creek Bridge" title="Gorge Creek Bridge"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52108408266">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52108408266_f9a1b9144f_c.jpg" alt="Gorge Creek Flowing Into Gorge Lake" title="Gorge Creek Flowing Into Gorge Lake" class="skinny"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52108442583">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52108442583_8dff2096ea_c.jpg" alt="Washington State Route 20 Crosswalk" title="Washington State Route 20 Crosswalk"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52108407921">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52108407921_03d3b90d4c_c.jpg" alt="Gorge Creek Falls" title="Gorge Creek Falls" class="skinny"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52108442148">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52108442148_8a6aaaedc7_c.jpg" alt="Parked at George Overlook Trail Trailhead" title="Parked at George Overlook Trail Trailhead"/>
</a>
</div>
<hr/>
<p>My next destination was the Colonial Creek Campground, but I didn't think to put it in my GPS and ended up making a wrong turn. Turns out the campground isn't on Diablo Street! I did get some nice photos out of this little detour, though, and I wasn't the only one who made the same mistake, only to turn around at this bridge across the Stetattle Creek.</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52108654529">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52108654529_ca36a00214_c.jpg" alt="On Diablo Street: I had the idea in my head that the Colonial Creek Campground was this way, so I headed down Diablo Street. While it provided some good photos, I felt a bit dumb and added the campground as a stop along my route." title="On Diablo Street"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52107384792">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52107384792_891e837ebd_c.jpg" alt="Parked at Stetattle Creek Bridge: I had the idea in my head that the Colonial Creek Campground was this way, so I headed down Diablo Street. While it provided some good photos, I felt a bit dumb and added the campground as a stop along my route. This was originally a railroad bridge." title="Parked at Stetattle Creek Bridge"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52108407401">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52108407401_0b5558fa67_c.jpg" alt="Stetattle Creek: I had the idea in my head that the Colonial Creek Campground was this way, so I headed down Diablo Street. While it provided some good photos, I felt a bit dumb and added the campground as a stop along my route." title="Stetattle Creek"/>
</a>
</div>
<p>When I actually did make it to the campground, I saw lots of campers and others making use of the facility. The only free parking spaces I saw were the huge ones meant for trailers and RVs, but I managed to make use of a little triangle of pavement that was out of the way.</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52108441273">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52108441273_a26d5a7919_c.jpg" alt="Colonial Creek Campground" title="Colonial Creek Campground"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52108406561">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52108406561_81191ca6b6_c.jpg" alt="Parked at Colonial Creek Campground: I didn't see any small parking spaces, so I had to create my own!" title="Parked at Colonial Creek Campground"/>
</a>
</div>
<p>While snapping photos, I saw a couple of big groups of cruiser riders crossing the nearby bridge.</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52107384142">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52107384142_afb2e14cd5_c.jpg" alt="Thunder Arm Bridge" title="Thunder Arm Bridge"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52108653464">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52108653464_99c6085750_c.jpg" alt="Colonial Creek Campground Lake Access" title="Colonial Creek Campground Lake Access"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52108908315">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52108908315_c97791d004_c.jpg" alt="Diablo Lake" title="Diablo Lake"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52108440313">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52108440313_9af4c83fc8_c.jpg" alt="Colonial Peak" title="Colonial Peak"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52108652879">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52108652879_012145d448_c.jpg" alt=""Minimize Bear Attractants"" title=""Minimize Bear Attractants""/>
</a>
</div>
<hr/>
<p>For much of the curvy highway section up to Rainy Pass, I was stuck behind the same two cars. The lead of our platoon was a small crossover who was slowing down at every significant turn, followed by a big diesel pickup towing a large trailer, then me. Said truck would periodically randomly gun it and spew out black smoke. When we got to a long, straight, and clear section of the road, the truck finally passed the car, and I was glad to no longer have to deal with the smoke. This was also where I started seeing road warrior bicyclists climbing and descending the highway.</p>
<p>When I finally got to Washington Pass, I pulled off on the access road for the pass's viewpoint, which was closed not far from the highway. I really wanted to get a photo of me with my bike here, but I had to fight the camera remote control app since I had no cell phone service. Why in the world does it need service to control a camera 20 feet away? The people pulling in and out trying to get to the viewpoint over and over didn't help, either, but I eventually got my photo.</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52108915695">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52108915695_3557c896ee_c.jpg" alt="At Washington Pass: I had a very difficult time getting this photo because people kept pulling in and trying to access the closed Washington Pass Overlook." title="At Washington Pass"/>
</a>
</div>
<p>Just on the other side of the gate was a snow clearing apparatus, with someone walking back from the other end of the road, likely scouting it out. I really liked how the snow was so smoothly cut off the road.</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52108915530">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52108915530_2954131626_c.jpg" alt="Snow Clearing Apparatus on National Forest Development Road 500" title="Snow Clearing Apparatus on National Forest Development Road 500" class="skinny"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52108405406">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52108405406_259acd0081_c.jpg" alt="At Washington Pass" title="At Washington Pass"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52107382392">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52107382392_1c87d1ca55_c.jpg" alt="Cutthroat Peak over Washington State Route 20" title="Cutthroat Peak over Washington State Route 20"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52108404531">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52108404531_ae6b016a2a_c.jpg" alt="Big Kangaro Over Washington State Route 20" title="Big Kangaro Over Washington State Route 20"/>
</a>
</div>
<p>I also made a stop at the viewpoint just past the sweeping highway curve and some snow that had fallen into the road to get my favorite shot of the ride.</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52108908265">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52108908265_528680f96d_c.jpg" alt="Early Winters Creek Valley" title="Early Winters Creek Valley"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52108403751">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52108403751_25a57f5ed7_c.jpg" alt="Copper Benchmark Over Washington State Route 20" title="Copper Benchmark Over Washington State Route 20"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52108913770">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52108913770_49ae9da0e9_c.jpg" alt="Flagg Mountain" title="Flagg Mountain"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52107381247">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52107381247_26dd772373_c.jpg" alt="Washington State Route 20 Sweeping Curve" title="Washington State Route 20 Sweeping Curve"/>
</a>
</div>
<hr/>
<p>I finally got to my turning back point in Mazama around 12:30 or so, after having a bit of trouble finding parking. There were cars <em>everywhere</em>, most of them with bike racks either with or without bikes on them. I eventually found a spot next to a pile of rocks, then ran to find a restroom. Once done with that, I was hoping to avoid the long line for food at the cafe by getting a prepackaged sandwich indoors, but only ended up with a nice new "Mazama Store" Hydroflask and a gallon of water. (They didn't have any smaller bottles of water.)</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52108402976">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52108402976_010fa3b1d3_c.jpg" alt="Parket at the Mazama Store Rock Pile" title="Parket at the Mazama Store Rock Pile"/>
</a>
</div>
<p>When I did get back out to the cafe, the line wasn't very long anymore, so I ordered a "zesty" turkey sandwich and a croissant. I ended up with an almond bear claw instead since they were out of the latter, then ate the sandwich in the picnic area, which was pretty good!</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52107380682">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52107380682_eaa7fc78fc_c.jpg" alt="Lost River Road, Mazama: There were cyclists, bicycles, and cars with bicycles on them all over!" title="Lost River Road, Mazama"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52108650119">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52108650119_5b50c90d4d_c.jpg" alt="Lost River Road, Mazama: There were cyclists, bicycles, and cars with bicycles on them all over!" title="Lost River Road, Mazama"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52107380457">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52107380457_1538bc72bb_c.jpg" alt="Mazama Store" title="Mazama Store"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52108912565">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52108912565_9e016259bc_c.jpg" alt="Sandy Butte Over Lost River Road" title="Sandy Butte Over Lost River Road" class="skinny"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52107380217">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52107380217_9e89e7a96e_c.jpg" alt="North Cascades Mountain Guides" title="North Cascades Mountain Guides"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52107380147">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52107380147_eeae709597_c.jpg" alt=""Mazama"" title=""Mazama""/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52108402241">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52108402241_8652f20172_c.jpg" alt="Goat Creek Road" title="Goat Creek Road"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52108912195">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52108912195_86a0665073_c.jpg" alt="Lost River Road Bridge" title="Lost River Road Bridge"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52108401951">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52108401951_11c5f272d5_c.jpg" alt="Methow River" title="Methow River"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52108436638">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52108436638_5551515b9b_c.jpg" alt="Methow River" title="Methow River"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52108649084">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52108649084_b1bd84e318_c.jpg" alt="Flagg Mountain Over Mazama: Much smaller than the Flagg Mountain near Washington Pass." title="Flagg Mountain Over Mazama"/>
</a>
</div>
<p>After going on another photo walk, including to visit the Methow River, and drinking the energy drink I'd originally packed because of the <em>long</em> road home, I took care of my last order of business out there: gas for my bike. I was hoping to get a nice photo at the rear pump, but since it didn't have premium gas, I had to go to the front one. Turns out the premium at the Mazama Store was ethanol free, but the regular isn't.</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52108649029">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52108649029_a89fe20cd7_c.jpg" alt="Filling up at the Mazama Store: Premium is ethanol-free, but regular isn't." title="Filling up at the Mazama Store" class="skinny"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52108648979">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52108648979_285f833004_c.jpg" alt="Filling up at the Mazama Store: Premium is ethanol-free, but regular isn't." title="Filling up at the Mazama Store"/>
</a>
</div>
</div>
<div class="postsection"><h4>Inbound</h4><div class="postimage postmap"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52110952420"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52110952420_f8a070e7aa_b.jpg" alt="Inbound" title="Inbound"/></a></div><p>On the way back, I first stopped at the Ross Lake Overlook, which was something I noted as needing to check out on the way out. Similar to Washington Pass, I had a lot of trouble getting a photo of the bike because of people walking around and pulling in and out. As far as the lake went, its level looked very low.</p><div class="postimage postphoto"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52108436028"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52108436028_07325a729d_c.jpg" alt="Parked at Lake Ross Overlook With Little Jack Mountain: This shot was hard to get because people kept pulling in." title="Parked at Lake Ross Overlook With Little Jack Mountain"/></a></div><div class="postimage postphoto"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52108432238"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52108432238_ede582cea9_c.jpg" alt="Ross Lake Valley" title="Ross Lake Valley"/></a></div><div class="postimage postphoto"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52108648639"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52108648639_26381e022d_c.jpg" alt="Parked at Ross Lake Overlook" title="Parked at Ross Lake Overlook"/></a></div><div class="postimage postphoto"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52108910850"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52108910850_7254fe2d8d_c.jpg" alt="Ross Lake: Level is looking pretty low." title="Ross Lake"/></a></div><div class="postimage postphoto"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52108647974"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52108647974_cda5a9b5cb_c.jpg" alt="Pierce Mountain Over Washington State Route 20" title="Pierce Mountain Over Washington State Route 20" class="skinny"/></a></div><div class="postimage postphoto"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52108400141"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52108400141_ed7aea215a_c.jpg" alt="Rock Cut Over Washington State Route 20" title="Rock Cut Over Washington State Route 20"/></a></div><div class="postimage postphoto"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52108647619"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52108647619_30f95f0617_c.jpg" alt="Parked at Ross Lake Overlook" title="Parked at Ross Lake Overlook"/></a></div><p>Before leaving, I ate the bear claw from earlier since I was a little hungry.</p><hr/> <p>Between Ross Lake and Newhalem, it started to sprinkle, so I dialed down my speed in corners to avoid causing a slide-out on the recently wet pavement. One sports car didn't like that so much, and passed me when around Diablo Lake…only for me to end up right behind it in and after Newhalem. At this point, my hands were pretty sore from holding onto the grips all day, though the soreness was even throughout rather than on the edges like on my Triumph.</p><p>My food stop was at Chom's in Marblemount, as I didn't get so many photos of the town <a href="/2015/06/washington-aca-northern-tier-may-2015.html">last time</a>. When I showed up, there was a group of bicycle tourists hanging out in front of the store, and I ended up in line behind them when waiting to pay for some beef jerky I bought, as the restroom was for customers only. The group was trying to buy two cans of beer, but the clerk said they only sold them in six packs. If I recall correctly, they ended up allowing the purchase because they were staying at the adjacent North Cascades Inn.</p><div class="postimage postphoto"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52108434648"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52108434648_9ab10d4d6c_c.jpg" alt="Chom's: The group of cyclists was on a tour to Boston, with tonight's stop being at the adjacent North Cascades Inn." title="Chom's"/></a></div><div class="postimage postphoto"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52108647379"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52108647379_3832f682c0_c.jpg" alt="Rustic Heart Desires" title="Rustic Heart Desires"/></a></div><div class="postimage postphoto"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52108399646"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52108399646_bfcc77495b_c.jpg" alt="Mondo" title="Mondo"/></a></div><div class="postimage postphoto"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52108399491"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52108399491_112bec3c72_c.jpg" alt="Marblemount Post Office (98267)" title="Marblemount Post Office (98267)"/></a></div><div class="postimage postphoto"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52108909570"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52108909570_0e322c286a_c.jpg" alt="Karina's Deja Brew" title="Karina's Deja Brew"/></a></div><p>While taking photos, I noticed that the <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/18304448551/in/album-72157653747798392/"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/8899/18304448551_d06dfaa82e_t.jpg" alt="Cascade River Rd Bridge" title="Cascade River Rd Bridge" class="postthumbnail"/>Cascade River Road Bridge</a> was now one lane with temporary traffic signals, unlike <a href="/2015/06/washington-aca-northern-tier-may-2015.html">last time</a> when it had the normal two lanes.</p><div class="postimage postphoto"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52108909380"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52108909380_524ff4b391_c.jpg" alt="Cascade River Road Bridge: The bridge was two-way when I used it years ago, but they've since changed it to one-lane with these traffic lights, likely to reduce load son the structure." title="Cascade River Road Bridge"/></a></div><p>It was at this point that I discovered that the Rockstar I'd bought at the Darrington IGA had popped, so I had to dump out the liquid and wring out the stuff that got wet, while it was raining a little harder. A KTM rider stopped at Chom's while I was doing it and when I said I had a 2013 690 Duke, he said that's what his bike was. He asked if I was headed to the east side, and I told him I was just heading back. I said that it looks like it was raining more, and he said he hoped it wouldn't get any worse than the current sprinkling.</p><hr/><p>Rather than taking SR-530 back through Darrington, I stuck on SR-20 so I could see the Henry Thompson Bridge in Concrete. I read online that it was the old SR-20 bridge, so I had to check it out.</p><div class="postimage postphoto"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52107376587"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52107376587_2c70fe10e3_c.jpg" alt="Henry Thompson Bridge: The original route SR-20 took across the Baker River. It is configured as a one lane bridge, with only line of sight dictating who can go." title="Henry Thompson Bridge"/></a></div><div class="postimage postphoto"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52107376507"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52107376507_1c320e58c2_c.jpg" alt="Baker River Weir" title="Baker River Weir"/></a></div><div class="postimage postphoto"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52108646319"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52108646319_6cc5f9850f_c.jpg" alt="Henry Thompson Bridge and Baker River Weir: The pier on the left is from the old Great Northern Railway bridge." title="Henry Thompson Bridge and Baker River Weir"/></a></div><div class="postimage postphoto"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52108433353"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52108433353_2177d55ea8_c.jpg" alt="Baker River Confluence" title="Baker River Confluence"/></a></div><div class="postimage postphoto"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52107376207"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52107376207_408eebe828_c.jpg" alt="Washington State Route 20" title="Washington State Route 20" class="skinny"/></a></div><p>I parked my bike in a very tight angle on a side road's intersection, and saw a few cars enter and exit. The sign up the hill said something about construction, but the drivers were likely checking out the Lower Baker Dam Overlook.</p><p>Knowing that Concrete had <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/18304484761/in/album-72157653747798392/"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/7745/18304484761_3df1c222bf_t.jpg" alt="Concrete Silos" title="Concrete Silos" class="postthumbnail"/>Silo Park</a>, I wanted to get a photo of my bike with the old silos. Unfortunately, there was no shoulder on the highway adjacent to the park, and the gravel parking lot was too close to the silos for a good photo with them, so I went up the hill into town and found an empty parking lot for the volunteer fire station and parked my bike in a little triangle that wasn't part of a parking space for the photos.</p><div class="postimage postphoto"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52108645759"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52108645759_5fddb4e47e_c.jpg" alt="With Old Superior Portland Cement Silos: Went all the way up the hill because I couldn't find a good place to stick the bike closer to the highway for a shot with the silos." title="With Old Superior Portland Cement Silos"/></a></div><div class="postimage postphoto"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52108398121"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52108398121_b39bab176e_c.jpg" alt="With Gee Point" title="With Gee Point"/></a></div><hr/><p>As I continued west, the rain sustained and traffic got worse, but thank fully never ended up stop-and-go. I got gas in Burlington (paid for it inside again), then hit the freeway back home.</p><p>Traffic on the freeway was surprisingly light the whole way home. There was some slowdown, but nothing like a typical Saturday afternoon! Despite not wanting to stop to dawn my rain gear, I stayed warm enough for the rest of the ride.</p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Traffic was honestly not bad at all. Still didn't enjoy the rain, though.</p>— 竹下憲二 (@takeshita_kenji) <a href="https://twitter.com/takeshita_kenji/status/1530718697240657920?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 29, 2022</a></blockquote><p>From time to time, I used cruise control in traffic to take the strain off my hands.</p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">My hands hurt so much from <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/motorcycle?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#motorcycle</a> riding all day.</p>— 竹下憲二 (@takeshita_kenji) <a href="https://twitter.com/takeshita_kenji/status/1530719849256607745?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 29, 2022</a></blockquote><p>Thankfully, I got home well before dark. I'd forgotten to clip my garage opener to my keys, but rather than trying to <a href="/2022/05/roozengaarde-tulips-2022-04-2324.html">do it the hard way</a>, I simply dismounted the motorcycle, clipped the opener on, remounted, and hit the button to open the door. I didn't have to deal with anyone stuck behind me at the entrance, either.</p></div>
<p>Over the next couple days, I dealt with the results of some nasty food poisoning. I don't know if it was from food on the trip or from food when my partner went out drinking after I got home, but I ended up losing the rest of the weekend to it.</p>
Neil E. Hodgeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06096087090901980142noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7021228780421697859.post-11047029207600248132022-05-26T18:06:00.002-07:002022-05-27T06:42:06.830-07:00Leavenworth (2022-05-22) <div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52094850363">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52094850363_8f4fa65008_c.jpg" alt="In Tumwater Canyon" title="In Tumwater Canyon"/>
</a>
</div>
<p class="summary">After visiting Leavenworth by train a few years back, I was very curious about the route between Stevens Pass and the town, so I headed out that way.</p>
<div class="postlink">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/albums/72177720299197025">Geotagged Album</a>
</div>
<p>Previous albums:</p>
<div class="postlink">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/albums/72157697398555535">Leavenworth by Train</a>
</div>
<div class="postlink">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/albums/72157719259876647">Stevens Pass & West US 2 Corridor (2021-05-22) (Album)</a>
</div>
<div class="postlink">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/albums/72157710429602371">Stevens Pass (Album)</a>
</div>
<div class="postlink">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/albums/72157660943065650">To Index…With Friction Shifting! (Album)</a>
</div>
<div class="postlink">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/albums/72157683990456786">Skykomish II (Album)</a>
</div>
<div class="postlink">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/albums/72157645300895681">Skykomish (Album)</a>
</div>
<p>More after the break…</p>
<a name='more'></a>
<div class="postsection">
<h4>Outbound</h4>
<div class="postimage postmap">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52098336057">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52098336057_88ba31e5aa_b.jpg" alt="Outbound" title="Outbound"/>
</a>
</div>
<p>Since I was going on a longer ride and doing it solo, I left home at about 7 AM this time. I didn't run into much traffic until the two-lane portion of SR-522, which sped up as the highway regained two lanes near Monroe.</p>
<p>My first stop was in Sultan for both gas and food. I was hoping to find something other than some factory-sealed pastry that was too sweet for my stomach, and was lucky enough to see that they sold hot corn dogs, and two to a pack!</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52095329865">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52095329865_b2f0e5478b_c.jpg" alt="Hoot Owl Mini Mart" title="Hoot Owl Mini Mart"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52095329685">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52095329685_9503ee468e_c.jpg" alt="Main Street, Sultan" title="Main Street, Sultan"/>
</a>
</div>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">I'm at Hoot Owl Mini Mart in Sultan, WA <a href="https://t.co/j5Kyukj9AN">https://t.co/j5Kyukj9AN</a></p>— 竹下憲二 (@takeshita_kenji) <a href="https://twitter.com/takeshita_kenji/status/1528395479028989952?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 22, 2022</a></blockquote>
<hr/>
<p>Along the US 2 towards Stevens Pass, I had my first car pull off to let me pass, even though I was neither tailgating nor running my engine at high revs. Strange.</p>
<p>My next stop was in Skykomish for a brief look around the town.</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52094851623">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52094851623_e45f743d5f_c.jpg" alt="Cascadia Inn and Cafe" title="Cascadia Inn and Cafe"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52093806052">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52093806052_75dbcf762c_c.jpg" alt="E Railroad Avenue Park" title="E Railroad Avenue Park"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52095069639">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52095069639_730599723d_c.jpg" alt="E Railroad Avenue, Skykomish" title="E Railroad Avenue, Skykomish"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52095069049">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52095069049_1ee54b163c_c.jpg" alt="E Railroad Avenue, Skykomish" title="E Railroad Avenue, Skykomish"/>
</a>
</div>
<p>Much to my surprise, the old Skykomish Hotel was <em>finally</em> being used for something: ground level retail and restaurants.</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52094851328">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52094851328_1afebf7493_c.jpg" alt="Old Skykomish Hotel: Sky Rivre Coffee and Skykomish Outfitters: Glad to see this old building seeing some use!" title="Old Skykomish Hotel: Sky Rivre Coffee and Skykomish Outfitters"/>
</a>
</div>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="in" dir="ltr">It's been too long! (@ Skykomish, WA in WA) <a href="https://t.co/FiATHXgQHn">https://t.co/FiATHXgQHn</a></p>— 竹下憲二 (@takeshita_kenji) <a href="https://twitter.com/takeshita_kenji/status/1528406980422946817?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 22, 2022</a></blockquote>
<hr/>
<p>I then made a quick restroom and photo stop at Stevens Pass, which I'd last visited by <a href="/2021/05/stevens-pass-west-us-2-corridor-2021-05.html">motorscooter</a> and <a href="/2019/08/stevens-pass-2019-08-16.html">bicycle</a>.</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52095068934">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52095068934_523bc9caf6_c.jpg" alt="At Stevens Pass" title="At Stevens Pass"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52093804972">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52093804972_3bf390546e_c.jpg" alt="Heather Ridge Over Stevens Pass" title="Heather Ridge Over Stevens Pass"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52094850438">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52094850438_4b514f0b0a_c.jpg" alt="Cowboy Mountain Over Tye Creek Lodge" title="Cowboy Mountain Over Tye Creek Lodge"/>
</a>
</div>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">It's cold up here! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/motorcycle?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#motorcycle</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/stevenspass?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#stevenspass</a> (at <a href="https://twitter.com/StevensPass?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@StevensPass</a> Ski Area in Skykomish, WA) <a href="https://t.co/fJtMmKFqy1">https://t.co/fJtMmKFqy1</a> <a href="https://t.co/TpulmHrfL3">pic.twitter.com/TpulmHrfL3</a></p>— 竹下憲二 (@takeshita_kenji) <a href="https://twitter.com/takeshita_kenji/status/1528415359719682048?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 22, 2022</a></blockquote>
<hr/>
<p>Up next was the first bit of unfamiliar road, which ended up being quite a lot of fun! There were all kinds of cool sights, like a shimmering silver diner near Cole's Corner. And while it was cold up at the pass, it really warmed up as US 2 descended into Tumwater Canyon. The sound of the rushing Wenatchee River was also very nice.</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52095325935">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52095325935_8438fb5919_c.jpg" alt="Wenatchee River in Tumwater Canyon" title="Wenatchee River in Tumwater Canyon"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52094850183">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52094850183_2b7c94e38d_c.jpg" alt="US 2 in Tumwater Canyon" title="US 2 in Tumwater Canyon"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52095068099">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52095068099_2c84a3a499_c.jpg" alt="Wenatchee River" title="Wenatchee River"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52094829636">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52094829636_9b3eae2ef6_c.jpg" alt="On US 2 in Tumwater Canyon" title="On US 2 in Tumwater Canyon"/>
</a>
</div>
<p>When I was finally approaching Leavenworth, traffic slowed down significantly, down to stop-and-go in the town proper. While I trundled along, I kept an eye out for the familiar Bavarian-themed sights from <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/albums/72157697398555535">last time</a>, and finally left the highway when I saw a good spot. There was even motorcycle-specific parking!</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52095066949">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52095066949_01190d5f4e_c.jpg" alt=""Reserved for Motorcycle Parking": Very nice!" title=""Reserved for Motorcycle Parking""/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52095066809">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52095066809_08c0c71091_c.jpg" alt="Commercial Street, Leavenworth" title="Commercial Street, Leavenworth"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52094828921">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52094828921_6db0cc72c4_c.jpg" alt="Commercial Street, Leavenworth" title="Commercial Street, Leavenworth"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52095066699">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52095066699_f528d9a68a_c.jpg" alt="Tumwater Mountain Over Leavenworth" title="Tumwater Mountain Over Leavenworth"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52093802927">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52093802927_d6d95ce233_c.jpg" alt="Obertal Inn" title="Obertal Inn"/>
</a>
</div>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">👍 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/motorcycle?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#motorcycle</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/leavenworth?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#leavenworth</a> (@ Leavenworth in WA) <a href="https://t.co/Gg9G4rs713">https://t.co/Gg9G4rs713</a> <a href="https://t.co/XW9cw44Zzh">pic.twitter.com/XW9cw44Zzh</a></p>— 竹下憲二 (@takeshita_kenji) <a href="https://twitter.com/takeshita_kenji/status/1528436374327664642?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 22, 2022</a></blockquote>
<p>I was pretty hungry at this point, so after I took off some layers, I headed to a bakery that looked good. Unfortunately, they only had leftover breakfast pastries and wouldn't be opening for lunch for an hour, so I had to look elsewhere. Thankfully, not far from where I'd parked was a tiny cafe that wasn't too busy.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">I'm at Valley Cafe in Leavenworth, WA <a href="https://t.co/elXiVxLfLW">https://t.co/elXiVxLfLW</a> <a href="https://t.co/BSZ02eHVEh">pic.twitter.com/BSZ02eHVEh</a></p>— 竹下憲二 (@takeshita_kenji) <a href="https://twitter.com/takeshita_kenji/status/1528440087817637889?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 22, 2022</a></blockquote>
</div>
<div class="postsection">
<h4>Inbound</h4>
<div class="postimage postmap">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52099864735">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52099864735_e7802d202a_b.jpg" alt="Inbound" title="Inbound"/>
</a>
</div>
<p>Since I had a feeling Stevens Pass would still be cold, I layered up yet again, and since I knew there wouldn't be gas for a while, I quickly got some gas at the local combination 76/Subway, then headed out.</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52095066299">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52095066299_cc5e32758b_c.jpg" alt="Leavenworth 76 and Subway" title="Leavenworth 76 and Subway"/>
</a>
</div>
<p>Traffic wasn't so bad in this direction. Near the pass, I ended up tailing a white pickup truck, who I kept behind all the way down, well past Skykomish. At some point after I lost them, another driver pulled over to let me pass them under the same circumstances as before.</p>
<p>After a quick stop at the grocery store in Gold Bar to both use the restroom and lose my extra layers again, I continued west along US 2.</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52095066214">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52095066214_d8727b343c_c.jpg" alt="Gold Bar Family Grocer" title="Gold Bar Family Grocer"/>
</a>
</div>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">I'm at Gold Bar Family Grocer in Gold Bar, WA <a href="https://t.co/TpD8Kfx9A3">https://t.co/TpD8Kfx9A3</a></p>— 竹下憲二 (@takeshita_kenji) <a href="https://twitter.com/takeshita_kenji/status/1528471985436639240?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 22, 2022</a></blockquote>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Sure is warm out now!</p>— 竹下憲二 (@takeshita_kenji) <a href="https://twitter.com/takeshita_kenji/status/1528472105464893440?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 22, 2022</a></blockquote>
<p>As I passed Startup and approached Sultan, traffic became stop-and-go, so I left the highway to cruise along city streets in Sultan, then headed west along Ben Howard Road. I was familiar with how hilly and windy it was, but it really felt like a roller coaster this time since I was taking corners with more confidence! Along the way, I rode past one stopped motorcycle rider, and another one passed me, with the stopped one catching up to me towards the end of the road. Since they were of similar ages and riding similar bikes, I'd guess they were riding together.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Traffic on US 2 around Sultan was horrible, so I took Ben Howard Road instead.</p>— 竹下憲二 (@takeshita_kenji) <a href="https://twitter.com/takeshita_kenji/status/1528485792514908160?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 22, 2022</a></blockquote>
<p>My last stop on the way home was at the Chevron in Monroe for both gas and more Nacho Cheese Bugles.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">I'm at <a href="https://twitter.com/Chevron?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Chevron</a> in Monroe, WA <a href="https://t.co/FY27nOXml1">https://t.co/FY27nOXml1</a></p>— 竹下憲二 (@takeshita_kenji) <a href="https://twitter.com/takeshita_kenji/status/1528485554370842624?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 22, 2022</a></blockquote>
<p>After dealing with bad traffic on SR-522 near I-405, I was hit with more stop-and-go traffic on I-5 just south of the I-405 interchange. Since I'd gotten over to the HOV lane at speed prior to the slowdown, I exited the freeway via the Lynnwood Transit Center ramp, then took SR-99 and Greenwood Avenue home.</p>
</div>
<p>I'd later chat with my partner about cars pulling over, and she said that she didn't like driving with motorcycles in front or behind, so maybe it was the same for these drivers.</p>
Neil E. Hodgeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06096087090901980142noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7021228780421697859.post-13989956855583454632022-05-26T16:40:00.006-07:002022-05-26T17:51:23.659-07:00Roslyn and Cle Elum Lake (2022-05-21) <div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52095106885">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52095106885_7065786372_c.jpg" alt="French Cabin Mountain Over Lake Cle ELum" title="French Cabin Mountain Over Lake Cle ELum"/>
</a>
</div>
<p class="summary">Headed over Snoqualmie Pass again to check out Roslyn, which had been on my list of places to see for a long time. The town was lovely. I also headed up to Cle Elum Lake and the Cle Elum River, despite the weather turning.</p>
<div class="postlink">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/albums/72177720299194865">Geotagged Album</a>
</div>
<p>Past ride albums:</p>
<div class="postlink">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/albums/72177720298584515">Snoqualmie Pass & Cle Elum (2022-05-01) (Album)</a>
</div>
<div class="postlink">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/albums/72157653886851350">John Wayne Pioneer Trail (Album)</a>
</div>
<div class="postlink">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/albums/72157659220252061">Bicycle Quarterly Un-meeting 2015 (Album)</a>
</div>
<p>More after the break…</p>
<a name='more'></a>
<div class="postsection"><h4>Outbound</h4><div class="postimage postmap"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52098967205"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52098967205_a88c47ccb6_b.jpg" alt="Outbound" title="Outbound"/></a></div><p>I'd originally planned this ride to include my partner as a passenger, so I planned to start at 8 AM so she wouldn't have to get up too early. When the time drew near, she said she was too tired, so this was a solo ride starting at that time.</p><p>Getting up to the Snoqualmie Pass was quite fun! Back when I had this Bonneville as my only bike, I thought that it was difficult to get on the side of the tire, but it wasn't difficult at all now. Riding my Ninja must've trained me to be more confident when cornering, so I was able to take I-90's curves at speed.</p><p>When I did finally arrive at Snoqualmie Pass, I was surprised at how busy it was compared to <a href="/2022/05/snoqualmie-pass-cle-elum-2022-05-01.html">last time</a>. When I got a pastry and hot chocolate, there was a line at Laconia Market's till.</p><div class="postimage postphoto"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52093607652"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52093607652_ddafcfbe5b_c.jpg" alt="Denny Mountain" title="Denny Mountain"/></a></div><div class="postimage postphoto"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52094633591"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52094633591_2b87113cd0_c.jpg" alt="Guye Peak" title="Guye Peak"/></a></div><div class="postimage postphoto"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52095130160"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52095130160_aa93efd2b0_c.jpg" alt="The Summit at Snoqualmie" title="The Summit at Snoqualmie"/></a></div><div class="postimage postphoto"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52094846474"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52094846474_d30a2c1318_c.jpg" alt="The Firehouse" title="The Firehouse"/></a></div><div class="postimage postphoto"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52094653213"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52094653213_117c8b1d0a_c.jpg" alt="Snoqualmie Pass" title="Snoqualmie Pass"/></a></div><p>I was also surprised to see someone taking the pass by bicycle, since the Snoqualmie Pass Tunnel is the usual bicycle route. I'm guessing it hadn't opened yet.</p><div class="postimage postphoto"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52094633081"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52094633081_1ba4583665_c.jpg" alt="Jamis Nova at Snoqualmie Pass: I don't recall seeing the rider anywhere." title="Jamis Nova at Snoqualmie Pass"/></a></div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Here we go again! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/motorcycle?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#motorcycle</a> (@ Laconia Market in North Bend, WA) <a href="https://t.co/gBETGlWDYf">https://t.co/gBETGlWDYf</a> <a href="https://t.co/5XYlI7rS2G">pic.twitter.com/5XYlI7rS2G</a></p>— 竹下憲二 (@takeshita_kenji) <a href="https://twitter.com/takeshita_kenji/status/1528046405763403776?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 21, 2022</a></blockquote><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">It sure is busy up here.</p>— 竹下憲二 (@takeshita_kenji) <a href="https://twitter.com/takeshita_kenji/status/1528046736014397440?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 21, 2022</a></blockquote><hr/><p>My next stop was in Roslyn, one of the main goals of this trip. Back when I joined the <a href="/2015/09/bicicle-quarterly-un-meeting-2015-2015.html">2015 BQ Un-meeting</a>, I recall some riders heading over there, but my knee hurt too much for me to do much riding at all once in Cle Elum.</p><div class="postimage postphoto"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52094632926"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52094632926_d0ba72637e_c.jpg" alt="Parked in Roslyn" title="Parked in Roslyn"/></a></div><div class="postimage postphoto"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52094632736"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52094632736_14c8d164bc_c.jpg" alt="W Pennsylvania Avenue, Roslyn" title="W Pennsylvania Avenue, Roslyn"/></a></div><div class="postimage postphoto"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52093606362"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52093606362_b7dd4267c3_c.jpg" alt="E Pennsylvania Avenue, Roslyn" title="E Pennsylvania Avenue, Roslyn"/></a></div><div class="postimage postphoto"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52094651998"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52094651998_1cd3184798_c.jpg" alt="N 1st Street, Roslyn" title="N 1st Street, Roslyn"/></a></div><div class="postimage postphoto"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52093604422"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52093604422_29f4818d70_c.jpg" alt="W Pennsylvania Avenue, Roslyn" title="W Pennsylvania Avenue, Roslyn"/></a></div><div class="postimage postphoto"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52093604332"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52093604332_9758b77487_c.jpg" alt="Logan's" title="Logan's"/></a></div><div class="postimage postphoto"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52093603072"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52093603072_6d7cfab0fc_c.jpg" alt="W Washington Avenue, Roslyn" title="W Washington Avenue, Roslyn"/></a></div><div class="postimage postphoto"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52093602212"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52093602212_5300c2d1d0_c.jpg" alt="Roslyn, Washington" title="Roslyn, Washington"/></a></div><div class="postimage postphoto"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52095124335"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52095124335_34f49ebca5_c.jpg" alt="W Pennsylvania Avenue" title="W Pennsylvania Avenue"/></a></div><div class="postimage postphoto"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52094647403"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52094647403_7ccff5c6e5_c.jpg" alt="Roslyn Theatre" title="Roslyn Theatre"/></a></div><div class="postimage postphoto"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52093600432"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52093600432_b56fa2340a_c.jpg" alt="Roslyn Fire Department" title="Roslyn Fire Department"/></a></div><div class="postimage postphoto"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52094864124"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52094864124_20af6a5483_c.jpg" alt="Southwest Roslyn" title="Southwest Roslyn"/></a></div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">I'm at City of Roslyn in WA <a href="https://t.co/BYIw2oKP8j">https://t.co/BYIw2oKP8j</a></p>— 竹下憲二 (@takeshita_kenji) <a href="https://twitter.com/takeshita_kenji/status/1528061094820040704?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 21, 2022</a></blockquote><p>A tiny farmers' market was taking place at a little square in town.</p><div class="postimage postphoto"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52093605382"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52093605382_4f7e788de5_c.jpg" alt="Roslyn Farmers' Market" title="Roslyn Farmers' Market"/></a></div><div class="postimage postphoto"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52093605272"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52093605272_0c84b05939_c.jpg" alt="Roslyn Farmers' Market" title="Roslyn Farmers' Market"/></a></div><p>And there were a lot of amenities devoted to Roslyn's coal mining history, like a miners' memorial and an outdoor museum.</p><div class="postimage postphoto"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52094868554"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52094868554_c43e784c95_c.jpg" alt="Coal Miners' Memorial" title="Coal Miners' Memorial" class="skinny"/></a></div><div class="postimage postphoto"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52094649928"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52094649928_e1155da967_c.jpg" alt="Roslyn Museum: Coal Mine Train" title="Roslyn Museum: Coal Mine Train"/></a></div><div class="postimage postphoto"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52094866369"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52094866369_bde410c050_c.jpg" alt="Roslyn Museum" title="Roslyn Museum"/></a></div><div class="postimage postphoto"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52095126505"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52095126505_72f1502fa1_c.jpg" alt="Roslyn Museum: Fire Shed" title="Roslyn Museum: Fire Shed"/></a></div><p>Oh, and Heritage Distilling has a <em>huge</em> brick building as their location here.</p><div class="postimage postphoto"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52095121720"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52095121720_b60040b546_c.jpg" alt="Heritage Distilling Company" title="Heritage Distilling Company"/></a></div><p>I was surprised at all of the folks I saw riding bicycles out there, though they were mainly mountain bikes unlike back in, say, Snohomish.</p><div class="postimage postphoto"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52093605537"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52093605537_86f7cdac86_c.jpg" alt="Ride Roslyn Bikes" title="Ride Roslyn Bikes"/></a></div><p>The Coal Mines Trail/Roslyn Urban Forest must be fun to explore!</p><div class="postimage postphoto"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52094865274"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52094865274_2b7d3870f1_c.jpg" alt="Coal Mines Trail: I should check this out on the bicycle someday!" title="Coal Mines Trail"/></a></div><div class="postimage postphoto"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52094864899"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52094864899_a432301ced_c.jpg" alt="Roslyn Pioneer Park Restrooms" title="Roslyn Pioneer Park Restrooms"/></a></div><div class="postimage postphoto"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52094864794"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52094864794_84fb90e9a2_c.jpg" alt=""Coal Mines Trail"" title=""Coal Mines Trail""/></a></div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Cycling?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Cycling</a> is very popular out here! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/bicycle?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#bicycle</a></p>— 竹下憲二 (@takeshita_kenji) <a href="https://twitter.com/takeshita_kenji/status/1528072641759703040?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 21, 2022</a></blockquote><p>In the middle of my photo walk, I got food at the Roslyn Cafe, since much wasn't open yet.</p><div class="postimage postphoto"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52095127510"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52095127510_54ae115b08_c.jpg" alt="Roslyn Cafe" title="Roslyn Cafe"/></a></div><p>While eating, the server asked why I was up there, and she told me to check out Cooper Lake. Definitely something for next time.</p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">I'm at Roslyn Cafe in Roslyn, WA <a href="https://t.co/YZ8yFxrNjw">https://t.co/YZ8yFxrNjw</a> <a href="https://t.co/g30PSxSqMa">pic.twitter.com/g30PSxSqMa</a></p>— 竹下憲二 (@takeshita_kenji) <a href="https://twitter.com/takeshita_kenji/status/1528075860825317376?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 21, 2022</a></blockquote><hr/> <p>When I left the Roslyn Cafe, the weather was looking a bit sketchy, but I still headed out towards Cle Elum Lake, stopping at the small town of Ronald along the way.</p><div class="postimage postphoto"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52094859999"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52094859999_0f092e79a7_c.jpg" alt="Ronald General Store" title="Ronald General Store"/></a></div><div class="postimage postphoto"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52093597652"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52093597652_9647bb17a4_c.jpg" alt="Ronald House" title="Ronald House"/></a></div><div class="postimage postphoto"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52093597257"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52093597257_3a0e203747_c.jpg" alt="Fan House Road, Ronald" title="Fan House Road, Ronald"/></a></div><div class="postimage postphoto"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52094859234"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52094859234_4745a2a55b_c.jpg" alt="Washington State Route 903, Ronald" title="Washington State Route 903, Ronald"/></a></div><div class="postimage postphoto"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52095119430"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52095119430_5984886e27_c.jpg" alt="The Old #3" title="The Old #3"/></a></div><p>As I went along Salmon La Sac Road, it started to pour down rain, which prompted me to pull over in a driveway where some bicyclists were looking to turn back. I contemplated doing the same, but decided to suit up in my rain gear and continue along my way.</p><div class="postimage postphoto"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52095119155"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52095119155_a3b5992d86_c.jpg" alt="On Salmon La Sac Road: This is when it started pouring down rain." title="On Salmon La Sac Road" class="skinny"/></a></div><div class="postimage postphoto"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52094623006"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52094623006_3c929670bf_c.jpg" alt="Salmon La Sac Road: This is when it started pouring down rain. These cyclists were taking shelter for a moment before turning back." title="Salmon La Sac Road" class="skinny"/></a></div><p>Continuing ended up being the right choice. While bicycling (exercising) in waterproof rain gear is a sad affair, motorcycle riding is only slightly uncomfortable, and only when it's warm!</p><p>My next stop was at the old Salmon La Sac railway depot. I spent some time walking around the area and getting some of my kind of photos!</p><div class="postimage postphoto"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52095118760"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52095118760_6fffd3d5e4_c.jpg" alt="Parked at Cayuse Horse Camp" title="Parked at Cayuse Horse Camp"/></a></div><div class="postimage postphoto"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52094622826"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52094622826_13e8953d4c_c.jpg" alt="Salmon La Sac Road, Cayuse Horse Camp" title="Salmon La Sac Road, Cayuse Horse Camp"/></a></div><div class="postimage postphoto"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52094857219"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52094857219_49a7acd6dc_c.jpg" alt="Historic Railroad Depot" title="Historic Railroad Depot"/></a></div><div class="postimage postphoto"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52094857009"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52094857009_ef528874b6_c.jpg" alt="Salmon La Sac Road and Cle Elum Valley Road" title="Salmon La Sac Road and Cle Elum Valley Road"/></a></div><div class="postimage postphoto"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52094621141"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52094621141_60f40444ca_c.jpg" alt="Salmon La Sac Road Cle Elum River Bridge" title="Salmon La Sac Road Cle Elum River Bridge"/></a></div><div class="postimage postphoto"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52093594262"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52093594262_0341d631b4_c.jpg" alt="Cle Elum River" title="Cle Elum River"/></a></div><div class="postimage postphoto"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52094640093"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52094640093_407056c8b4_c.jpg" alt="Red Mountain Over Cle Elum River" title="Red Mountain Over Cle Elum River" class="skinny"/></a></div><div class="postimage postphoto"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52094855029"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52094855029_c254dcec09_c.jpg" alt="Old Bridge Abutment" title="Old Bridge Abutment" class="skinny"/></a></div><div class="postimage postphoto"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52095115665"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52095115665_3d220548a0_c.jpg" alt="Salmon La Sac Road" title="Salmon La Sac Road"/></a></div><div class="postimage postphoto"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52094619081"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52094619081_e4c1003069_c.jpg" alt="Cle Elum River" title="Cle Elum River"/></a></div><p>Seeing all of the gravel fire roads stirred up the idea of someday getting a dual sport to check them out.</p><div class="postimage postphoto"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52093592867"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52093592867_1919c4c325_c.jpg" alt=""Motorcycles & riders on Forest Service roads must be street legal"" title=""Motorcycles & riders on Forest Service roads must be street legal""/></a></div></div>
<div class="postsection">
<h4>Inbound</h4>
<div class="postimage postmap">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52098464196">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52098464196_54479fc89f_b.jpg" alt="Inbound" title="Inbound"/>
</a>
</div>
<p>The return ride along Salmon La Sac Road featured a number of photo stops since I was so excited to be out in the foothills again.</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52094618741">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52094618741_4cc1477b3e_c.jpg" alt="Parked on National Forest Service Development Road 46" title="Parked on National Forest Service Development Road 46"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52094854604">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52094854604_558b276dc1_c.jpg" alt="Salmon La Sac Swimming Hole Parking Lot" title="Salmon La Sac Swimming Hole Parking Lot"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52094637673">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52094637673_0848d9cf22_c.jpg" alt="Pollalie South Knob Over Cle Elum River" title="Pollalie South Knob Over Cle Elum River"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52094853069">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52094853069_c5442603cd_c.jpg" alt="Red Mountain" title="Red Mountain"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52095113290">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52095113290_5efb8848b6_c.jpg" alt="Parked at Salmon La Sac Fishing Hole Park" title="Parked at Salmon La Sac Fishing Hole Park" class="skinny"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52094636623">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52094636623_ae660dc1f2_c.jpg" alt="Parked at French Cabin Sno-Park" title="Parked at French Cabin Sno-Park"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52094636173">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52094636173_a8e5049dc5_c.jpg" alt="National Forest Service Development Road 4308 Cle Elum River Bridge" title="National Forest Service Development Road 4308 Cle Elum River Bridge"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52094851869">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52094851869_de34bd9491_c.jpg" alt="National Forest Service Development Road 4308 Cle Elum River Bridge" title="National Forest Service Development Road 4308 Cle Elum River Bridge"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52094635893">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52094635893_44aab5ed46_c.jpg" alt="Cle Elum River" title="Cle Elum River"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52095111920">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52095111920_340186d052_c.jpg" alt="Mount Baldy Over Cle Elum River" title="Mount Baldy Over Cle Elum River"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52094615401">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52094615401_84b433ede0_c.jpg" alt="National Forest Service Development Road 4308" title="National Forest Service Development Road 4308" class="skinny"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52094635148">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52094635148_2f5ebd9693_c.jpg" alt="Red Mountain" title="Red Mountain"/>
</a>
</div>
<p>And I also finally got some photos of Cle Elum Lake itself at a couple of the viewpoints marked with stone walls.</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52094846569">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52094846569_3a0b6069ec_c.jpg" alt="Cle Elum Lake" title="Cle Elum Lake"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52094634318">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52094634318_ff019139b1_c.jpg" alt="Red Mountain Over Cle Elum Lake" title="Red Mountain Over Cle Elum Lake"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52094634053">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52094634053_41b5c38afd_c.jpg" alt="Cle Elum Lake Trees" title="Cle Elum Lake Trees"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52093587382">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52093587382_5c2e1999bb_c.jpg" alt="Cle Elum Lake" title="Cle Elum Lake"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52094613676">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52094613676_f3fa9c6a5e_c.jpg" alt="Parked on Salmon La Sac Road" title="Parked on Salmon La Sac Road"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52093587312">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52093587312_22a48a9019_c.jpg" alt="Red Mountain" title="Red Mountain"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52093586427">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52093586427_2e233d5ccc_c.jpg" alt="Parked on Salmon La Sac Road" title="Parked on Salmon La Sac Road"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52093585512">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52093585512_379e3544bb_c.jpg" alt="Salmon La Sac Rock Cut" title="Salmon La Sac Rock Cut"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52093585187">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52093585187_e7827dd24f_c.jpg" alt="French Cabin Mountain Over Lake Cle ELum" title="French Cabin Mountain Over Lake Cle ELum"/>
</a>
</div>
<hr/>
<p>I then proceeded to head back home, with only making a quick stop in Roslyn for the restroom. I kept my rain gear on since there were scattered downpours throughout the mountains, with the last two being on I-90 on the west side of the pass.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Last stop before heading home.<br/><br/>There's rain here and there, so I had to put on my rain gear. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/motorcycle?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#motorcycle</a></p>— 竹下憲二 (@takeshita_kenji) <a href="https://twitter.com/takeshita_kenji/status/1528120835923320832?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 21, 2022</a></blockquote>
<p>Oh, and I also got gas and a some Nacho Cheese Bugles at the 76 in North Bend.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Needed a snack. (@ 76 Station in North Bend, WA) <a href="https://t.co/5ORY2rq8ib">https://t.co/5ORY2rq8ib</a></p>— 竹下憲二 (@takeshita_kenji) <a href="https://twitter.com/takeshita_kenji/status/1528138039469424640?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 21, 2022</a></blockquote>
<hr/>
<p>Things were going reasonably smoothly along the freeways the way home. I latched onto a fast platoon on I-90 for quite some time, likely hitting the 100 MPH mark as I followed. However, things slowed down significantly as I approached the I-90/I-405 interchange. Seeing the backup, I headed for I-405, then SR-520, which turned out to also be a pretty bad idea. Traffic was seemingly fine here, too, until I neared the Montlake Boulevard exit. I decided to try my luck at city streets, but was stuck at the exit for a <em>ridiculously</em> long time that was only made worse by overheating in my rain gear, due to the Montlake Bridge closure that I'd forgotten about. After hanging right on Montlake Boulevard, then doing a U-turn, I went along Boyer Avenue to cross at the University Bridge instead.</p>
<p>I thought things were all clear, until I found a long lines of cars all around the NE 40th Street/7th Avenue SE/NE 40th Street intersection. At one point, a car tried to share the lane to my left, and the driver only gave a fake smile as I gestured "what do you think you're doing?" The strangest thing was that there was almost no traffic on NE Pacific Street, so everyone must've been going some other way through the intersection.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">People around the University District are driving especially stupid today! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Seattle?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Seattle</a></p>— 竹下憲二 (@takeshita_kenji) <a href="https://twitter.com/takeshita_kenji/status/1528167244550709248?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 22, 2022</a></blockquote>
<p>Despite all that mess, the rest of my ride home was smooth.</p>
</div>
<p>This ride feels like it marked the start of motorcycle season in the Pacific Northwest. I saw all kinds of sportbike riders all over, which I usually don't see during the cold season.</p>Neil E. Hodgeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06096087090901980142noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7021228780421697859.post-61714713336598009822022-05-06T09:51:00.006-07:002022-05-06T19:29:28.206-07:00Snoqualmie Pass & Cle Elum (2022-05-01) <div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52045732396">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52045732396_1aecbd9bec_c.jpg" alt="Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX at Alpenhaus Lodge" title="Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX at Alpenhaus Lodge"/>
</a>
</div>
<p class="summary">My first ride to Eastern Washington! Also my first time up to Snoqualmie Pass via the road, as I'd previously only gone through the Palouse to Cascades Trail tunnel.</p>
<div class="postlink">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/albums/72177720298584515">Geotagged Album</a>
</div>
<p>Previous times in the area::</p>
<div class="postlink">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/albums/72157681416756891">Teanaway Community Forest (Album)</a>
</div>
<div class="postlink">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/albums/72157659220252061">Bicycle Quarterly Un-meeting 2015 (Album)</a>
</div>
<p>I'd originally planned this ride so my partner could join me, but since she ended up having to do something for work, I extended it from Snoqualmie Pass to Cle Elum.</p>
<p>More after the break…</p>
<a name='more'></a>
<div class="postsection">
<h4>Outbound</h4>
<div class="postimage postmap">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52050445480">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52050445480_69f6a56641_b.jpg" alt="Outbound" title="Outbound"/>
</a>
</div>
<p>As usual, I started at around 7 AM then headed out on I-5 and I-90. It was a pretty uneventful for much of the way, but I started taking curves more at speed as I got through the windy sections of I-90 in the mountains.</p>
<p>After about an hour, I arrived at Snoqualmie Pass, then explored the area while taking photos. It was at this point when I realized that I'd forgotten my walking GPS, so I had to use my car GPS to track my location. It didn't work, though, until I configured it to never turn the screen off, so I ended up having to manually tag a number of photos later.</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52044691927">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52044691927_3f62d21ba8_c.jpg" alt="Alpenhaus Lodge" title="Alpenhaus Lodge"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52044691807">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52044691807_1b6ae3ac7e_c.jpg" alt="Snoqualmie Pass Visitor Center" title="Snoqualmie Pass Visitor Center"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52044691552">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52044691552_97e17f64de_c.jpg" alt="Alpenhaus Lodge" title="Alpenhaus Lodge"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52046246020">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52046246020_67a7d32a74_c.jpg" alt="Alpenhaus Lodge Plaza" title="Alpenhaus Lodge Plaza"/>
</a>
</div>
<p>Despite all of the snow, the resort at the western edge of the summit was closed.</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52046245560">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52046245560_4b9d883d31_c.jpg" alt="Pacific Crest Ski Lift" title="Pacific Crest Ski Lift"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52045783853">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52045783853_503ee1c387_c.jpg" alt="Ski Lifts" title="Ski Lifts"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52045983914">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52045983914_3abbc15bb3_c.jpg" alt="Athena's Greek Food Truck" title="Athena's Greek Food Truck"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52045730466">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52045730466_83b3fa2d76_c.jpg" alt="Firehouse" title="Firehouse"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52046244535">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52046244535_83ac99801d_c.jpg" alt="I-90 and Washington State Route 906" title="I-90 and Washington State Route 906"/>
</a>
</div>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">It's cold up here! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/motorcycle?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#motorcycle</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/snoqualmiepass?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#snoqualmiepass</a> @ Snoqualmie Pass, Washington <a href="https://t.co/ChQTDiNDBc">https://t.co/ChQTDiNDBc</a></p>— 竹下憲二 (@takeshita_kenji) <a href="https://twitter.com/takeshita_kenji/status/1520785474650058752?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 1, 2022</a></blockquote>
<p>Though, some folks were heading out to ski.</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52046244425">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52046244425_cb998f3c0d_c.jpg" alt="Julie's Chair" title="Julie's Chair"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52045983384">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52045983384_ae2ec97643_c.jpg" alt="Snoqualmie Pass" title="Snoqualmie Pass"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52045782808">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52045782808_103053b9b9_c.jpg" alt="Slide-in Lodge" title="Slide-in Lodge"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52045983119">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52045983119_258e38132f_c.jpg" alt="Alpenhaus Lodge" title="Alpenhaus Lodge"/>
</a>
</div>
<p>Since I really needed to find a restroom, I headed to the open cafe on the other side of the road. After taking care of business, I ordered and consumed a hot chocolate and a slice of cake from the cafe.</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52046243445">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52046243445_b803bb4d7d_c.jpg" alt="Firehouse" title="Firehouse"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52045729391">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52045729391_ea4115779c_c.jpg" alt="Snoqualmie Pass Fire Hydrant" title="Snoqualmie Pass Fire Hydrant"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52045781823">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52045781823_67b1ddb921_c.jpg" alt="Snoqualmie Pass" title="Snoqualmie Pass"/>
</a>
</div>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">I'm at Laconia Market in North Bend, WA <a href="https://t.co/O9SPZ3jKbS">https://t.co/O9SPZ3jKbS</a></p>— 竹下憲二 (@takeshita_kenji) <a href="https://twitter.com/takeshita_kenji/status/1520792474704580608?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 1, 2022</a></blockquote>
<p>And then I went to the nearby gas station to fill up my bike.</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52046242965">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52046242965_d39b19b448_c.jpg" alt="Snoqualmie Pass Snow" title="Snoqualmie Pass Snow"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52046242510">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52046242510_3531451538_c.jpg" alt="Snoqualmie Pass Chevron" title="Snoqualmie Pass Chevron"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52045780978">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52045780978_ba52d35526_c.jpg" alt="Snoqualmie Pass Chervon" title="Snoqualmie Pass Chervon"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52045728371">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52045728371_a9369a7bdc_c.jpg" alt="Summit Inn" title="Summit Inn"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52045715226">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52045715226_508d653c4a_c.jpg" alt="Snoqualmie Pass" title="Snoqualmie Pass"/>
</a>
</div>
<p>There sure are a lot of cabins at the pass!</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52044687762">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52044687762_f43d017847_c.jpg" alt="Pass Life Lofts" title="Pass Life Lofts"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52045981184">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52045981184_64cd08101f_c.jpg" alt="P5010104: The Commonwealth" title="P5010104"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52046241070">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52046241070_0a79c67a7e_c.jpg" alt="Snoqualmie Pass" title="Snoqualmie Pass"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52045726051">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52045726051_166b77ba18_c.jpg" alt="Snoqualmie Pass Cabin" title="Snoqualmie Pass Cabin"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52045780393">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52045780393_0d6be7afca_c.jpg" alt="Lee's Summit Grocery" title="Lee's Summit Grocery"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52046240965">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52046240965_28f4d78558_c.jpg" alt="Washington State Route 906" title="Washington State Route 906"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52045980054">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52045980054_9ba0d8721a_c.jpg" alt="Espresso Stand" title="Espresso Stand"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52046240580">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52046240580_6bae186ee5_c.jpg" alt="Rampart Ridge" title="Rampart Ridge"/>
</a>
</div>
<hr/>
<p>I then headed to the resort at the central summit, which appeared to be open.</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52046239470">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52046239470_2ed477847a_c.jpg" alt="Summit Central" title="Summit Central"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52045979044">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52045979044_fe75445fb5_c.jpg" alt="Rampart Ridge" title="Rampart Ridge"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52045724766">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52045724766_6baa00f07c_c.jpg" alt="Summit Central Slopes" title="Summit Central Slopes"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52046238645">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52046238645_cbd652ee60_c.jpg" alt="Summit Central" title="Summit Central"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52045724061">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52045724061_d541ee8bb9_c.jpg" alt="Summit Central Slopes" title="Summit Central Slopes"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52046237700">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52046237700_146fd47737_c.jpg" alt="Summit Central Slopes" title="Summit Central Slopes"/>
</a>
</div>
<p>There was a guy who was astonishingly cheerful handling the crossing guard duties.</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52045978194">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52045978194_a017eb5b19_c.jpg" alt="Summit Central Crosswalk: This guy was crazy cheerful." title="Summit Central Crosswalk"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52045777623">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52045777623_c9ddd92e23_c.jpg" alt="Washington State Route 906" title="Washington State Route 906"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52044684787">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52044684787_c2ab0ed485_c.jpg" alt="Summit Central Parking Lot" title="Summit Central Parking Lot"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52044684187">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52044684187_e44c27422d_c.jpg" alt="Rampart Ridge" title="Rampart Ridge"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52045776738">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52045776738_838170498e_c.jpg" alt="Washington State Route 906" title="Washington State Route 906"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52046237910">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52046237910_cf1dd45633_c.jpg" alt="Guye Peak" title="Guye Peak"/>
</a>
</div>
<hr/>
<p>I then headed down the other side of I-90 to Cle Elum. Traffic was a bit heavier on this section, but still quite quick.</p>
<p>My first stop in Cle Elum was the old Milwaukee Road Depot, which I'd previously only seen <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/105592384@N07/21171997823"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/5628/21171997823_632a85a3c1_t.jpg" alt="South Cle Elum Yard Depot: I passed by the old Milwaukee Road depot here in the dead of night." title="South Cle Elum Yard Depot" class="postthumbnail"/>in the dark and by bicycle</a>. I don't recall if it was being used for anything at the time, but it now housed Smokey's Bar-B-Que.</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52045976794">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52045976794_2a661dc6e2_c.jpg" alt="Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX at Old Milwaukee Road Depot: Currently housing Smokey's Bar-B-Que." title="Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX at Old Milwaukee Road Depot"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52045723326">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52045723326_ddd1b6d448_c.jpg" alt="Old Milwaukee Road Substation" title="Old Milwaukee Road Substation"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52046236990">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52046236990_c4502b0aa8_c.jpg" alt="Old Milwaukee Road Depot Parking Lot" title="Old Milwaukee Road Depot Parking Lot"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52045975929">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52045975929_c4eef5ccc1_c.jpg" alt="Old Milwaukee Road Depot: Currently housing Smokey's Bar-B-Que." title="Old Milwaukee Road Depot"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52044682482">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52044682482_235dbf86c5_c.jpg" alt="Peoh Point" title="Peoh Point"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52044682357">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52044682357_a7849b72b5_c.jpg" alt="Palouse to Cascades Trail" title="Palouse to Cascades Trail"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52044682172">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52044682172_0dfa7fb62e_c.jpg" alt="Palouse to Cascades Trail" title="Palouse to Cascades Trail"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52045722176">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52045722176_3f2e285705_c.jpg" alt="Old Milwaukee Road Depot: Currently housing Smokey's Bar-B-Que." title="Old Milwaukee Road Depot"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52045974959">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52045974959_605dc09616_c.jpg" alt="South Cle Elum" title="South Cle Elum"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52045974619">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52045974619_c8f1a5ab1c_c.jpg" alt="Old Milwaukee Road Caboose" title="Old Milwaukee Road Caboose"/>
</a>
</div>
<p>I really enjoyed the sunny, warm weather after the seemingly endless rain in Seattle this Spring. Even the pine trees filled me with enthusiasm!</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">As expected, the weather is a lot nicer over here! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/motorcycle?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#motorcycle</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/cleelum?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#cleelum</a> @ Smokey's Barbque Cle Elum <a href="https://t.co/DQGumATlxd">https://t.co/DQGumATlxd</a></p>— 竹下憲二 (@takeshita_kenji) <a href="https://twitter.com/takeshita_kenji/status/1520815389638283264?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 1, 2022</a></blockquote>
<p>I then headed over to the nearby trailhead for more photos, taking special care to remember my Discover Pass.</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52045715111">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52045715111_6c48c4b495_c.jpg" alt="South Cle Elum Trailhead" title="South Cle Elum Trailhead"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52045973769">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52045973769_3e98105532_c.jpg" alt="South Cle Elum Houses" title="South Cle Elum Houses"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52045773558">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52045773558_0529b31b98_c.jpg" alt="Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX at South Cle Elum Trailhead" title="Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX at South Cle Elum Trailhead"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52045719956">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52045719956_8d3a0c65af_c.jpg" alt="South Cle Elum Buildings" title="South Cle Elum Buildings"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52045719301">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52045719301_53b1514fef_c.jpg" alt="Palouse to Cascades Trail" title="Palouse to Cascades Trail"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52045772473">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52045772473_22c9162b3c_c.jpg" alt="Palouse to Cascades Trail" title="Palouse to Cascades Trail"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52045718336">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52045718336_e2e9834415_c.jpg" alt="Palouse to Cascades Trail" title="Palouse to Cascades Trail"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52044678022">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52044678022_4d0cd46120_c.jpg" alt="South Cle Elum Trailhead" title="South Cle Elum Trailhead"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52045971269">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52045971269_6113e61003_c.jpg" alt="Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX with Discover Pass" title="Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX with Discover Pass" class="skinny"/>
</a>
</div>
<p>Does anybody know what these cabooses are for?</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52045772308">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52045772308_005008b66a_c.jpg" alt="Caboose" title="Caboose"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52044677847">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52044677847_38350a2555_c.jpg" alt="Cabooses" title="Cabooses"/>
</a>
</div>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">I'm at Iron Horse State Park (South Cle Elum trailhead) - <a href="https://twitter.com/WAStatePks?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@wastatepks</a> in Cle Elum, WA <a href="https://t.co/fUEWx7RgHV">https://t.co/fUEWx7RgHV</a></p>— 竹下憲二 (@takeshita_kenji) <a href="https://twitter.com/takeshita_kenji/status/1520821006566318081?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 1, 2022</a></blockquote>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Not sure. I was on the motorcycle.</p>— 竹下憲二 (@takeshita_kenji) <a href="https://twitter.com/takeshita_kenji/status/1520826829518516225?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 1, 2022</a></blockquote>
<hr/>
<p>My next stop was a fairly quick one to take photos of downtown Cle Elum.</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52045771053">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52045771053_89c2f671c1_c.jpg" alt="Cle Elum" title="Cle Elum"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52046231905">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52046231905_74ae2c6976_c.jpg" alt="Cle Elum" title="Cle Elum"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52046231830">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52046231830_23e2b20c4a_c.jpg" alt="Cle Elum" title="Cle Elum"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52044676972">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52044676972_5b8e701898_c.jpg" alt="Cle Elum" title="Cle Elum"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52044676852">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52044676852_9e4430da2c_c.jpg" alt="Cle Elum" title="Cle Elum"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52044676627">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52044676627_f6a49bf6e0_c.jpg" alt="Cavallini's Gift Shop" title="Cavallini's Gift Shop"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52046230840">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52046230840_9317d1313c_c.jpg" alt="Cle Elum Houses" title="Cle Elum Houses"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52045716481">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52045716481_433eeb4a6f_c.jpg" alt="Cle Elum" title="Cle Elum"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52045769793">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52045769793_34be2fa080_c.jpg" alt="Hill" title="Hill"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52045969784">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52045969784_28812cf665_c.jpg" alt="Peoh Point" title="Peoh Point"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52045769238">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52045769238_bfd4d46840_c.jpg" alt="Cle Elum" title="Cle Elum"/>
</a>
</div>
<p>Followed by a food stop at the local Safeway, which brought back memories of <a href="/2015/09/bicicle-quarterly-un-meeting-2015-2015.html">last time</a>. Right when I parked, an older lady driving a shiny new Subaru BRZ parked across from me, and when she left shortly before I did, she commented on how nice the weather was for time on the road.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Haven't been to this Safeway in years! (at <a href="https://twitter.com/Safeway?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Safeway</a> in Cle Elum, WA) <a href="https://t.co/r5w0QDRd9W">https://t.co/r5w0QDRd9W</a></p>— 竹下憲二 (@takeshita_kenji) <a href="https://twitter.com/takeshita_kenji/status/1520833101869596672?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 1, 2022</a></blockquote>
</div>
<div class="postsection">
<h4>Inbound</h4>
<div class="postimage postmap">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52049951931">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52049951931_07b414c69a_b.jpg" alt="Inbound" title="Inbound"/>
</a>
</div>
<p>Like my ride out to Cle Elum, the return trip was fast with lots of heavy leaning into curves at speed, and what a blast it was! Though, I did slow down to rest in the right lane for a while at one point.</p>
<p>I did have to make one stop in North Bend for gas, as I was keeping the RPMs pretty high out on the freeway.</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52045714971">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52045714971_831abe8fd5_c.jpg" alt="North Bend 76" title="North Bend 76"/>
</a>
</div>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Putting that inline-four to good use! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/motorcycle?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#motorcycle</a> (@ 76 Station in North Bend, WA) <a href="https://t.co/qKbj1EpJ44">https://t.co/qKbj1EpJ44</a></p>— 竹下憲二 (@takeshita_kenji) <a href="https://twitter.com/takeshita_kenji/status/1520852256798777344?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 1, 2022</a></blockquote>
<p>Then I went straight home. Traffic on I-90 was more or less fine, but I-5 in downtown was its usual terrible. Once off the freeway, it was stop and go most of the way back to Ballard.</p>
<p>And with all that, I completed my mission: I was at 627 miles, 27 past my target for the first service later the following week!</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Finally got past the 600 mile marker! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/motorcycle?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#motorcycle</a></p>— 竹下憲二 (@takeshita_kenji) <a href="https://twitter.com/takeshita_kenji/status/1520869934292643840?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 1, 2022</a></blockquote>
</div>Neil E. Hodgeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06096087090901980142noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7021228780421697859.post-47759719691137669702022-05-06T08:36:00.002-07:002022-05-06T08:36:24.532-07:00Roozengaarde Tulips (2022-04-23,24) <div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52037368087">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52037368087_f521c30e92_c.jpg" alt="Roozengaarde Windmills" title="Roozengaarde Windmills"/>
</a>
</div>
<p class="summary">My partner and I headed up to Roozengaarde to see the tulip festival there on Sunday. We were originally intending to do it on Saturday, but traffic was horrendous! It took us two hours to get only as far as Marysville!</p>
<div class="postlink">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/albums/72177720298505098">Geotagged Album</a>
</div>
<p>More after the break…</p>
<a name='more'></a>
<div class="postsection">
<h4>Saturday</h4>
<p>After rushing home from our <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/albums/72177720298513339">Bainbridge Island Trip</a>, we geared up and hopped on my new Kawasaki Ninja for its first real ride. I ran into a bit of an issue with the GPS mount my dad had set up: all of the screws were loose. Rather than wasting more time messing around with that, we headed up without a GPS to guide us.</p>
<p>Once on the bike, things went fairly smoothly until we reached South Everett, where we ran into the worst stop-and-go traffic I'd ever seen on the freeway. It lasted for miles, and after two hours we only got to Marysville! My partner wasn't feeling well at that point, so we stopped by the Fred Meyer for lunch and turned back home.</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52038659684">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52038659684_6f9eeeb39b_c.jpg" alt="Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX with Top Case: Finally got the luggage situation sorted out!" title="Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX with Top Case"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52038927075">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52038927075_6f2735b956_c.jpg" alt="Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX at Marysville Regal 14" title="Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX at Marysville Regal 14" class="skinny"/>
</a>
</div>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">I thought the autoblipper would be really nice, but I could honestly take it or leave it after riding with it for a while. The upward quickshifter, however, is very convenient! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/motorcycle?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#motorcycle</a></p>— 竹下憲二 (@takeshita_kenji) <a href="https://twitter.com/takeshita_kenji/status/1518034978373705730?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 24, 2022</a></blockquote>
<hr/>
<p>Once back home, I cinched down everything the best I could. The Phillips screws that sandwiched the two halves of the actual mount proved to be terrible, so I had to use a vice grip to tighten them enough.</p>
</div>
<div class="postsection">
<h4>Sunday</h4>
<div class="postsection">
<h5>Outbound</h5>
<div class="postimage postmap">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52046516977">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52046516977_c08c1fbf06_b.jpg" alt="Outbound" title="Outbound" class="skinny"/>
</a>
</div>
<p>Wiser after Saturday's fiasco, we started much earlier, which proved to be the right choice: there was very little traffic on the freeway. I was also able to use the GPS this time. Since I wanted to enjoy the ride more, we left the freeway at the Pioneer Highway exit and headed through Sylvana.</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52038411911">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52038411911_ba76b28dd0_c.jpg" alt="Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX at The Vault: Formerly the Sylvana Mercantile." title="Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX at The Vault"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52038926945">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52038926945_dbc5edc0f0_c.jpg" alt="Sylvana Grain Elevator" title="Sylvana Grain Elevator"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52038927015">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52038927015_9b1e4b85a3_c.jpg" alt="Sylvana" title="Sylvana"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52038463523">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52038463523_75823e264f_c.jpg" alt="Pioneer Highway" title="Pioneer Highway"/>
</a>
</div>
<p id="20220424_earring">It was at the Sylvana stop where one of my partner's earrings disappeared. Since it was one of her non-lobe piercings, we needed to get a replacement so it wouldn't close up. Luckily, there was a piercing shop that would open later in Burlington.</p>
<hr/>
<p>And then we headed up to Stanwood. Since we both needed to use the restroom and were a little hungry, we checked out the Mustard Seed Baking Company in the meantime. The food was good, which explains why they survived despite opening during the pandemic.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">I'm at Mustard Seed Baking Co in Stanwood, WA <a href="https://t.co/Gd4879NHu3">https://t.co/Gd4879NHu3</a></p>— 竹下憲二 (@takeshita_kenji) <a href="https://twitter.com/takeshita_kenji/status/1518262185968893952?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 24, 2022</a></blockquote>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52037369872">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52037369872_fd0b94472c_c.jpg" alt="Vintage Repurposed" title="Vintage Repurposed"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52038659069">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52038659069_0d983cd6bc_c.jpg" alt="C.J. Gunderson Building" title="C.J. Gunderson Building"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52038411416">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52038411416_eda7679621_c.jpg" alt="N.V. King Mall" title="N.V. King Mall"/>
</a>
</div>
<hr/>
<p>We then headed along the Pioneer Highway and frontage roads to Mount Vernon, where we first ran into stop-and-go traffic again, which remained the theme all of the way to Roozengaarde. I wondered what was up, and it turns out they were having people direct traffic at the entrance to allow pedestrians to cross and enter the property, which makes sense. After all that, I was treated to easy parking just for motorcycles near the entrance.</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52038926400">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52038926400_663b48b6de_c.jpg" alt="Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX Parked at Roozengaarde: They had parking just for motorcycles near the entrance!" title="Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX Parked at Roozengaarde"/>
</a>
</div>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">I'm at RoozenGaarde in Mount Vernon, WA <a href="https://t.co/w6VDdNkxaG">https://t.co/w6VDdNkxaG</a></p>— 竹下憲二 (@takeshita_kenji) <a href="https://twitter.com/takeshita_kenji/status/1518277285845118981?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 24, 2022</a></blockquote>
</div>
<div class="postsection">
<h5>Roozengaarde</h5>
<p>The tulips and other flowers at Roozengaarde were very pretty, though my partner wasn't too amused about people walking through the rows in the fields despite signs explicitly telling to not do that. This trip also gave me a chance to use my supertelephoto lens, which was surprisingly apt at macro photos from a distance.</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52038411146">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52038411146_2b7e09d8f3_c.jpg" alt="Model Windmill at Roozengaarde" title="Model Windmill at Roozengaarde"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52038925995">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52038925995_578cc53591_c.jpg" alt="Roozengaarde Cherryblossoms" title="Roozengaarde Cherryblossoms"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52037369512">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52037369512_aacd989dd9_c.jpg" alt="Roozengaarde Roses" title="Roozengaarde Roses"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52038925700">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52038925700_a2f69fb16d_c.jpg" alt="Roozengaarde Cherryblossoms" title="Roozengaarde Cherryblossoms"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52038410421">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52038410421_4f836fe94c_c.jpg" alt="Roozengaarde Tulips" title="Roozengaarde Tulips"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52038462108">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52038462108_277a1d695f_c.jpg" alt="Roozengaarde Crown Imperials" title="Roozengaarde Crown Imperials"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52037368362">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52037368362_6ba3138290_c.jpg" alt="Roozengaarde Tulip" title="Roozengaarde Tulip"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52038654294">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52038654294_4e18fd7f0e_c.jpg" alt="Roozengaarde" title="Roozengaarde"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52038461863">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52038461863_78c5c48d05_c.jpg" alt="Roozengaarde" title="Roozengaarde"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52038924275">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52038924275_7c1b273492_c.jpg" alt="Roozengaarde" title="Roozengaarde"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52038460853">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52038460853_cd5cfb21a2_c.jpg" alt="Roozengaarde" title="Roozengaarde"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52038656104">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52038656104_fd4a61d7be_c.jpg" alt="Skagit Valley Farm" title="Skagit Valley Farm"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52038460098">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52038460098_313a1243ac_c.jpg" alt="Roozengaarde Tulip Rows: People kept walking in them despite signs telling to not do so." title="Roozengaarde Tulip Rows"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52038407796">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52038407796_5cc3a63c95_c.jpg" alt="Roozengaarde Tulip Rows: People kept walking in them despite signs telling to not do so." title="Roozengaarde Tulip Rows"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52038407436">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52038407436_e341f251b8_c.jpg" alt="Roozengaarde Tulip Rows and Sign: People kept walking in them despite signs like this one." title="Roozengaarde Tulip Rows and Sign"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52038407356">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52038407356_957daa901c_c.jpg" alt="Roozengaarde Gift Shop and Offices" title="Roozengaarde Gift Shop and Offices"/>
</a>
</div>
<p>While there, we also got food. I had a hot dog and ice cream, while my partner had a cheeseburger and chips. We also checked out the gift shop, but didn't buy anything.</p>
</div>
<div class="postsection">
<h5>Inbound</h5>
<div class="postimage postmap">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52048069590">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52048069590_191299d9b7_b.jpg" alt="Inbound" title="Inbound" class="skinny"/>
</a>
</div>
<p>As we left, I noted that a Harley rider also showed up to see the tulips.</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52038921905">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52038921905_0456dd8bcf_c.jpg" alt="Harley-Davidson and Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX Parked at Roozengaarde: They had parking just for motorcycles near the entrance!" title="Harley-Davidson and Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX Parked at Roozengaarde"/>
</a>
</div>
<p>Using the GPS, we headed over to Burlington for Only Precision Piercing to replace my partner's <a href="#20220424_earring">lost earring</a>. We didn't see the shop on our first pass, so we looped back onto a side street to check the map more closely before finally finding it on our second attempt.</p>
<p>After a <em>very</em> long wait, the staff was nice enough to give my partner an earring for free. What likely happened was that, since my partner's earring back had stayed in all this time, the staff likely gave her an earring that didn't have a matching back. After all, they couldn't sell an earring without a back.</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/52038406811">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52038406811_98c9934c5c_c.jpg" alt="Only Precision Piercing: One of my partner's earrings fell out, leaving on the backing in the piercing. To prevent said piercing from closing, we had to find a piercing shop nearby that was actually open. Not only was this place open, they even gave her the earring for free!" title="Only Precision Piercing"/>
</a>
</div>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">I'm at Only Precision Piercing in Burlington, WA <a href="https://t.co/EoOpdzsuua">https://t.co/EoOpdzsuua</a></p>— 竹下憲二 (@takeshita_kenji) <a href="https://twitter.com/takeshita_kenji/status/1518309131949645824?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 24, 2022</a></blockquote>
<hr/>
<p>The freeway home was fine most of the way until Lynnwood, where one of the alert signs mentioned that there was a stalled vehicle. Rather than dealing with it, we left the freeway in Mountlake Terrace and took back streets to Aurora. After stopping at Sprouts to check it out and getting gas, we had a very smooth ride home. Why wasn't more of the traffic on I-5 using this detour?</p>
<p>Once home, after we stopped on the entrance ramp and while I was fumbling to get to the garage door opener, a car showed up behind me. (My partner had already gotten off.) She shouted "car", which got me very scared. While I made it down the ramp without trouble, I tripped dropped the bike at the bottom of the ramp. After picking it up, I walked it out of the way to try to start it. A couple of separate cars' drivers asked if I was okay as I passed in, and I told them I was. After dropping it a second time and flipping the kill switch off and on, I got it to start, then rode it down to its parking space.</p>
<hr/>
<p>I was initially mad at my partner about it, but came to my senses afterwards…after being very short with her for a little while. Even though I didn't blame it on her after the air cleared, I did ask her to do the sanding and painting work since I knew I wouldn't do a good job of it. She was kind enough to despite everything that happened, which is another instance showing how lucky I am to have her.</p>
</div>
</div>Neil E. Hodgeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06096087090901980142noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7021228780421697859.post-66503928352965388602022-04-05T06:33:00.004-07:002022-04-05T06:33:53.516-07:00Middle Fork Snoqualmie (2022-03-27) <div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/51966796657">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51966796657_0f9ced5cfb_c.jpg" alt="Triumph Bonneville at CCC Upper Trailhead" title="Triumph Bonneville at CCC Upper Trailhead"/>
</a>
</div>
<p class="summary">My partner and I went on an afternoon ride to Snoqualmie, North Bend, and most of the way up Middle Fork Road, only turning back because I was worried about riding gravel with a passenger.</p>
<div class="postlink">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/albums/72177720297700503">Geotagged Album</a>
</div>
<p>More after the break…</p>
<a name='more'></a>
<div class="postsection">
<h4>Outbound</h4>
<div class="postimage postmap">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/51981973503">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51981973503_dd4b00e8b6_b.jpg" alt="Outbound" title="Outbound"/>
</a>
</div>
<p>We left home starting a little after noon this time. I'd usually avoid leaving Seattle in the afternoon, but my partner really needed more sleep before she was ready for a ride. Unfortunately, this meant dealing with a lot of stop-and-go traffic to not only get to I-5, but also when joining SR-520. Strangely, most of the traffic was headed for Montlake Boulevard, so it was smooth sailing from there all the way to Snoqualmie Parkway, and to where we parked in downtown Snoqualmie.</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/51968366650">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51968366650_09ef313b9d_c.jpg" alt="Triumph Bonneville and Snoqualmie Centennial Log" title="Triumph Bonneville and Snoqualmie Centennial Log"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/51967804561">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51967804561_884cd6b136_c.jpg" alt="Northwest Railway Museum" title="Northwest Railway Museum"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/51967866563">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51967866563_6b59ff34d2_c.jpg" alt="Snoqualmie Market" title="Snoqualmie Market"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/51968366280">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51968366280_7ea360f0c6_c.jpg" alt="Wagon Wheel" title="Wagon Wheel"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/51968366190">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51968366190_eaf346d4b2_c.jpg" alt="Snoqualmie United Methodist Church" title="Snoqualmie United Methodist Church"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/51967804031">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51967804031_c325d9a768_c.jpg" alt="Buckshot Honey Barbecue" title="Buckshot Honey Barbecue"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/51967803921">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51967803921_0d4c16311b_c.jpg" alt="Carmichael's Hardware & Variety" title="Carmichael's Hardware & Variety"/>
</a>
</div>
<p>Since I was overheating a little in all my gear, I thought it'd be nice to get some ice cream at the local ice cream shop. My partner initially didn't like the idea, but acquiesced.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">I'm at Snoqualmie Ice Cream in Snoqualmie, WA <a href="https://t.co/HPtH0dsAlR">https://t.co/HPtH0dsAlR</a> <a href="https://t.co/vW8XDXn7Sm">pic.twitter.com/vW8XDXn7Sm</a></p>— 竹下憲二 (@takeshita_kenji) <a href="https://twitter.com/takeshita_kenji/status/1508183435856293894?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 27, 2022</a></blockquote>
<p>After exploring the <a href="https://www.trainmuseum.org/">Northwest Railway Museum</a> a bit, we headed out.</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/51968365850">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51968365850_67f5a6d4e6_c.jpg" alt="United States Army Medical Railcar" title="United States Army Medical Railcar"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/51968365740">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51968365740_3eb676fddb_c.jpg" alt="Lightweight passenger railcar" title="Lightweight passenger railcar"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/51967803621">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51967803621_692fbd1348_c.jpg" alt="Coal Tip" title="Coal Tip"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/51966798257">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51966798257_5ac787f1b4_c.jpg" alt="Northwest Railway Museum" title="Northwest Railway Museum"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/51967865688">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51967865688_e215850c0e_c.jpg" alt="Carousel and The Bindlestick" title="Carousel and The Bindlestick"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/51968085319">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51968085319_d7a034ab7a_c.jpg" alt="Northwest Railway Museum" title="Northwest Railway Museum"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/51968365205">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51968365205_c5b1d69822_c.jpg" alt="Northwest Railway Museum" title="Northwest Railway Museum"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/51968365030">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51968365030_96e2eb102c_c.jpg" alt="Cherryblossom Tree" title="Cherryblossom Tree"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/51968084834">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51968084834_25c64f2089_c.jpg" alt="SE King Street" title="SE King Street"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/51966797722">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51966797722_ff8b6915d1_c.jpg" alt="Snoqualmie Centennial Log" title="Snoqualmie Centennial Log"/>
</a>
</div>
<hr/>
<p>Our next stop was in North Bend, where we headed to Twede's Cafe for lunch.</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/51968084624">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51968084624_c5d4fe53f3_c.jpg" alt="W North Bend Way" title="W North Bend Way"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/51968364670">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51968364670_76c66cf247_c.jpg" alt="Pioneer Coffee Company" title="Pioneer Coffee Company"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/51968084409">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51968084409_dd321e5e7d_c.jpg" alt="Mountains Over North Bend" title="Mountains Over North Bend"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/51968084519">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51968084519_9b00fd6501_c.jpg" alt="Twede's Cafe" title="Twede's Cafe"/>
</a>
</div>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">I'm at <a href="https://twitter.com/TwedesCafe?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TwedesCafe</a> in North Bend, WA <a href="https://t.co/bXlLABQntl">https://t.co/bXlLABQntl</a> <a href="https://t.co/gObHGFdvKP">pic.twitter.com/gObHGFdvKP</a></p>— 竹下憲二 (@takeshita_kenji) <a href="https://twitter.com/takeshita_kenji/status/1508199853486219267?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 27, 2022</a></blockquote>
<p>While we ate, a couple of women on motorcycles rolled up, so I had to check out their bikes before we left.</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/51966797132">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51966797132_50edb306f0_c.jpg" alt="Twede's Cafe" title="Twede's Cafe"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/51968084184">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51968084184_c0404584bd_c.jpg" alt="Mount Si Over North Bend" title="Mount Si Over North Bend"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/51966797052">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51966797052_ec72a19fc7_c.jpg" alt="North Bend Theatre" title="North Bend Theatre" class="skinny"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/51968083889">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51968083889_1f2a2c8751_c.jpg" alt="Triumph Bonneville and North Bend Theatre" title="Triumph Bonneville and North Bend Theatre"/>
</a>
</div>
<p>The last thing we did before finally leaving North Bend was get gas, but not after waiting for a <em>long</em> time to make a left onto North Bend Way. Traffic in town is horrible!</p>
<hr/>
<p>We left North Bend via Middle Fork Road/National Forest Development Road 5600, as my original plan was to check out the Middle Fork Campground. Unfortunately, that didn't pan out, as some of the road had been resurfaced with gravel following a <a href="https://www.wta.org/news/signpost/hiker-headlines-road-washout-north-cascades-permits-free-day-3-3-22">landslide</a>, and I wasn't comfortable riding a street bike with a passenger on an unfamiliar surface. Thus, we turned back at the CCC Upper Trailhead.</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/51967801906">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51967801906_1063223095_c.jpg" alt="National Forest Development Road 5600: This is where it turned to gravel." title="National Forest Development Road 5600"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/51967802051">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51967802051_0e80792a05_c.jpg" alt="Triumph Bonneville at CCC Upper Trailhead" title="Triumph Bonneville at CCC Upper Trailhead"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/51968363790">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51968363790_3fc056a33b_c.jpg" alt="National Forest Development Road 5600" title="National Forest Development Road 5600"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/51966796492">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51966796492_0f4d8c0a86_c.jpg" alt="National Forest Development Road 5600: This is where it turned to gravel." title="National Forest Development Road 5600" class="skinny"/>
</a>
</div>
</div>
<div class="postsection">
<h4>Inbound</h4>
<div class="postimage postmap">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/51982459705">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51982459705_aec58aabc3_b.jpg" alt="Inbound" title="Inbound"/>
</a>
</div>
<p>We both needed a restroom break by the time we got to the CCC Upper Trailhead, so we stopped by one of the many vault toilets to take care of business.</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/51966796142">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51966796142_cb8ef3785e_c.jpg" alt="Vault Toilet at Oxbow Loop Trailhead" title="Vault Toilet at Oxbow Loop Trailhead"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/51967863348">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51967863348_b735b8031b_c.jpg" alt="National Forest Development Road 5600" title="National Forest Development Road 5600" class="skinny"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/51967863238">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51967863238_3f64904c8d_c.jpg" alt="National Forest Development Road 5600" title="National Forest Development Road 5600"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/51966795567">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51966795567_74674e3bd8_c.jpg" alt="Russian Bute" title="Russian Bute"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/51967800601">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51967800601_b02eea8889_c.jpg" alt="The Pulpit" title="The Pulpit"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/51968362695">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51968362695_3131010409_c.jpg" alt="Cierra and Triumph Bonneville" title="Cierra and Triumph Bonneville"/>
</a>
</div>
<hr/>
<p>Then we headed straight to I-90 for our return trip, but not before being sprinkled on a bit by one of the light showers passing through.</p>
<p>I-90 sure wast fast! Everyone else was going around 90 MPH, so I followed suit. My partner keeps asserting that I was a speed demon, but I was only keeping up with traffic. Things slowed down significantly as we headed west from Issaquah, unfortunately. It was smooth sailing again across the floating bridge, but then we got stuck in stop-and-go traffic on I-5 in downtown Seattle, followed by even worse traffic on the Ship Canal Bridge to our exit at NE 50th Street. This, plus a trip later on, really hammered home that northbound I-5 around UW should be avoided at all costs on weekend afternoons.</p>
<p>Once on NE 50th Street, traffic was reasonable the whole way home.</p>
</div>Neil E. Hodgeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06096087090901980142noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7021228780421697859.post-57519154317696366352022-04-03T16:20:00.004-07:002022-04-03T16:20:56.721-07:00Port Angeles (2022-03-05) <div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/51953193429">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51953193429_dde488126c_c.jpg" alt="Triumph Bonneville on Ediz Hook" title="Triumph Bonneville on Ediz Hook"/>
</a>
</div>
<p class="summary">Went on a motorcycle ride out along the Olympic Peninsula to Port Angeles. It was such a beautiful day for it, too!</p>
<div class="postlink">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/albums/72177720297524614">Geotagged Album</a>
</div>
<p>Previous albums:</p>
<div class="postlink">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/albums/72157677558158161">Port Angeles (Album)</a>
</div>
<div class="postlink">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/albums/72157638695028225">To Victoria (Album)</a>
</div>
<p>More after the break…</p>
<a name='more'></a>
<div class="postsection">
<h4>Part 1: To Ferry</h4>
<div class="postimage postmap">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/51971424918">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51971424918_469b4095cc_b.jpg" alt="Part 1: To Ferry" title="Part 1: To Ferry" class="skinny"/>
</a>
</div>
<p>As usual, I started early and took SR-99 between Fremont and downtown Seattle. After getting off the SR-99 and while I was waiting to turn left on Second Avenue, I saw a one driver making poor decisions: they ran a red light on a cross street right as the car in front of me was starting. I hadn't started moving, though, so it didn't have much of an impact on me. Aside from that, it was pretty much business as usual as I made my way to the ferry terminal.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">On the way here, I saw one car run a red light on a cross street and nearly cause the car in front of me to T-bone it, and another car come at me the wrong way on a one way street. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Seattle?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Seattle</a></p>— 竹下憲二 (@takeshita_kenji) <a href="https://twitter.com/takeshita_kenji/status/1500129820600004610?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 5, 2022</a></blockquote>
<hr/>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">I'm at Seattle Ferry Terminal in Seattle, WA <a href="https://t.co/CGNwt5OrbN">https://t.co/CGNwt5OrbN</a></p>— 竹下憲二 (@takeshita_kenji) <a href="https://twitter.com/takeshita_kenji/status/1500129188493225986?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 5, 2022</a></blockquote>
<p>I had to wait quite a while for the ferry this time, but that gave me time to chat with another motorcycle rider who was headed out that way. Pretty sure he was riding an NT700V, though, and not an NT1100. He had the Honda Deauville panniers installed, which are typically found on the European version of the bike. He mentioned that his shop took care of getting them to fit.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">The chemical smell of a porta-potty evokes the "you're on an adventure beyond the reach of indoor plumbing" for me.</p>— 竹下憲二 (@takeshita_kenji) <a href="https://twitter.com/takeshita_kenji/status/1500131311293325315?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 5, 2022</a></blockquote>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Is there a <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/bicycle?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#bicycle</a> group ride? Lots of cyclists heading to Bremerton. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/seabikes?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#seabikes</a></p>— 竹下憲二 (@takeshita_kenji) <a href="https://twitter.com/takeshita_kenji/status/1500132072156909571?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 5, 2022</a></blockquote>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">A guy riding a Honda NT1100 really liked my Bonneville.</p>— 竹下憲二 (@takeshita_kenji) <a href="https://twitter.com/takeshita_kenji/status/1500140981760393218?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 5, 2022</a></blockquote>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/51952939548">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51952939548_59b946567a_c.jpg" alt="Triumph Bonneville at Colman Dock" title="Triumph Bonneville at Colman Dock"/>
</a>
</div>
</div>
<div class="postsection"><h4>Part 2: Outbound</h4><div class="postimage postmap"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/51971916410"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51971916410_30ae915579_b.jpg" alt="Part 2: Outbound" title="Part 2: Outbound"/></a></div><p>After making my way across Bainbridge Island to the Kitsap Peninsula, I headed straight to Poulsbo. After hitting the restroom at the local Central Market, I then obtained breakfast at Wendy's, since it's kind of hard to get at home without driving, and my past bicycle tours taught me to appreciate fast food breakfasts.</p><div class="postimage postphoto"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/51953176589"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51953176589_ae6e03083a_c.jpg" alt="Poulsbo Wendy's: Got a couple of breakfast sandwiches here." title="Poulsbo Wendy's"/></a></div> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">I'm at Wendy’s - <a href="https://twitter.com/Wendys?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@wendys</a> in Poulsbo, WA <a href="https://t.co/CuY7bKjhIc">https://t.co/CuY7bKjhIc</a> <a href="https://t.co/Tmvv5XPb76">pic.twitter.com/Tmvv5XPb76</a></p>— 竹下憲二 (@takeshita_kenji) <a href="https://twitter.com/takeshita_kenji/status/1500156709163184129?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 5, 2022</a></blockquote><hr/><p>I then cruised through Big Valley, across the Hood Canal Bridge, and over the neck of the Quimper Peninsula along SR-104/US 101 to Jamestown/Blyn where I took a quick break for photos and the restroom.</p><div class="postimage postphoto"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/51952869876"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51952869876_54216d1dd1_c.jpg" alt="Jamestown Rest Area Restrooms" title="Jamestown Rest Area Restrooms"/></a></div><div class="postimage postphoto"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/51953469315"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51953469315_ce6e5fcdee_c.jpg" alt="Jamestown Native American Art Installation" title="Jamestown Native American Art Installation"/></a></div><div class="postimage postphoto"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/51951886387"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51951886387_b03517a28f_c.jpg" alt="Clallam Transit Bus Stop" title="Clallam Transit Bus Stop"/></a></div><div class="postimage postphoto"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/51953468730"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51953468730_dbc7ef3563_c.jpg" alt="Sequim Bay" title="Sequim Bay"/></a></div><div class="postimage postphoto"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/51952942168"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51952942168_153562b93e_c.jpg" alt="Sequim Bay" title="Sequim Bay"/></a></div><div class="postimage postphoto"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/51952942838"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51952942838_69402e2497_c.jpg" alt="Hardwick Point" title="Hardwick Point"/></a></div><div class="postimage postphoto"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/51953471870"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51953471870_29f1771b77_c.jpg" alt="7 Cedars Resort" title="7 Cedars Resort"/></a></div><div class="postimage postphoto"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/51953180144"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51953180144_ae80992f8d_c.jpg" alt="Triumph Bonneville at Jamestown Rest Area" title="Triumph Bonneville at Jamestown Rest Area"/></a></div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">I'm at Washington <a href="https://t.co/ubSQUO6N5h">https://t.co/ubSQUO6N5h</a></p>— 竹下憲二 (@takeshita_kenji) <a href="https://twitter.com/takeshita_kenji/status/1500171668081319937?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 5, 2022</a></blockquote><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">I'm at Jamestown S'Klallam Tribe Scenic Pullout in Blyn, WA <a href="https://t.co/C7bVn5XATw">https://t.co/C7bVn5XATw</a></p>— 竹下憲二 (@takeshita_kenji) <a href="https://twitter.com/takeshita_kenji/status/1500171709609095170?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 5, 2022</a></blockquote><hr/><p>My next stop was in Sequim, similarly for photos of the area.</p><div class="postimage postphoto"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/51952873166"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51952873166_f804af7280_c.jpg" alt="Triumph Bonneville T120 in Sequim" title="Triumph Bonneville T120 in Sequim"/></a></div><div class="postimage postphoto"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/51953180679"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51953180679_e3c76dfe0c_c.jpg" alt="Sequim Houses" title="Sequim Houses"/></a></div><div class="postimage postphoto"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/51952944328"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51952944328_de5006b451_c.jpg" alt="Downtown Sequim" title="Downtown Sequim"/></a></div><div class="postimage postphoto"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/51953181534"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51953181534_00c4b7f6c5_c.jpg" alt="Hurricane Coffee Company & Lavish Day Spa" title="Hurricane Coffee Company & Lavish Day Spa"/></a></div><div class="postimage postphoto"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/51953474630"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51953474630_e8d0af0af9_c.jpg" alt="Downtown Sequim" title="Downtown Sequim"/></a></div><div class="postimage postphoto"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/51953182419"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51953182419_850023a330_c.jpg" alt="Sequim Senior Nutrition" title="Sequim Senior Nutrition"/></a></div><div class="postimage postphoto"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/51953475350"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51953475350_ef48eca246_c.jpg" alt="Downtown Sequim" title="Downtown Sequim"/></a></div><div class="postimage postphoto"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/51953475915"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51953475915_85ac9fac0e_c.jpg" alt="Clallam Transit Bus Shelter" title="Clallam Transit Bus Shelter"/></a></div><div class="postimage postphoto"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/51952875976"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51952875976_48452af437_c.jpg" alt="The Co-Op Family and Garden" title="The Co-Op Family and Garden"/></a></div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">I'm at City of Sequim in WA <a href="https://t.co/or4FQFAn2v">https://t.co/or4FQFAn2v</a></p>— 竹下憲二 (@takeshita_kenji) <a href="https://twitter.com/takeshita_kenji/status/1500181122814201863?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 5, 2022</a></blockquote><p>One thing that really caught my eye was the vacant Texaco that was in great shape. With my retro Bonneville, it looked like these photos could've been taken decades ago!</p><div class="postimage postphoto"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/51952947593"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51952947593_9a5f1299a1_c.jpg" alt="Triumph Bonneville at Old Sequim Texaco" title="Triumph Bonneville at Old Sequim Texaco"/></a></div><div class="postimage postphoto"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/51952876826"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51952876826_bb4e306a5e_c.jpg" alt="Triumph Bonneville at Old Sequim Texaco" title="Triumph Bonneville at Old Sequim Texaco"/></a></div><hr/><p>I then hit Port Angeles, which I last visited <a href="/2017/01/port-angeles-2017-01-1415.html">years ago</a> on a very cold bicycle tour. While I was walking around and taking photos, the MV Coho had just docked for loading before departing for Victoria across the Strait of Juan de Fuca.</p><div class="postimage postphoto"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/51953478945"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51953478945_0c3317e42f_c.jpg" alt="MV Coho and Black Ball Ferry Line Pier" title="MV Coho and Black Ball Ferry Line Pier"/></a></div><div class="postimage postphoto"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/51952948823"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51952948823_bea331cda2_c.jpg" alt="MV Coho" title="MV Coho"/></a></div><div class="postimage postphoto"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/51952883231"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51952883231_5d48e73cb6_c.jpg" alt="MV Coho" title="MV Coho"/></a></div><div class="postimage postphoto"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/51953477425"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51953477425_485296587a_c.jpg" alt="Port Angeles Dock" title="Port Angeles Dock"/></a></div><div class="postimage postphoto"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/51951894197"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51951894197_3b23da8115_c.jpg" alt="Port Angeles" title="Port Angeles"/></a></div><div class="postimage postphoto"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/51952878811"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51952878811_943422ee6d_c.jpg" alt="US Coast Guard Ships" title="US Coast Guard Ships"/></a></div><div class="postimage postphoto"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/51953187744"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51953187744_94a4a388ae_c.jpg" alt="Cable Innovator" title="Cable Innovator"/></a></div><div class="postimage postphoto"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/51951896297"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51951896297_e529703677_c.jpg" alt="219 N Oak Street" title="219 N Oak Street"/></a></div><div class="postimage postphoto"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/51952880331"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51952880331_9088478540_c.jpg" alt="Port Angeles" title="Port Angeles"/></a></div><div class="postimage postphoto"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/51952880646"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51952880646_c29dd6849f_c.jpg" alt="W Front Street" title="W Front Street"/></a></div><div class="postimage postphoto"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/51951897492"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51951897492_ccf1e4c1f5_c.jpg" alt="Port Angeles" title="Port Angeles"/></a></div><div class="postimage postphoto"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/51953189159"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51953189159_33e0c8bfcb_c.jpg" alt="Port Angeles" title="Port Angeles"/></a></div><div class="postimage postphoto"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/51953189714"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51953189714_aeeac9b5d1_c.jpg" alt="Port Angeles" title="Port Angeles"/></a></div><div class="postimage postphoto"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/51952954113"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51952954113_648de5307c_c.jpg" alt="Port Angeles Wharf" title="Port Angeles Wharf"/></a></div><div class="postimage postphoto"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/51953483165"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51953483165_a86e51b5ca_c.jpg" alt="Port Angeles Visitor Center" title="Port Angeles Visitor Center"/></a></div><div class="postimage postphoto"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/51952954773"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51952954773_d07f41fa65_c.jpg" alt="Port Angeles Inn" title="Port Angeles Inn"/></a></div><p>While I was in town, I decided to check out a local Asian restaurant. I had sushi on my mind, but ended up getting teriyaki instead since the sushi selection was so limited.</p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="in" dir="ltr">I'm at Songoku in Port Angeles, WA <a href="https://t.co/EFAHVYCgIt">https://t.co/EFAHVYCgIt</a> <a href="https://t.co/TRr15awNAZ">pic.twitter.com/TRr15awNAZ</a></p>— 竹下憲二 (@takeshita_kenji) <a href="https://twitter.com/takeshita_kenji/status/1500213274499031046?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 5, 2022</a></blockquote><hr/><p>Before leaving the area, I thought this would be the perfect chance to check out the spit of land between Port Angeles and the waters of the Strait: Ediz Hook. The ride out there was pretty slow-paced, with a very slow section through the McKinley Paper Company's plant. Once at the end, I think I ended up parking in a private parking space, but I wasn't sure. Thankfully, there weren't many people around, so I don't think anybody minded that my bike sat there for a little while.</p><div class="postimage postphoto"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/51951900582"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51951900582_c86b83daa3_c.jpg" alt="McKinley Paper Company" title="McKinley Paper Company"/></a></div><div class="postimage postphoto"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/51953192279"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51953192279_35c1125170_c.jpg" alt="Ediz Hook Beach" title="Ediz Hook Beach"/></a></div><div class="postimage postphoto"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/51951901387"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51951901387_f4e3c4bdc0_c.jpg" alt="Ediz Hook Road" title="Ediz Hook Road"/></a></div><div class="postimage postphoto"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/51953191304"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51953191304_8d0331abb2_c.jpg" alt="Puget Sound Pilots" title="Puget Sound Pilots"/></a></div><div class="postimage postphoto"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/51953192569"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51953192569_f14fb94d14_c.jpg" alt="Puget Sound Pilots' Ships" title="Puget Sound Pilots' Ships"/></a></div><div class="postimage postphoto"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/51953193319"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51953193319_d4dd23d6c9_c.jpg" alt="Triumph Bonneville on Ediz Hook" title="Triumph Bonneville on Ediz Hook"/></a></div><p>At the end of the hook, there was a park with a couple of seemingly abandoned buildings.</p><div class="postimage postphoto"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/51953485460"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51953485460_e84115b0bf_c.jpg" alt="Abandoned Building on Ediz Hook" title="Abandoned Building on Ediz Hook"/></a></div><div class="postimage postphoto"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/51952956653"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51952956653_f2ec716883_c.jpg" alt="Abandoned Building on Ediz Hook" title="Abandoned Building on Ediz Hook"/></a></div><div class="postimage postphoto"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/51952957538"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51952957538_b204788ed4_c.jpg" alt="Ediz Hook Boat Ramp" title="Ediz Hook Boat Ramp"/></a></div><p>The view of Port Angeles Harbor was very expansive!</p><div class="postimage postphoto"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/51952938768"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51952938768_9e50322de0_c.jpg" alt="Port Angeles Harbor and Mountains" title="Port Angeles Harbor and Mountains"/></a></div><p>And I'm pretty sure I could see Victoria, BC across the Strait.</p><div class="postimage postphoto"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/51953191964"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51953191964_c9b5980099_c.jpg" alt="Victoria, BC" title="Victoria, BC"/></a></div></div>
<div class="postsection">
<h4>Part 3: Inbound</h4>
<div class="postimage postmap">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/51971641444">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51971641444_243d5bdf4e_b.jpg" alt="Part 3: Inbound" title="Part 3: Inbound"/>
</a>
</div>
<p>With my business in Port Angeles done, I started heading back home. As I left Port Angeles and made my way through Sequim, I was not far behind a Suzuki Burgman scooter and a Subaru both passing pretty much everybody going 90 MPH at least! By the time the road necked down to two lanes past Sequim, I was right behind them, but ended up losing them because I pulled of at tho Longhouse Market & Deli in Blyn for a break.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Some guy was hauling ass on a Suzuki scooter not too different from the one I'm selling. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/motorcycle?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#motorcycle</a></p>— 竹下憲二 (@takeshita_kenji) <a href="https://twitter.com/takeshita_kenji/status/1500245670556418049?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 5, 2022</a></blockquote>
<p>While taking said break, I discovered that I was missing my earplug case. I must've left it on my seat on Ediz Hook and ridden off without packing it again.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Looks like I lost my earplug case at some point since hitting Port Angeles. Oh well.</p>— 竹下憲二 (@takeshita_kenji) <a href="https://twitter.com/takeshita_kenji/status/1500245807013851139?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 5, 2022</a></blockquote>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/51952886386">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51952886386_91a5254fab_c.jpg" alt="Triumph Bonneville at Longhouse Market and Deli" title="Triumph Bonneville at Longhouse Market and Deli"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/51952958313">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51952958313_7e0f435ce4_c.jpg" alt="Espresso Stand" title="Espresso Stand"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/51951902447">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51951902447_dd93ee068c_c.jpg" alt="Longhouse Market and Deli" title="Longhouse Market and Deli"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/51953486660">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51953486660_f89b287779_c.jpg" alt="Longhouse Chevron" title="Longhouse Chevron"/>
</a>
</div>
<p>When I pulled into Discovery Bay, I was sad to see that the Discovery Bay Store and sporting goods store were both closed again. Are they seasonal, or did COVID kill them both off?</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/51951903467">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51951903467_07fb74d002_c.jpg" alt="Discovery Bay General Store and Outdoor Exchange" title="Discovery Bay General Store and Outdoor Exchange"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/51953487635">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51953487635_d74ca14158_c.jpg" alt="Discovery Bay" title="Discovery Bay"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/51953487690">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51953487690_d9e6525de6_c.jpg" alt="US 101" title="US 101"/>
</a>
</div>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Looks like it shut down again. (@ Discovery Bay Village Store in Port Townsend, WA) <a href="https://t.co/bAinrBrTmI">https://t.co/bAinrBrTmI</a></p>— 竹下憲二 (@takeshita_kenji) <a href="https://twitter.com/takeshita_kenji/status/1500245410157367302?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 5, 2022</a></blockquote>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Why do some cash registers use the ring pickup sound from Sonic the Hedgehog when a transaction is made?</p>— 竹下憲二 (@takeshita_kenji) <a href="https://twitter.com/takeshita_kenji/status/1500301086241873920?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 6, 2022</a></blockquote>
<p>Rather than dealing with downtown Seattle again, my route sent me out to the Kingston ferry. I was worried about having to wait in the waiting lane on the highway, but thankfully there weren't that many people waiting for the ferry. I was even able to pull all the way up to the motorcycle waiting area for a very short wait!</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/51953488285">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51953488285_e90a768fcc_c.jpg" alt="Waiting for the Ferry" title="Waiting for the Ferry"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/51952887941">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51952887941_4b7866539a_c.jpg" alt="MV Puyallup" title="MV Puyallup"/>
</a>
</div>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">I'm at Kingston Ferry Terminal in Kingston, WA <a href="https://t.co/WiRfp8DF8y">https://t.co/WiRfp8DF8y</a></p>— 竹下憲二 (@takeshita_kenji) <a href="https://twitter.com/takeshita_kenji/status/1500257057269858308?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 5, 2022</a></blockquote>
</div>
<div class="postsection">
<h4>Part 4: Return Home</h4>
<div class="postimage postmap">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/51971916315">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51971916315_c01026e3a7_b.jpg" alt="Part 4: Return Home" title="Part 4: Return Home" class="skinny"/>
</a>
</div>
<p>After leaving the ferry, I took side streets along a confusing route that took me through Richmond Beach. I'd heard of the place a number of times, but this was my first visit!</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/51952889046">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51952889046_9a35c3d708_c.jpg" alt="The Little Store at Richmond Beach" title="The Little Store at Richmond Beach"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/51953489745">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51953489745_894f6ff02b_c.jpg" alt="Triumph Bonneville and The Little Store at Richmond Beach" title="Triumph Bonneville and The Little Store at Richmond Beach"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/51953488535">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51953488535_d3e9b67bb3_c.jpg" alt="Streetzeria" title="Streetzeria"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/51951905297">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51951905297_46d3bc045d_c.jpg" alt="Blackbird and Tradewinds" title="Blackbird and Tradewinds"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/51952888866">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51952888866_2ec038176a_c.jpg" alt="NW 195th Street" title="NW 195th Street"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/51953468515">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51953468515_4201955cc8_c.jpg" alt="20th Avenue NW" title="20th Avenue NW" class="skinny"/>
</a>
</div>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Never been here before! (@ Richmond Beach in Shoreline, WA) <a href="https://t.co/BJ1Tmmj14i">https://t.co/BJ1Tmmj14i</a></p>— 竹下憲二 (@takeshita_kenji) <a href="https://twitter.com/takeshita_kenji/status/1500272869477081089?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 6, 2022</a></blockquote>
<p>After climbing a bit further, I took a route that paralleled but avoided SR-99 before returning to familiar territory for the last leg home.</p>
</div>Neil E. Hodgeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06096087090901980142noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7021228780421697859.post-16603442564029601852022-02-14T15:46:00.005-08:002022-02-14T15:46:56.881-08:00Elbe II (2022-02-12) <div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/51880364496">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51880364496_909bffa197_c.jpg" alt="Triumph Bonneville T120 at Mount Rainier Scenic Railroad" title="Triumph Bonneville T120 at Mount Rainier Scenic Railroad"/>
</a>
</div>
<p class="summary">Had to make use of the beautiful weather by following some of my favorite roads!</p>
<div class="postlink">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/albums/72177720296662362">Geotagged Album</a>
</div>
<p>Related albums:</p>
<div class="postlink">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/albums/72157673562821145">Seattle to Portland via Gifford Pinchot National Forest (Album)</a>
</div>
<div class="postlink">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/albums/72157670611560735">Morton (Album)</a>
</div>
<div class="postlink">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/albums/72157664958995064">Elbe (Album)</a>
</div>
<p>More after the break…</p>
<a name='more'></a>
<div class="postsection">
<h4>Outbound</h4>
<div class="postimage postmap">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/51881911018">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51881911018_35922dfa44_b.jpg" alt="Outbound" title="Outbound" class="skinny"/>
</a>
</div>
<p>I started a little after 7 AM, since that when it was starting to get light out, and headed south along SR-99 to avoid downtown. The main thing that was on my mind at the time was worry about the grated deck on the First Avenue South Bridge, which ended up not being relevant since it's only grated in the northbound direction on the old bridge. The other thing was a bit of a delay when starting because my bike wasn't showing that it was in first even though it was, which has been an infrequent problem with its indicator.</p>
<p>Traffic was light until I got to I-5, and continued to be moderate along SR-167, which made the freeway not so much fun. Being such a small road user surrounded by large steel boxes isn't very much fun, which is a common sentiment.</p>
<p>As I approached Kent, I was plunged into fog so thick I had to both crack open my visor <em>and</em> periodically wipe it off to prevent it from fogging up. With the fog came bitter cold, which, combined with wanting to scope out food in Sumner, persuaded me to exit SR-167 in favor of the West Valley Highway.</p>
<p>It didn't take long to find food once I hit downtown Sumner, thankfully.</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/51879345372">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51879345372_71092f5e6a_c.jpg" alt="Triumph Bonneville T120 in Sumner" title="Triumph Bonneville T120 in Sumner"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/51880388153">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51880388153_16028505b3_c.jpg" alt="Sumner" title="Sumner"/>
</a>
</div>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">I'm at Hometown Charm Cafe in Sumner, WA <a href="https://t.co/ErpPtvr2dc">https://t.co/ErpPtvr2dc</a> <a href="https://t.co/OjufeKTlzF">pic.twitter.com/OjufeKTlzF</a></p>— 竹下憲二 (@takeshita_kenji) <a href="https://twitter.com/takeshita_kenji/status/1492543199344267266?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 12, 2022</a></blockquote>
<p>I had a pancake combo and some decaf coffee, both of which were very good for my cold body. I do feel like the coffee left me a bit "off" for the rest of the day, though.</p>
<hr/>
<p>When I headed out, the fog had thinned out quite a bit, so I was a bit more comfortable as I headed along SR-162.</p>
<p>After stopping for gas in Orting, and figuring out that it was better to fill the tank with the nozzle held an inch or so up from "all the way" in the tank, I hung out around the park for a few minutes to snap photos. There was some sort of 5k/10k running event being run by the "AVA" along the trail, but aside from that, it was pretty quiet.</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/51879345247">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51879345247_51b9a0f7be_c.jpg" alt="Triumph Bonneville T120 at Orting Park" title="Triumph Bonneville T120 at Orting Park"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/51879345227">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51879345227_d74920ceb0_c.jpg" alt="Spar Pole Pub & Tim's Kitchen: The old Orting Bakery used to be here." title="Spar Pole Pub & Tim's Kitchen"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/51880626349">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51880626349_74147ec8f6_c.jpg" alt="AVA Walking Event" title="AVA Walking Event"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/51879345042">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51879345042_841a6602c5_c.jpg" alt="Former The Wild Rose" title="Former The Wild Rose"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/51879344982">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51879344982_42ffe522e8_c.jpg" alt="Fog Over Orting" title="Fog Over Orting"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/51880626104">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51880626104_63f76530f3_c.jpg" alt="AVA Walking Event" title="AVA Walking Event"/>
</a>
</div>
<p>Before leaving town, I noted that the <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/105592384@N07/47993634448"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/47993634448_68d8240463_t.jpg" alt="Former Trailside Cyclery: I was bummed because I couldn't see if the owner was in town, as I'd forgotten my phone." title="Former Trailside Cyclery" class="postthumbnail"/>former Trailside Cyclery</a> had changed hands yet again.</p>
<hr/>
<p>My ride along Oroville Road wasn't quite so nice, as I had a leadfoot driver on my rear along its twisty section despite me going over the speed limit. Once the road straightened out, they promptly started going 20 over the speed limit, passed me, and kept that pace up until I lost them. Crazy drivers, I tell ya!</p>
<p>After passing Lake Kapowsin, I kept an eye out for the place where I'd typically see bikers congregate, which I thought was on the north side of the road for some reason. In reality, it was the Kapowsin Ale House & Grill on the south side of the road, which I'll have to check out sometime.</p>
<p>Another sight I kept an eye out for was the public access boat ramp on Ohop Lake, which I only noticed after passing the entrance, prompting me to turn back.</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/51880309131">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51880309131_fbfe5ffa16_c.jpg" alt="Triumph Bonneville T120 at Ohop Lake Boat Ramp" title="Triumph Bonneville T120 at Ohop Lake Boat Ramp"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/51880959920">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51880959920_ba38d2411f_c.jpg" alt="Ohop Lake" title="Ohop Lake"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/51879366652">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51879366652_d9ce2f9179_c.jpg" alt="Ohop Lake Park" title="Ohop Lake Park"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/51880330946">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51880330946_a60ba243b1_c.jpg" alt="Ohop Valley Farm" title="Ohop Valley Farm"/>
</a>
</div>
<p>After the quick break at the park, I resumed my route, along with the first car behind me since Lake Kapowsin.</p>
<hr/>
<p>Eatonville was another nice town to visit again, and it had even changed since I last visited! There was a new Shaken Bar Room and Bistro as well as the Center Street Junction Mercantile.</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/51880409338">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51880409338_340b11f3b0_c.jpg" alt="Shaken Bar Room and Bristo: Wasn't here last time I was!" title="Shaken Bar Room and Bristo"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/51880981505">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51880981505_ed4953bf44_c.jpg" alt="Center Street Junction Mercantile and More: This is new!" title="Center Street Junction Mercantile and More"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/51880409433">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51880409433_048ba60668_c.jpg" alt="United Methodist Church" title="United Methodist Church"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/51879366367">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51879366367_e4bd11915e_c.jpg" alt="Eatonville Visitor's Center" title="Eatonville Visitor's Center"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/51879366002">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51879366002_b56123c9d4_c.jpg" alt="Triumph Bonneville T120 in Eatonville" title="Triumph Bonneville T120 in Eatonville"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/51879375242">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51879375242_7f333f2129_c.jpg" alt="Mount Rainier Over Eatonville" title="Mount Rainier Over Eatonville"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/51880981590">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51880981590_f29c239d68_c.jpg" alt="The Pour House" title="The Pour House"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/51880990340">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51880990340_9f230756c1_c.jpg" alt="Hotes Masonic Hall" title="Hotes Masonic Hall"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/51880656264">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51880656264_9127c3c141_c.jpg" alt="Eatonville" title="Eatonville"/>
</a>
</div>
<hr/>
<p>I left Orting via Alder Cutoff Road, which was a nice respite before the high speeds of SR-7 to Elbe. At this time, it was sunny and quite warm, which my partner would've enjoyed had she not been dissuaded by the chilly morning forecast. Sadly, the Mount Rainier Scenic Railroad wasn't operating due to the pandemic, but I was able to get plenty of photos of Elbe.</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/51880989935">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51880989935_dc1b2dbc74_c.jpg" alt="Triumph Bonneville T120 & Mount Rainier Scenic Railroad Heisler" title="Triumph Bonneville T120 & Mount Rainier Scenic Railroad Heisler"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/51880989765">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51880989765_3b9c0c8c2f_c.jpg" alt="DeWitt's Elbe Junction" title="DeWitt's Elbe Junction"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/51880655739">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51880655739_0426f542cb_c.jpg" alt="Triumph Bonneville T120 and Mount Rainier Scenic Railroad Baggage Car" title="Triumph Bonneville T120 and Mount Rainier Scenic Railroad Baggage Car"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/51880989345">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51880989345_b38673be47_c.jpg" alt="Mount Rainier Railroad Dining Company" title="Mount Rainier Railroad Dining Company"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/51880339051">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51880339051_7bf9c2b120_c.jpg" alt="Elbe Post Office (98330)" title="Elbe Post Office (98330)"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/51880350446">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51880350446_9d443896f6_c.jpg" alt="Old Calico Workshop" title="Old Calico Workshop"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/51880350396">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51880350396_9266acd812_c.jpg" alt="Pizza Express & Hobo's Inn" title="Pizza Express & Hobo's Inn"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/51879386107">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51879386107_030df57e6a_c.jpg" alt="Elbe Supply" title="Elbe Supply"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/51879385752">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51879385752_58159c573d_c.jpg" alt="Mount Rainier Scenic Railroad Tracks" title="Mount Rainier Scenic Railroad Tracks"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/51880349666">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51880349666_aea4156d3f_c.jpg" alt="Elbe Evangelical Lutheran Church" title="Elbe Evangelical Lutheran Church" class="skinny"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/51881000725">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51881000725_ec5dc57029_c.jpg" alt="Mount Rainier Scenic Railroad" title="Mount Rainier Scenic Railroad"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/51880666524">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51880666524_3fe52cea99_c.jpg" alt="Mount Rainier Scenic Railroad Heisler Locomotive" title="Mount Rainier Scenic Railroad Heisler Locomotive"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/51879385247">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51879385247_1a909f4318_c.jpg" alt="Mount Rainier Scenic Railroad" title="Mount Rainier Scenic Railroad"/>
</a>
</div>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Shame it's not open. (@ Mt. Rainier Scenic Railroad in WA) <a href="https://t.co/ZB9zYPcesY">https://t.co/ZB9zYPcesY</a> <a href="https://t.co/6MVGnjq5cX">pic.twitter.com/6MVGnjq5cX</a></p>— 竹下憲二 (@takeshita_kenji) <a href="https://twitter.com/takeshita_kenji/status/1492584572634243075?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 12, 2022</a></blockquote>
<p>While I was taking photos, a guy on a KLR650 rode into an adjacent gravel lot to stop. When I struck up a chat, he said he was headed for a few different trails, whichever didn't have too much snow on it. From Parkland near Tacoma, he wasn't too interested in riding in traffic anymore, and even sold his street bike to pay for his KLR. He was really into photography, which he made clear when he commented on my camera, but had sold his gear to pay for his bike as well.</p>
</div>
<div class="postsection">
<h4>Inbound</h4>
<div class="postimage postmap">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/51880863397">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51880863397_de660c3e5f_b.jpg" alt="Inbound" title="Inbound" class="skinny"/>
</a>
</div>
<p>I headed back north via SR-7, which was very twisty! I was really looking forward to getting photos at the graffiti-covered rock wall, and promptly zipped by it, forcing me to turn back. Looking over the resulting panorama, it was really interesting to see <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/105592384@N07/26395603462"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/1669/26395603462_4463cdb989_t.jpg" alt="Mountain Highway (SR-7) Graffiti" title="Mountain Highway (SR-7) Graffiti" class="postthumbnail"/>how much it had changed</a> since last time.</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/51879399987">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51879399987_1928ec4bf8_c.jpg" alt="Graffiti on Washington State Route 7" title="Graffiti on Washington State Route 7"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/51880364441">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51880364441_f5ae232853_c.jpg" alt="Forest Near Alder, WA" title="Forest Near Alder, WA"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/51881015615">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51881015615_96b0363200_c.jpg" alt="Triumph Bonneville T120 on Washington State Route 7" title="Triumph Bonneville T120 on Washington State Route 7"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/51880681429">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51880681429_a76173bc66_c.jpg" alt="La Grande Reservoir" title="La Grande Reservoir"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/51880443473">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51880443473_99aa7e7149_c.jpg" alt="Washington State Route 7" title="Washington State Route 7" class="skinny"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/51881015090">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51881015090_f2521497e4_c.jpg" alt="Tree" title="Tree" class="skinny"/>
</a>
</div>
<p>Continuing along the highway, I had a group of Harley riders behind me, so I had to keep up the pace. Unlike earlier, I had gained some confidence and was more willing to push it, using the same counterweighting technique at the apex as <a href="/2022/02/lake-cushman-2022-02-05.html">last time</a>. However, in the same sweeping turn where I had turned around to head back to the rock wall, I got spooked and pulled in the clutch to coast like on a bicycle, which is not the best idea. Thankfully, it went smoothly after that. I even made use of my cruise control for the first time, which was very useful on the open highway.</p>
<p>As I approached Spanaway's heavy traffic, cruise control proved less useful. So many cars and motorcycles out with people enjoying the nice weather!</p>
<p>After trying to find food that wasn't fast food in the suburban wasteland, which strongly reminded me of Ohio, I stopped at Mary Mary's Cafe for a Reuben. One thing that stood out in my mind was how they charged 50¢ extra for freshly cut french fries, as opposed to frozen ones. The fresh fries were pretty soft, so I ended up eating them via fork so they wouldn't break when dipping in ketchup.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">I'm at MaryMary's Cafe in Tacoma, WA <a href="https://t.co/lPWAbCkRfs">https://t.co/lPWAbCkRfs</a> <a href="https://t.co/gOfq1ftGKP">pic.twitter.com/gOfq1ftGKP</a></p>— 竹下憲二 (@takeshita_kenji) <a href="https://twitter.com/takeshita_kenji/status/1492606559213531136?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 12, 2022</a></blockquote>
<hr/>
<p>After dealing with Spanaway traffic for a bit, I hit SR-512…and even more traffic. It thinned out a bit as I hit SR-410, but then became stop-and-go on SR-167, which prompted me to head to the West Valley Highway again. I stayed on that route until SR-599, which was a nice break from heavy freeway traffic. Since it had warmed up a lot since the morning, the grated bridge deck was plenty fine.</p>
<p>Like <a href="/2022/02/lake-cushman-2022-02-05.html">last time</a>, I got gas again in Wallingford, before heading home, completing a very enjoyable ride.</p>
</div>Neil E. Hodgeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06096087090901980142noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7021228780421697859.post-52362125188372991102022-02-14T15:00:00.003-08:002022-02-14T15:00:49.640-08:00Lake Cushman (2022-02-05) <div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/51870170598">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51870170598_c84f3f9fbe_c.jpg" alt="At Skokomish Park: Closed for the season." title="At Skokomish Park"/>
</a>
</div>
<p class="summary">Finally got around to visiting Lake Cushman, after wanting to see it on my first tour around Hood Canal a while back. It wasn't all fun, though: I dropped my bike thanks to forgetting my disc brake lock.</p>
<div class="postlink">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/albums/72177720296542135">Geotagged Album</a>
</div>
<p>More after the break…</p>
<a name='more'></a>
<div class="postsection">
<h4>Part 1: To Ferry</h4>
<div class="postimage postmap">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/51872410525">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51872410525_d31a745470_b.jpg" alt="Part 1: To Ferry" title="Part 1: To Ferry" class="skinny"/>
</a>
</div>
<p>Just getting to the ferry was quite an event! I had to start very early since it was operating on a reduced schedule due to the labor shortage, and Second Avenue downtown was closed off for some reason. People were driving the wrong way down the one-way cross street when they saw this, but the worst I did was make a left from the right lane. After that, a scruffy guy was walking along a travel lane after a bus departed.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">I'm at Bremerton Ferry in Seattle, WA <a href="https://t.co/U7Etw4inZH">https://t.co/U7Etw4inZH</a></p>— 竹下憲二 (@takeshita_kenji) <a href="https://twitter.com/takeshita_kenji/status/1489979157853446145?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 5, 2022</a></blockquote>
<p>When I finally arrived at the ferry terminal, I found a Harley rider in the motorcycle lane. He was on a Road Glide with the full touring package, and was the first of a group ride that was going to head down along the Kitsap Peninsula. Despite his fancy infotainment system, he was using the same Garmin Zumo XT that I was, because Harley's system doesn't tell which lane to be in for upcoming turns. Quite an oversight!</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/51869126137">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51869126137_833ef69854_c.jpg" alt="Waiting for the Bremerton Ferry" title="Waiting for the Bremerton Ferry"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/51869126062">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51869126062_ab69c01ba8_c.jpg" alt="Colman Dock: They've made a lot of progress on it!" title="Colman Dock"/>
</a>
</div>
<p>By the time the ferry showed up, several of his buddies had arrived, so the ferry workers sectioned off the entire front of the car deck for us.</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/51870087791">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51870087791_c5628b2168_c.jpg" alt="Haley Riders: Heading out on a group ride along the southern Kitsap Peninsula." title="Haley Riders"/>
</a>
</div>
</div>
<div class="postsection">
<h4>Part 2: To Lake Cushman</h4>
<div class="postimage postmap">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/51871764721">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51871764721_fbb14dd558_b.jpg" alt="Part 2: To Lake Cushman" title="Part 2: To Lake Cushman"/>
</a>
</div>
<p>I'd originally planned my route to go by the Family Pancake House again, but my GPS had other ideas. I knew the area well enough to get there despite the lack of directions.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">I'm at Family Pancake House in Bremerton, WA <a href="https://t.co/howR7svBNH">https://t.co/howR7svBNH</a> <a href="https://t.co/Nqh0tFfe4q">pic.twitter.com/Nqh0tFfe4q</a></p>— 竹下憲二 (@takeshita_kenji) <a href="https://twitter.com/takeshita_kenji/status/1490006109822021633?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 5, 2022</a></blockquote>
<p>The waitress who was serving me was very nice. The scrambled eggs on my plate were so fluffy!</p>
<hr/>
<p>My plan for this ride was to drink an energy drink after a second big meal to prevent stomach discomfort, hence my stop at the diner, which went well for all of a few minutes. I'd somehow forgotten to take off my disc brake lock when starting out shortly after finishing the drink, which resulted in my bike going down! My first thought was "Not this again!" since I'd almost dropped my scooter months earlier due to the same thing, though I managed to save the scooter from going down. The only significant damage was to the my left hand guard, which broke off, and my shifter, which was bent. Other damage limited to scratches on the extremities like the bar-end mirror and exhaust pipe. It could've been a lost worse, but I still felt pretty dumb. I'm glad I didn't go with something significantly heavier like a Harley, because I was barely able to pick my bike up!</p>
<hr/>
<p>After leaving Bremerton via SR-3, I hung a right onto SR-106. The twisty turns were a bit scary for a little bit until I got into the groove with them.</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/51869125912">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51869125912_93dfd48276_c.jpg" alt="Skokomish Shell" title="Skokomish Shell"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/51870739765">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51870739765_2de521bbdd_c.jpg" alt="After the Fall: The damage was largely limited to the extremities, such as the broken hand guard visible here." title="After the Fall"/>
</a>
</div>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">I'm at <a href="https://twitter.com/Shell_US?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Shell_us</a> in Skokomish Nation, WA <a href="https://t.co/tw7ZiA9tUv">https://t.co/tw7ZiA9tUv</a></p>— 竹下憲二 (@takeshita_kenji) <a href="https://twitter.com/takeshita_kenji/status/1490029709643632640?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 5, 2022</a></blockquote>
<p>As I headed north along US 101, it started to get a lot colder, to the point where I was shivering despite the heated grips and layering. And when I finally starting heading up SR-119 to Lake Cushman, there was even snow! SR-119 was also pretty scary as there was a car on my rear pushing me to take the corners faster than I would've otherwise, which taught me to use counterweighting at the apex when I knew I wasn't going to make the turn with the amount of lean I had. Drivers out there sure are crazy!</p>
<p>When I finally got to my destination at Skokomish Park, I discovered that it was closed, so there wasn't much to do there.</p>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/51870739665">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51870739665_2166f5ed19_c.jpg" alt="At Skokomish Park: Closed for the season." title="At Skokomish Park"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/51869125737">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51869125737_ee7d7336e1_c.jpg" alt="Washington State Route 119" title="Washington State Route 119"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/51869125632">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51869125632_b99712ff9e_c.jpg" alt="Washington State Route 119" title="Washington State Route 119"/>
</a>
</div>
</div>
<div class="postsection">
<h4>Part 3: Return via Bremerton</h4>
<div class="postimage postmap">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/51870798847">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51870798847_5d39f6a005_b.jpg" alt="Part 3: Return via Bremerton" title="Part 3: Return via Bremerton"/>
</a>
</div>
<p>I headed back down along SR-119, with a car behind me much the same as before, though I was more confident and even having fun with it now, to the point where I went past my intended turn-off to hopefully see Cushman Dam No.1. After turning around, I went along the side road, not quite sure if it was the right way. Thankfully, it was.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">I'm at Lake Cushman in Hoodsport, WA, WA <a href="https://t.co/FcluomEmBH">https://t.co/FcluomEmBH</a></p>— 竹下憲二 (@takeshita_kenji) <a href="https://twitter.com/takeshita_kenji/status/1490041802329624582?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 5, 2022</a></blockquote>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/51870164303">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51870164303_84bfd72afd_c.jpg" alt="Cushman Dam No. 1" title="Cushman Dam No. 1"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/51870170328">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51870170328_bcd272cd3e_c.jpg" alt="Cushman Dam No. 1" title="Cushman Dam No. 1"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/51870170298">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51870170298_31539fe06e_c.jpg" alt="Cushman Dam No. 1 Power Station" title="Cushman Dam No. 1 Power Station"/>
</a>
</div>
<div class="postimage postphoto">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/51870404774">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51870404774_e6c6c094f5_c.jpg" alt="Cushman Dam No. 1 Sign" title="Cushman Dam No. 1 Sign"/>
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<p>I then headed back down to Hoodsport to find food. Not much was open, but I found a tasty meal at Burger Stand: egg rolls and a bacon cheeseburger.</p>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/51870404644">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51870404644_708472396c_c.jpg" alt="Hoodsport Coffee Company" title="Hoodsport Coffee Company"/>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/51870404564">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51870404564_21bcf3ce17_c.jpg" alt="Hoodsport" title="Hoodsport"/>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/51869124962">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51869124962_7d9c85dd77_c.jpg" alt="Burger Stand: Where I had egg rolls followed by a deluxe bacon cheeseburger." title="Burger Stand"/>
</a>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">I'm at Burger Stand in Hoodsport, WA <a href="https://t.co/WJGKEPRjY6">https://t.co/WJGKEPRjY6</a></p>— 竹下憲二 (@takeshita_kenji) <a href="https://twitter.com/takeshita_kenji/status/1490049509195399169?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 5, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p>SR-106 back to SR-3 was a lot of fun this time! I managed to keep a good speed the whole way.</p>
<p>When I got back to the ferry terminal in Bremerton, there was a Suzuki SV650, and not long after, both a KTM 390 Adventure and a BMW F650GS showed up. The first three riders and I chatted a bit, with the KTM rider very enthusiastic about his new rig.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">I'm at Bremerton Ferry Terminal in Bremerton, WA <a href="https://t.co/4JSNrl2Aab">https://t.co/4JSNrl2Aab</a></p>— 竹下憲二 (@takeshita_kenji) <a href="https://twitter.com/takeshita_kenji/status/1490071419044118534?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 5, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/51870404294">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51870404294_5b3b662f88_c.jpg" alt="Waiting for the Seattle Ferry" title="Waiting for the Seattle Ferry"/>
</a>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/51870169548">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51870169548_3f8ce1da30_c.jpg" alt="Various Individual Riders" title="Various Individual Riders"/>
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<p>The ferry ride felt a lot shorter than an hour, likely because I was falling asleep for a bit here in there. I hadn't slept great the night before, which might've contributed to me forgetting about the disc brake lock. While walking around the ferry, I also observed the KTM rider playing a Nintendo Switch.</p>
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<div class="postsection">
<h4>Part 4: Return Home</h4>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takenji1989/51871845638">
<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51871845638_5b50b762b0_b.jpg" alt="Part 4: Return Home" title="Part 4: Return Home" class="skinny"/>
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<p>When the ferry docked in Seattle, the Suzuki rider had a ton of trouble starting his bike. It would run for a few seconds, then die, but he eventually got it working. It looked pretty old, so could it have been a carbureted model?</p>
<p>The KTM rider and I took the same route through SoDo for a bit, until I hit SR-99 for the tunnel.</p>
<p>After a quick stop for gas in Wallingford, I was stuck in a <strong>long</strong> line of cars heading down to Ballard. I wonder what that was about</p>
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<p>While eating dinner with my partner after getting home, I recalled seeing orange cables running down from the handlebars of some motorcycles I regularly see parked on the street in Seattle. I had the idea to look them up, and saw that they were disc brake lock reminder cables! If I'd been using them, this would've never happened! I had the feeling that I still had the cables since I didn't know what they were for and thought I might need them, and I <em>did</em> manage to track them down, so this shouldn't happen again.</p>
<p>I also ordered the replacement hand guard mount and arm since nobody sells the mounting piece alone. It was a good thing I did, too, since the arm was bent pretty badly! I was also fortunate enough that my local Triumph dealer had the shifter lever I needed in stock, so I grabbed that and replaced all the broken stuff myself since it was a pretty simple job.</p>Neil E. Hodgeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06096087090901980142noreply@blogger.com0