I was eating breakfast when a couple approximately my age walked in wearing bicycling clothes. I perked up and starting asking questions. They were from Switzerland and in the middle of a 10,000 mile ride that started from Quebec City in April. Turns out they hit the cold, rainy and even snowy weather that besieged the northeast in the spring. Not the best start. However, they persisted across the US and today they were headed north on Hwy 101 towards Port Townsend on their way to Vancouver. Then, they will head east towards Banff, and eventually end at Quebec City where they started. We noted that most of the riders we have seen are going in the opposite direction from us. I almost jumped up and grabbed my bike to ride with them today, but had already made arrangements to stay. I watched a little wistfully as they rode away. Decided to take it as another sign that I am to continue on to Canada.
Turns out that I needed most of the day to research the route to Port Angeles (where I catch the ferry to Victoria) and book a room; research and book the ferry; find and book a room in Victoria for the weekend; arrange for cell service while in Canada; plan the bike route for the next 2 days; start planning for the rest of the stay on Vancouver Island,.... Then, I cleaned up my bike and made minor necessary adjustments. Got everything packed and ready to go for tomorrow.
The plan is to ride 78 miles to Sequim, with options to stop earlier if I get tired. Getting to Sequim would leave a short ride to Port Angeles on Thursday, which would leave time to prep for the ferry ride to Victoria on Friday. Looks like the cloudy weather may hold tomorrow, but rain is likely on Thursday. All the more reason for a short ride on Thursday.
Given all that I needed to do today, I am glad I didn't jump on my bike with the Swiss this morning. Maybe there are others out there to meet...
Didn't take any pictures today, so here is one of the last ones Randy took of me.
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